Question

A 69-year-old on chronic opioids (45 MME/day) requests dose escalation to 100 MME/day for chronic back pain. What is the best response?

Accepted Answer

Carefully reassess benefits/risks, consider non-opioid strategies, and avoid routine escalation above 50 MME/day

Answer

Increase to 100 MME/day; benefits outweigh risks

Answer

Decline any reassessment

Answer

Switch to long-acting opioid and escalate

Answer

Add benzodiazepine for anxiety

Practice question

A 69-year-old on chronic opioids (45 MME/day) requests dose escalation to 100 MME/day for chronic back pain. What is the best response?