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Palliative care – alongside treatment — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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EasyNeurologyPalliative care – alongside treatmentRACP Paediatrics

A 4-year-old is diagnosed with DIPG (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma), which carries a median survival of 9-11 months. Radiation therapy is planned. When should paediatric palliative care be introduced?

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Correct answer: C — Palliative care alongside curative treatment

Paediatric palliative care should be integrated alongside disease-directed treatment from diagnosis for life-limiting conditions. The 2025 Australian/NZ Paediatric Palliative Care Guidelines emphasise that palliative care is not limited to end-of-life; it provides symptom management, psychosocial support, and advance care planning concurrently with active treatment.

Reference: RCH Melbourne – 2025 – Paediatric Palliative Care Guidelines; RACP – 2021