OCN Symptom Management and Palliative Care 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Converting between different opioids or routes while maintaining equivalent pain control

Answer

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

Question 3

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?

Accepted Answer

Mottling of the extremities and irregular breathing

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Low-dose oral or IV opioids

Answer

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

Question 5

Palliative sedation is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Intentionally reducing consciousness to relieve refractory suffering at end of life

Answer

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

OCN Exam Practice Test

OCN Exam Practice Test

OCN Symptom Management and Palliative Care 3