A multimodal approach to cancer-related cachexia in palliative care includes which of the following?

Study for ELNEC 4: Symptom Management in Palliative Care Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Hints and explanations included! Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

A multimodal approach to cancer-related cachexia in palliative care includes which of the following?

Cancer-related cachexia is driven by a complex mix of inflammation, metabolic changes, and muscle wasting, so the best approach is a combination strategy that addresses both nutrition and physical activity. Adequate protein intake supplies the amino acids needed for muscle protein synthesis, helping to preserve lean mass even in the presence of catabolic signals. Pairing this with exercise—especially resistance or light activity—stimulates muscle building, maintains strength, and can improve function and energy, directly countering the functional decline seen in cachexia. Together, they tackle the energy balance and anabolic/catabolic processes rather than relying on a single measure. Limiting mobility to rest removes the stimulus needed to preserve muscle and functional capacity and can worsen deconditioning. Ignoring inflammation and metabolic changes leaves the underlying drivers of cachexia unaddressed. Using only appetite stimulants targets intake but not the muscle-wasting process or metabolic derangements, so it isn’t sufficient on its own.

Cancer-related cachexia is driven by a complex mix of inflammation, metabolic changes, and muscle wasting, so the best approach is a combination strategy that addresses both nutrition and physical activity. Adequate protein intake supplies the amino acids needed for muscle protein synthesis, helping to preserve lean mass even in the presence of catabolic signals. Pairing this with exercise—especially resistance or light activity—stimulates muscle building, maintains strength, and can improve function and energy, directly countering the functional decline seen in cachexia. Together, they tackle the energy balance and anabolic/catabolic processes rather than relying on a single measure.

Limiting mobility to rest removes the stimulus needed to preserve muscle and functional capacity and can worsen deconditioning. Ignoring inflammation and metabolic changes leaves the underlying drivers of cachexia unaddressed. Using only appetite stimulants targets intake but not the muscle-wasting process or metabolic derangements, so it isn’t sufficient on its own.

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