Symptom Management and Palliative Care Flashcards

Which of the following best describes 'breakthrough pain' in cancer patients?

Answer: Transient flares of pain that exceed baseline despite stable around-the-clock analgesia

Breakthrough pain is a transient exacerbation of pain that occurs against a background of otherwise controlled baseline pain.

What is 'equianalgesic dosing' used for in pain management?

Answer: Converting between different opioids or routes while maintaining equivalent pain control

Equianalgesic dosing provides conversion ratios between opioids or routes to maintain equivalent analgesia when switching medications.

A hospice nurse is counseling a family on normal signs of dying in the final days. Which finding is expected and should be reassured as normal?

Answer: Mottling of the extremities and irregular breathing

Mottling (livedo reticularis) of the extremities and irregular (Cheyne-Stokes) breathing are normal physiologic signs of imminent death.

Which intervention is most appropriate for a terminally ill patient experiencing refractory dyspnea not relieved by other measures?

Answer: Low-dose oral or IV opioids

Low-dose opioids are the most effective pharmacologic treatment for refractory dyspnea in terminal illness, reducing the sensation of breathlessness.

Palliative sedation is defined as:

Answer: Intentionally reducing consciousness to relieve refractory suffering at end of life

Palliative sedation is the monitored use of sedating medications to reduce consciousness in terminally ill patients with refractory, intractable suffering.

A patient declines further chemotherapy and wants to focus on quality of life. The nurse's most appropriate response is:

Answer: Document and support the patient's autonomous decision, ensuring comfort care is in place

Patient autonomy is a core ethical principle; the nurse should support, document, and facilitate the patient's informed decision to pursue comfort-focused care.