Section 24

Question 1

What is the primary goal of palliative care in emergency medicine?

Answer 1

To improve the quality of life for patients with serious, life-limiting illnesses.

Question 2

How does palliative care differ from curative treatment?

Answer 2

Palliative care focuses on symptom relief and quality of life, not curing the disease.

Question 3

What is the role of emergency medicine in end-of-life care?

Answer 3

To manage symptoms, support families, and facilitate transitions to appropriate care settings.

Question 4

How is pain managed in palliative care emergencies?

Answer 4

Through opioids, non-opioid analgesics, and non-pharmacological interventions.

Question 5

What are the common symptoms managed in emergency palliative care?

Answer 5

Pain, dyspnea, nausea, anxiety, and confusion.

Question 6

How is dyspnea managed in palliative care patients?

Answer 6

Oxygen therapy, opioids, and non-pharmacological techniques like repositioning.

Question 7

What is the importance of advanced care planning in palliative settings?

Answer 7

It ensures patient wishes are respected during emergency interventions.

Question 8

How is terminal agitation treated in emergency palliative care?

Answer 8

Benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, and supportive care.

Question 9

What is the purpose of hospice care in emergency settings?

Answer 9

To provide comfort-focused care for patients nearing the end of life.

Question 10

How is nausea managed in palliative care emergencies?

Answer 10

Antiemetics, dietary adjustments, and environmental modifications.

Question 11

What role does communication play in end-of-life emergencies?

Answer 11

Effective communication ensures that patient and family wishes are understood and respected.

Question 12

How is hydration managed in terminally ill patients?

Answer 12

Through careful assessment of benefits versus burdens, and patient comfort.

Question 13

What are the ethical considerations in withdrawing life-sustaining treatment?

Answer 13

Ensuring respect for patient autonomy and informed decision-making.

Question 14

What is the importance of family involvement in emergency palliative care?

Answer 14

To provide emotional support and ensure decisions align with patient values.

Question 15

How is refractory pain managed in end-of-life care?

Answer 15

High-dose opioids, adjuvant analgesics, and possibly palliative sedation.

Question 16

What is palliative sedation and when is it used?

Answer 16

A method to relieve intractable suffering by reducing consciousness.

Question 17

What are the signs of imminent death in palliative patients?

Answer 17

Decreased consciousness, irregular breathing, cool extremities, and mottling of the skin.

Question 18

How is airway obstruction managed in palliative care emergencies?

Answer 18

Positioning, suctioning, and possible use of stents or palliative radiation.

Question 19

What is the role of emergency medicine in organ donation?

Answer 19

Identifying potential donors and coordinating with transplant teams.

Question 20

How is bleeding managed in palliative emergencies?

Answer 20

Direct pressure, topical agents, and blood transfusion if appropriate.

Question 21

What is anticipatory grief, and how is it managed in emergency care?

Answer 21

It is the emotional preparation for a loved one’s death, managed with support and counseling.

Question 22

How is opioid toxicity identified in palliative patients?

Answer 22

Symptoms include respiratory depression, pinpoint pupils, and altered mental status.

Question 23

What are the considerations for end-of-life care in pediatric emergency settings?

Answer 23

Focused communication with family, symptom management, and age-appropriate interventions.

Question 24

How is constipation managed in palliative care patients?

Answer 24

Use of stool softeners, laxatives, and dietary modifications.

Question 25

What is the importance of spiritual care in palliative emergencies?

Answer 25

Addressing spiritual needs can enhance comfort and support during end-of-life care.

Question 26

How are pressure ulcers managed in palliative care patients?

Answer 26

Repositioning, skin care, and specialized mattresses.

Question 27

What is the role of music therapy in palliative care?

Answer 27

To provide emotional comfort, reduce anxiety, and enhance quality of life.

Question 28

How is agitation differentiated from delirium in palliative settings?

Answer 28

Delirium is marked by confusion and disorientation, while agitation may be restlessness without confusion.

Question 29

What is the role of advanced directives in emergency care?

Answer 29

They guide medical decisions based on the patient’s wishes if they cannot communicate.

Question 30

How is feeding managed in end-of-life care?

Answer 30

Comfort-based approaches prioritize patient preferences and minimize distress.

Question 31

What are the legal considerations in withdrawing artificial nutrition?

Answer 31

Must align with patient or family wishes, legal regulations, and medical ethics.

Question 32

How is breathlessness managed when oxygen therapy is not effective?

Answer 32

Use of low-dose opioids and non-pharmacological interventions.

Question 33

What is the significance of respite care in palliative emergencies?

Answer 33

Provides short-term relief for primary caregivers while ensuring patient safety.

Question 34

How is anxiety managed in palliative emergencies?

Answer 34

Benzodiazepines, supportive therapy, and counseling.

Question 35

What is the role of corticosteroids in palliative emergency care?

Answer 35

To reduce inflammation, manage pain, and improve appetite.

Question 36

How is emergency care adapted for culturally diverse palliative patients?

Answer 36

By respecting cultural beliefs, language needs, and family involvement.

Question 37

What are the challenges in diagnosing sepsis in palliative patients?

Answer 37

Symptoms may overlap with underlying chronic conditions, complicating detection.

Question 38

How is uncontrolled vomiting managed in palliative settings?

Answer 38

Antiemetics, hydration, and sometimes palliative sedation.

Question 39

What is the role of telemedicine in palliative emergency care?

Answer 39

To provide virtual support, consultations, and symptom management remotely.

Question 40

How is end-of-life care documented in emergency settings?

Answer 40

Clear, comprehensive notes outlining decisions, patient wishes, and clinical actions.