Mesothelioma Therapy Palliative Care and Pain Management

Question 1

What is the primary goal of palliative care in mesothelioma?

Accepted Answer

Improving quality of life and managing symptoms

Answer

Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life by managing symptoms, pain, and psychosocial distress rather than achieving cure.

Question 2

Which symptom is most commonly managed by palliative care in mesothelioma patients?

Accepted Answer

Dyspnea and chest pain

Answer

Dyspnea (shortness of breath) and chest pain are the most prevalent and distressing symptoms in mesothelioma, forming the core of palliative management.

Question 3

Thoracentesis is performed as a palliative procedure in mesothelioma to treat which condition?

Accepted Answer

Pleural effusion causing dyspnea

Answer

Thoracentesis drains accumulated pleural fluid (pleural effusion) to relieve dyspnea in mesothelioma patients.

Question 4

An indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) is used in mesothelioma patients to:

Accepted Answer

Allow repeated outpatient drainage of recurrent pleural effusion

Answer

An IPC allows patients to drain recurrent pleural effusions at home, reducing the need for repeated hospital procedures.

Question 5

According to the WHO pain ladder, which drug class is appropriate for severe cancer pain unresponsive to non-opioids?

Accepted Answer

Strong opioids (morphine, oxycodone)

Answer

Step 3 of the WHO pain ladder recommends strong opioids such as morphine or oxycodone for severe pain unresponsive to weaker analgesics.

Mesothelioma Therapy Practice Test

Mesothelioma Therapy Practice Test

Mesothelioma Therapy Palliative Care and Pain Management