Symptom Management and Palliative Care Flashcards

According to the WHO analgesic ladder, what class of medication is used at Step 3 for severe cancer pain?

Answer: Strong opioids (e.g., morphine)

Step 3 of the WHO analgesic ladder uses strong opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, or hydromorphone for severe pain.

A cancer patient reports nausea that is worse with movement and relieved by staying still. Which antiemetic class best targets this type of nausea?

Answer: Antihistamines/anticholinergics

Motion-related nausea is vestibular in origin and is best managed with antihistamines or anticholinergics such as meclizine or scopolamine.

Which non-pharmacologic intervention is evidence-based for managing cancer-related fatigue?

Answer: Aerobic exercise

Moderate aerobic exercise is the most evidence-based intervention for cancer-related fatigue, improving energy and quality of life.

What is the primary goal of palliative care in oncology?

Answer: To improve quality of life by managing symptoms and psychosocial needs

Palliative care focuses on relieving suffering and improving quality of life for patients and families, and can be delivered alongside curative treatment.

A patient on long-term opioid therapy reports no bowel movement in 4 days. The most appropriate first intervention is:

Answer: Add a stimulant laxative such as senna

Opioid-induced constipation requires a stimulant laxative (e.g., senna) as first-line treatment; fiber alone is insufficient with opioids.

Which scale is most commonly used in clinical practice to assess cancer pain intensity?

Answer: Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) 0–10

The 0–10 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) is the most widely used clinical tool to assess pain intensity in cancer patients.