Comparison of Karnofsky Performance Score to ECOG Grade Flashcards
Topic: Uro-Oncology - Patient Assessment Tools
Clinical Vignette: A 68-year-old male patient with metastatic prostate cancer is being evaluated for chemotherapy. His performance status is described as requiring occasional assistance but able to care for most of his own needs.
A. Karnofsky Score 60, ECOG Grade 2
B. Karnofsky Score 70, ECOG Grade 3
C. Karnofsky Score 60, ECOG Grade 3
D. Karnofsky Score 70, ECOG Grade 2
Correct Answer: A. Karnofsky Score 60, ECOG Grade 2
Explanation: The patient’s status matches the description given for a Karnofsky Score of 60, which is accompanied by an ECOG Grade of 2. Both describe a patient who is “ambulatory and capable of all self-care but unable to carry out work activities.”
Memory Tool: “60/2”: Think of the Karnofsky Score as the “full score,” and the ECOG Grade as “reduced” to a single digit (2). So 60/2 aligns them.
Reference Citation: Paragraph from Table 6.4; Modified from Oken MM, et al. Am J Clin Oncol 5(6):649–655, 1982.
Rationale: Understanding the interpretation of Karnofsky and ECOG scores is crucial for patient assessment, especially when considering treatment options such as chemotherapy.
opic: Uro-Oncology - ECOG Status Grading
Clinical Vignette: A 55-year-old woman with bladder cancer is described as being fully active and able to carry out all predisease performance without restriction.
A. ECOG Grade 0
B. ECOG Grade 1
C. ECOG Grade 2
D. ECOG Grade 4
Correct Answer: A. ECOG Grade 0
Explanation: The description corresponds to ECOG Grade 0, which indicates that the patient is “fully active and able to carry out all predisease performance without restriction.”
Memory Tool: “Zero Restrictions” - Grade 0 means no limitations in activity.
Reference Citation: Paragraph from Table 6.4; Modified from Oken MM, et al. Am J Clin Oncol 5(6):649–655, 1982.
Rationale: The ability to quickly identify the ECOG Grade based on patient description is key in clinical decision-making
Topic: Uro-Oncology - Karnofsky Performance Score
Clinical Vignette: A 45-year-old male with renal cell carcinoma is said to be “able to carry on normal activities with minor signs or symptoms of disease.”
A. Karnofsky Score 80
B. Karnofsky Score 90
C. Karnofsky Score 60
D. Karnofsky Score 100
Correct Answer: B. Karnofsky Score 90
Explanation: The patient’s status corresponds to a Karnofsky Score of 90, which is described as “able to carry on normal activities. Minor signs or symptoms of disease.”
Memory Tool: “Nine-ty is just fine-ty”: When minor symptoms are there, but normal activities can still be carried on, the score is 90.
Reference Citation: Paragraph from Table 6.4; Modified from Oken MM, et al. Am J Clin Oncol 5(6):649–655, 1982.
Rationale: A nuanced understanding of Karnofsky Scores is essential for assessing patient suitability for different treatment options.
Topic: Uro-Oncology - ECOG Grade
Clinical Vignette: A 72-year-old female with advanced urothelial cancer is confined to her bed or chair more than 50% of her waking hours but is capable of limited self-care.
A. ECOG Grade 3
B. ECOG Grade 4
C. ECOG Grade 2
D. ECOG Grade 1
Correct Answer: A. ECOG Grade 3
Explanation: The patient’s condition corresponds to an ECOG Grade 3, which is described as “Capable of only limited self care. Confined to bed or chair more than 50% of waking hours.”
Memory Tool: “Grade 3, Can’t be Free”: If the patient is confined more than half the time but can do limited self-care, it’s Grade 3.
Reference Citation: Paragraph from Table 6.4; Modified from Oken MM, et al. Am J Clin Oncol 5(6):649–655, 1982.
Rationale: Accurate ECOG grading helps in treatment planning, especially in late-stage cancers.
Topic: Uro-Oncology - Karnofsky Performance Score
Clinical Vignette: A 63-year-old male with metastatic testicular cancer is completely disabled, cannot carry out self-care, and is totally confined to bed or chair.
A. Karnofsky Score 30
B. Karnofsky Score 10
C. Karnofsky Score 20
D. Karnofsky Score 40
Correct Answer: C. Karnofsky Score 20
Explanation: This severe status aligns with a Karnofsky Score of 20, which describes a person who is “very sick, hospitalization required, and active supportive treatment necessary.”
Memory Tool: “Twenty = Plenty of Needs”: Score 20 signifies extensive care requirements.
Reference Citation: Paragraph from Table 6.4; Modified from Oken MM, et al. Am J Clin Oncol 5(6):649–655, 1982.
Rationale: Identifying extreme cases helps in gauging the urgency and intensity of medical intervention needed.
Clinical Vignette: A 50-year-old female with invasive bladder cancer is severely disabled. Hospitalization may be indicated, although death is not imminent.
A. Karnofsky Score 30, ECOG Grade 4
B. Karnofsky Score 40, ECOG Grade 3
C. Karnofsky Score 50, ECOG Grade 4
D. Karnofsky Score 30, ECOG Grade 3
Correct Answer: A. Karnofsky Score 30, ECOG Grade 4
Explanation: The patient’s condition corresponds to a Karnofsky Score of 30 and an ECOG Grade of 4. Both indicate severe disability and the potential need for hospitalization.
Memory Tool: “3 and 4, Hospital Door”: When you see scores of 30 and 4, hospitalization is likely on the horizon.
Reference Citation: Paragraph from Table 6.4; Modified from Oken MM, et al. Am J Clin Oncol 5(6):649–655, 1982.
Rationale: Hospitalization indicators can aid in quick decision-making during acute episodes or sudden deteriorations in the patient’s condition.
