A 72-year-old man with metastatic lung cancer has increasing pain and dyspnoea at rest despite regular Paracetamol. He is opioid-naïve and eGFR is nor...

Question

A 72-year-old man with metastatic lung cancer has increasing pain and dyspnoea at rest despite regular Paracetamol. He is opioid-naïve and eGFR is normal. According to NICE palliative care principles, what is the most appropriate next step for his pain?

Accepted Answer

Start low-dose immediate-release Morphine regularly with breakthrough doses

Answer

Start modified-release Morphine 60 mg twice daily

Answer

Start Fentanyl patch as first-line opioid

Answer

Start non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs only

Answer

Avoid opioids because they will shorten life

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Cancer pain – opioid initiation

A 72-year-old man with metastatic lung cancer has increasing pain and dyspnoea at rest despite regular Paracetamol. He is opioid-naïve and eGFR is normal. According to NICE palliative care principles, what is the most appropriate next step for his pain?