Certified Hospice and Palliative Assistant (CHPNA) Practice Test

Metastatic pancreatic cancer is an irreversible cause of anorexia-cachexia due to the aggressive nature of the disease and its significant impact on metabolic processes. Anorexia-cachexia syndrome is characterized by severe weight loss, muscle wasting, and decreased appetite, often occurring in patients with advanced cancer. Pancreatic cancer tends to metastasize early and aggressively, leading to systemic effects that disturb normal nutritional intake and metabolic function.

In the context of the other options, chronic kidney disease can influence appetite and weight, but its effects can be managed to some extent through treatment and dietary adjustments. Controlled diabetes may affect metabolism and appetite but is typically manageable and does not lead to the same level of irreversible weight loss and muscle wasting as seen in cancer. Environmental stress can cause temporary declines in appetite but is usually reversible with appropriate interventions. Therefore, metastatic pancreatic cancer stands out as an irreversible cause within this context.