A 79-year-old woman with metastatic bowel cancer is receiving strong opioids for pain. She is drowsy but comfortable. Her family ask you to ''give her...

Question

A 79-year-old woman with metastatic bowel cancer is receiving strong opioids for pain. She is drowsy but comfortable. Her family ask you to ''give her something to speed things up'' as they feel she is suffering. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Explain that deliberately hastening death is unlawful, but reassure that you will optimise symptom control and review her analgesia and other symptoms

Answer

Increase the opioid dose specifically to hasten death

Answer

Agree to their request if they sign a consent form

Answer

Stop all medications including analgesia

Answer

Discharge her home immediately

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): End-of-life care and ethics

A 79-year-old woman with metastatic bowel cancer is receiving strong opioids for pain. She is drowsy but comfortable. Her family ask you to ''give her something to speed things up'' as they feel she is suffering. What is the most appropriate response?