Psychopharmacology in Cancer and Palliative Care
Assessment of psychopharmacological interventions used in cancer and palliative care settings including antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, psychostimulants, and cannabinoids
Questions
Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of cancer that can be managed with psychopharmacological interventions?
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia
Which class of antidepressants is generally considered to be the first-line treatment for depression in cancer patients?
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Bupropion
Which of the following is a common side effect of TCAs that can be particularly problematic in cancer patients?
- Anticholinergic effects (e.g., dry mouth, constipation)
- Sedation
- Weight gain
- Cardiotoxicity
Which of the following is a potential benefit of using MAOIs in cancer patients?
- They are less likely to interact with other medications.
- They are more effective than other antidepressants in treating depression in cancer patients.
- They have a lower risk of side effects.
- They can help to improve appetite.
Which of the following is a potential risk of using MAOIs in cancer patients?
- They can cause orthostatic hypotension.
- They can interact with a number of foods and medications.
- They can cause seizures.
- All of the above.
Which of the following is a common symptom of cancer that can be managed with antipsychotics?
- Delirium
- Agitation
- Psychosis
- All of the above.
Which of the following is a potential side effect of antipsychotics that can be particularly problematic in cancer patients?
- Sedation
- Orthostatic hypotension
- QTc prolongation
- All of the above.
Which of the following is a potential benefit of using benzodiazepines in cancer patients?
- They can help to relieve anxiety.
- They can help to improve sleep.
- They can help to control seizures.
- All of the above.
Which of the following is a potential risk of using benzodiazepines in cancer patients?
- They can cause sedation.
- They can impair cognitive function.
- They can increase the risk of falls.
- All of the above.
Which of the following is a potential benefit of using psychostimulants in cancer patients?
- They can help to improve fatigue.
- They can help to improve cognitive function.
- They can help to improve mood.
- All of the above.
Which of the following is a potential risk of using psychostimulants in cancer patients?
- They can cause anxiety.
- They can cause insomnia.
- They can increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
- All of the above.
Which of the following is a potential benefit of using cannabinoids in cancer patients?
- They can help to relieve pain.
- They can help to improve nausea and vomiting.
- They can help to improve appetite.
- All of the above.
Which of the following is a potential risk of using cannabinoids in cancer patients?
- They can cause sedation.
- They can impair cognitive function.
- They can increase the risk of falls.
- All of the above.