Palliative Care Board Exam Prep (New
2026/ 2027 Update) Questions & Answers
{Grade A} 100% Correct (Verified
Solutions) -MSU
Oral candidiasis - Correct answer fluconazole was demonstrated to be as effective and
convenient and better tolerated than topical therapy, less risk of relapse and a longer
disease-free interval. T
200 mg loading dose, followed by 100 mg to 200 mg p.o. Daily for 7 to 14 days.
Increasing the oxygen - Correct answer will not provide relief if a patient's saturation
is already above 90%
Cancer related fatigue treatment - Correct answer methylphenidate as a time-limited
goal-directed trial of this agent would be reasonable.
No evidence suggests that dextroamphetamine improves cancer-related fatigue.
No evidence supports the use of paroxetine in the management of cancer-related
fatigue.
,Methylnaltrexone - Correct answer used for treatment of opioid-induced constipation
only in refractory cases
Polyethylene glycol - Correct answer osmotic agent that pulls water out of the gut to
effectively flush out stool
Of note, docusate has been shown to soften stool but not effective in relieving the
symptoms of constipation.
CASES approach to ethics dilemma - Correct answer Assemble the relevant
information, Synthesize the information, Explain the synthesis, and Support the
consultation
"Given the conflict between party A's value of X, and party B's value of Y, is it ethically
appropriate to do/not do Z."
When to offer palliative sedation - Correct answer patient is near end of life and the
full interdisciplinary team has been escalating symptom management but with
continued intractable suffering from the patient's perspective
3 components of decision-making capacity - Correct answer 1) understand the
information and the implications of the treatment choices; 2) make an internally
, rational choice in accordance with personal values and goals; and 3) express
consistency in making the same choice in similar conditions.
Futility (qualitative vs. Quantitative) - Correct answer A treatment is qualitatively futile
when it is perceived that the burdens outweigh the benefits of the treatment and, as
such, incorporates a value judgment. A treatment determined as quantitatively futile
does not incorporate value judgments and instead relies upon numbers to facilitate
decisions.
Surrogate decision maker-ethical criteria - Correct answer ability to make reasoned
judgments, adequate knowledge and information, emotional stability, and a
commitment to the incompetent patient's interest, free of conflicts of interest and free
of controlling influence by those who might not act in the patient's best interest
What else to try after opioids at exceedingly high doses fail - Correct answer a low-
dose ketamine infusion (NMDA receptor agonist, controls neuropathic pain and
increase responsiveness to opioids as well as help with opioid-induced hyperalgesia)
May also consider trial of lidocaine infusion or addition of methadone
2026/ 2027 Update) Questions & Answers
{Grade A} 100% Correct (Verified
Solutions) -MSU
Oral candidiasis - Correct answer fluconazole was demonstrated to be as effective and
convenient and better tolerated than topical therapy, less risk of relapse and a longer
disease-free interval. T
200 mg loading dose, followed by 100 mg to 200 mg p.o. Daily for 7 to 14 days.
Increasing the oxygen - Correct answer will not provide relief if a patient's saturation
is already above 90%
Cancer related fatigue treatment - Correct answer methylphenidate as a time-limited
goal-directed trial of this agent would be reasonable.
No evidence suggests that dextroamphetamine improves cancer-related fatigue.
No evidence supports the use of paroxetine in the management of cancer-related
fatigue.
,Methylnaltrexone - Correct answer used for treatment of opioid-induced constipation
only in refractory cases
Polyethylene glycol - Correct answer osmotic agent that pulls water out of the gut to
effectively flush out stool
Of note, docusate has been shown to soften stool but not effective in relieving the
symptoms of constipation.
CASES approach to ethics dilemma - Correct answer Assemble the relevant
information, Synthesize the information, Explain the synthesis, and Support the
consultation
"Given the conflict between party A's value of X, and party B's value of Y, is it ethically
appropriate to do/not do Z."
When to offer palliative sedation - Correct answer patient is near end of life and the
full interdisciplinary team has been escalating symptom management but with
continued intractable suffering from the patient's perspective
3 components of decision-making capacity - Correct answer 1) understand the
information and the implications of the treatment choices; 2) make an internally
, rational choice in accordance with personal values and goals; and 3) express
consistency in making the same choice in similar conditions.
Futility (qualitative vs. Quantitative) - Correct answer A treatment is qualitatively futile
when it is perceived that the burdens outweigh the benefits of the treatment and, as
such, incorporates a value judgment. A treatment determined as quantitatively futile
does not incorporate value judgments and instead relies upon numbers to facilitate
decisions.
Surrogate decision maker-ethical criteria - Correct answer ability to make reasoned
judgments, adequate knowledge and information, emotional stability, and a
commitment to the incompetent patient's interest, free of conflicts of interest and free
of controlling influence by those who might not act in the patient's best interest
What else to try after opioids at exceedingly high doses fail - Correct answer a low-
dose ketamine infusion (NMDA receptor agonist, controls neuropathic pain and
increase responsiveness to opioids as well as help with opioid-induced hyperalgesia)
May also consider trial of lidocaine infusion or addition of methadone
