The Fatigue Quiz- An Introduction To The Symptom Guide

1.

Fatigue is the most common & distressing symptom experienced during treatment.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
70-100% of cancer patients are fatigued.
Fatigue is the most common & distressing symptom experienced during treatment
30 to 75% of cancer survivors continue to report fatigue symptoms months to years after treatment ends

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2.

What questions would you ask a patient when conducting a focused fatigue assessment? (Check all the apply).

A.

When did the fatigue begin?
B.

What helps to relieve your fatigue?
C.

How is fatigue affecting your activities of daily living?
D.

What other symptoms are you experiencing with your fatigue?
E.

How would you like us to help you in managing this symptom?

Correct Answer(s)
A. When did the fatigue begin?
B. What helps to relieve your fatigue?
C. How is fatigue affecting your activities of daily living?
D. What other symptoms are you experiencing with your fatigue?
E. How would you like us to help you in managing this symptom?

Explanation
When conducting a focused assessment on fatigue, it is important to include the following questions:
O- Onset--Fatigue onset (When did fatigue begin?)
P- Palliating--What do you do to relieve your fatigue?
Q- Quality-- Ask patient for the description of fatigue in own words
R-- Region/Radiating- Other symptoms of fatigue?
S-- Severity and duration- Fatigue duration: Constant or Change over time
T-- Treatment- Has there been a change in the medications you are taking, including over the counter medications?
U-- Understanding- What do you believe is causing your fatigue? How is fatigue affecting your activities of daily living and lifestyle? How distressing/bothersome is fatigue?
V--Values- What is your goal for this symptom?
(Fatigue Symptom Management Algorithm, 2012)

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3.

It is important to assess treatable contributing factors such as anemia, weight changes, electrolyte imbalances and medications for fatigue.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Assessment of treatable contributing factors for fatigue should include:
1) Treatment complications (anemia, infection, fever)
2) Weight/caloric intake changes (how much weight loss)
3) Fluid and electrolyte imbalances (sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium)
4) Medications (opioids, antihistamines, antidepressants, alcohol/recreational drug use)
5) Other symptoms/side effects (ESAS greater than or equal to 4 for pain, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances)
6) Activity level changes (decreased activity, decreased exercise patterns)
7) Co-morbid conditions contributing to fatigue
(Fatigue Symptom Management Algorithm, 2012)

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4.

To manage moderate and severe fatigue, patients are advised to engage in moderate levels of physical activity. What activities would you suggest to your patient? (Check all that apply)

A.

Fast walking
B.

Cycling
C.

Swimming
D.

Resistive/resistance exercise
E.

Marathon running

Correct Answer(s)
A. Fast walking
B. Cycling
C. Swimming
D. Resistive/resistance exercise

Explanation
Advise patients to engage in moderate level of physical activity (e.g. fast walking, cycling, swimming, resistive/resistance exercise) during and after cancer treatment unless contraindicated for 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week as tolerated.

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