A 70-year-old man with metastatic lung cancer has severe pain despite regular oral morphine. He is in the last days of life and becomes increasingly b...

Question

A 70-year-old man with metastatic lung cancer has severe pain despite regular oral morphine. He is in the last days of life and becomes increasingly breathless and anxious. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Increase opioid dose as needed and consider low-dose benzodiazepine for anxiety and breathlessness

Answer

Stop opioids and give benzodiazepines only

Answer

Give high-dose oxygen regardless of saturations

Answer

Avoid all sedating medications to maintain full alertness

Answer

Use only non-pharmacological measures such as a fan

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): End-of-life pain and breathlessness

A 70-year-old man with metastatic lung cancer has severe pain despite regular oral morphine. He is in the last days of life and becomes increasingly breathless and anxious. What is the most appropriate management?