Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

Long-term cardiac toxicity from chemotherapy typically presents symptoms that are similar to what condition?

1. Asthma attacks

2. Congestive heart failure

3. Pulmonary embolism

4. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The correct answer is: Congestive heart failure

Long-term cardiac toxicity from chemotherapy is associated with damage to the heart muscles, which can lead to symptoms resembling those of congestive heart failure. This condition occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and ankles, and fluid retention. Chemotherapy agents can impair cardiac function over time, leading to a similar presentation. While asthma attacks, pulmonary embolism, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involve respiratory symptoms, they are not primarily linked to the long-term effects of chemotherapy on the heart. Asthma is characterized by airway constriction and wheezing, while a pulmonary embolism typically results from blood clots traveling to the lungs, causing sudden and severe respiratory distress. COPD, a progressive lung disease, results in persistent respiratory symptoms due to airflow obstruction. In contrast, congestive heart failure is directly related to heart function and presents with an overlapping range of symptoms that stem from the heart's inability to manage blood circulation and fluid balance, making it the most relevant condition in this context.