Question

A 66-year-old man with metastatic pancreatic cancer has severe background pain despite regular Paracetamol. He is still able to swallow tablets. According to the WHO analgesic ladder and UK palliative guidance, what is the most appropriate next step in analgesia?

Accepted Answer

Start regular immediate-release oral Morphine with appropriate breakthrough doses

Answer

Start long-term high-dose intravenous Morphine infusion immediately

Answer

Use only NSAIDs as strong opioids are contraindicated in cancer pain

Answer

Use complementary therapies only and avoid pharmacological treatment

Answer

Start transdermal Fentanyl patches as first-line strong opioid

Practice question

A 66-year-old man with metastatic pancreatic cancer has severe background pain despite regular Paracetamol. He is still able to swallow tablets. According to the WHO analgesic ladder and UK palliative guidance, what is the most appropriate next step in analgesia?