FINALS: Palliative Care Flashcards

1
Q

A group of diseases characterized by abnormal cells that grow uncontrollably, invade nearby tissues, and may metastasize to other parts of the body.

A

Cancer

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2
Q

How do malignant tumors differ from benign tumors?

A

Malignant tumors invade nearby tissues and may spread to other parts of the body, while benign tumors do not invade and rarely grow back after removal.

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2
Q

What are the three major categories of external agents that can cause cancer?

A

Physical carcinogens (e.g., UV and ionizing radiation)
Chemical carcinogens (e.g., tobacco smoke, asbestos, arsenic)
Biological carcinogens (e.g., HPV, hepatitis viruses)

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3
Q

What are common non-modifiable risk factors for cancer?

A

Age
Gender
Ethnicity
Family history of cancer
Congenital immunodeficiencies

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4
Q

What are modifiable risk factors for cancer?

A

Smoking
Sedentary lifestyle
Alcohol consumption
Chronic exposure to UV rays
STDs/HIV

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5
Q

What is carcinoma, and which organs does it affect?

A

Cancer that begins in epithelial tissues, commonly affecting the skin, breast, lungs, stomach, and large intestine.

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6
Q

What are the key features of sarcoma?

A

Cancer that originates in connective or supportive tissues like bone, cartilage, muscle, or blood vessels.

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6
Q

How does leukemia differ from other cancers?

A

Leukemia affects blood-forming tissues, leading to an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells that don’t function properly.

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7
Q

What are common imaging methods used to diagnose cancer

A

CT Scan
MRI
PET Scan
Ultrasound
X-ray

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7
Q

What is lymphoma?

A

Cancer of the lymphatic system, arising from immature lymphocytes that cannot fight infections effectively.

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7
Q

Cancer of the lymphatic system, arising from immature lymphocytes that cannot fight infections effectively.

A

Cancer has spread from its original location to other body organs (secondary or metastatic cancer).

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8
Q

What are key considerations for physical therapy examination in cancer patients?

A

Evaluate fatigue levels and functional capacity.
Assess pain and monitor for red flags like unexplained swelling or weakness.
Monitor vital signs during treatment due to potential cardiovascular impacts of cancer therapy.

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8
Q

What is the role of physical therapists in palliative care?

A

Manage pain and improve comfort.
Maintain functional mobility as long as possible.
Provide emotional and psychological support.

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8
Q

Why is understanding cancer staging important in physical therapy?

A

It guides therapy goals, intensity, and precautions, especially in metastatic cases or post-surgical rehabilitation.

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8
Q

What are common rehabilitation goals for patients with cancer, kidney failure, and geriatric care?

A

Improve mobility and functional independence.
Manage pain and fatigue.
Enhance quality of life.

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9
Q

Why are outcome measurement tools important?

A

They help objectively assess progress, tailor interventions, and align therapy with patient goals.

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9
Q

What are examples of tools to evaluate cancer patients in physical therapy?

A

Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)
6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)

9
Q

What is the focus of physical therapy in end-of-life care?

A

Enhance quality of life through gentle mobility and relaxation techniques.
Support patients and families in achieving goals of care with dignity.

9
Q

How does rehabilitation overlap for cancer, kidney failure, and geriatrics?

A

All focus on tailored, patient-centered care, addressing comorbidities, and functional improvements.

10
Q

Q: What is the purpose of primary cancer treatment?

A

A: To completely remove or kill all cancer cells present in the body. Common methods include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

10
Q

What are the primary goals of cancer treatment?

A

To cure the cancer, shrink it, prevent its spread, and promote a typical life span with minimal symptoms.

11
Q

Q: Define adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment.

A

A: A therapy used after the primary treatment to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Examples include chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy.

12
Q

Q: What is neoadjuvant therapy?

A

A: Treatment given before the primary treatment to make it easier or more effective, such as shrinking a tumor before surgery.

13
Q

Q: List some advanced cancer therapies and their mechanisms.

A

Biomarker Testing: Identifies tumor markers for targeted treatment.
Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight cancer.
Photodynamic Therapy: Uses light-activated drugs to kill cancer cells.
Hyperthermia: Heats tissue to kill cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy: Targets specific changes in cancer cells that promote growth.

13
Q

Q: What are the four primary goals of physical therapy in cancer care?

A

A: Restorative, supportive, preventative, and palliative care to preserve or restore function, manage pain, and improve quality of life.

14
Q

Q: What is palliative care in cancer treatment?

A

A: Aimed at improving the quality of life by relieving pain and other symptoms, often alongside ongoing cancer treatments.

15
Q

How is cancer-related fatigue (CRF) managed in physical therapy?

A

Strengthening and endurance exercises.
Psychological interventions.
Nutritional management.
Sleep optimization

15
Q

Q: What are common rehabilitation concerns in cancer patients?

A

Musculoskeletal problems: lymphedema, contractures, and pain.
Mobility and self-care issues.
Cancer-related fatigue.

16
Q

Q: What exercises are recommended for cancer-related fatigue?

A

Moderate-intensity aerobic exercises.
Walking and strength training for stages 1-3 cancers.
Pre-exercise assessments for safe activity initiation.

17
Q

Q: What are the primary warning signs of kidney failure?

A

Fatigue
Edema in extremities
Poor appetite or metallic taste in food
Muscle cramps
Frequent urination, especially at night

18
Q

Q: What are the two main types of dialysis?

A
19
Q

Q: What is the role of physical therapy in kidney failure?

A

Improve ADLs, cardiovascular function, and bone health.
Incorporate moderate exercise to enhance psychosocial conditions and overall health.

20
Q

Q: What are common physical therapy recommendations for patients with kidney failure?

A

Mild-to-moderate intensity exercises.
Close monitoring for age and capacity.
Multidisciplinary guidance including diet and mental health support.

21
Q

Q: Define the categories of elderly patients.

A

Young Old: 65-74 years
Mid Old: 75-84 years
Old Old/Frail Elderly: 85+ years

22
Q

Q: How does polypharmacy affect geriatric patients?

A

The use of 4+ medications increases the risk of falls and adverse side effects. Physical therapists must consider medication impacts on mobility and cognition.

23
Q

Q: What are the most common pathologies in geriatric patients?

A

Osteoarthritis
Dementia (e.g., Alzheimer’s)
Depression
Fractures due to low bone density

23
Q

Q: What outcome measurement tools (OMTs) are commonly used in palliative care?

A

Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)
Timed Up and Go (TUG)
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and fatigue
Gait Speed and Balance Tests

23
Q

Q: What psychological techniques complement physical therapy in palliative care?

A

Imagery and relaxation techniques
Distraction training
Coping strategies

23
Q

Q: What are standard PT examination tools for geriatric patients?

A

5x Sit-to-Stand Test
Gait Speed Test
Grip Strength Test
Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+)

24
Q

Q: What are the primary goals of palliative rehabilitation?

A

Reduce pain.
Preserve residual functional capacity.
Maintain or improve the patient’s quality of life.