A 72-year-old woman with metastatic lung cancer has increasing dyspnoea at rest despite maximal disease-directed therapy. She is DNR and desires comfo...

Question

A 72-year-old woman with metastatic lung cancer has increasing dyspnoea at rest despite maximal disease-directed therapy. She is DNR and desires comfort-focused care at home. According to palliative care principles, which intervention is most appropriate for symptomatic relief of dyspnoea?

Accepted Answer

Low-dose opioids titrated to relieve dyspnoea while monitoring for side effects

Answer

High-dose benzodiazepines alone

Answer

Avoid opioids because they may shorten life

Answer

Only increase oxygen flow regardless of saturation

Answer

Sedate her completely to eliminate symptoms

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Palliative dyspnoea management

A 72-year-old woman with metastatic lung cancer has increasing dyspnoea at rest despite maximal disease-directed therapy. She is DNR and desires comfort-focused care at home. According to palliative care principles, which intervention is most appropriate for symptomatic relief of dyspnoea?