Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

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What type of pain can corticosteroids like dexamethasone help relieve?

Musculoskeletal pain
Bone pain and liver metastasis-related pain
Chronic headaches
Abdominal cramps

The correct answer is: Bone pain and liver metastasis-related pain

Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, are particularly effective in managing pain associated with bone metastasis and liver metastasis. These drugs work by reducing inflammation and can help alleviate pain that arises from the pressure of tumors on surrounding tissues, as well as from the bone pain that often accompanies metastatic cancers. The anti-inflammatory properties of corticosteroids can lead to significant pain relief in patients with certain types of cancer-related pain, making them a valuable option in palliative care settings. In the case of musculoskeletal pain, while corticosteroids might have some effect, they are not the primary choice for treating typical pain originating from muscles, tendons, or joints. Chronic headaches can have a variety of causes that may not respond well to corticosteroids alone, and pain from abdominal cramps usually indicates other underlying issues which may require different types of treatment. Therefore, the use of corticosteroids is most beneficial in situations involving bone pain and liver metastasis-related pain, where their specific properties can effectively address the pain mechanism involved.