A 73-year-old man with advanced COPD and heart failure has been admitted multiple times this year. He now has increasing breathlessness at rest despit...

Question

A 73-year-old man with advanced COPD and heart failure has been admitted multiple times this year. He now has increasing breathlessness at rest despite maximal therapy. The team consider starting low-dose oral Morphine for dyspnoea. Which statement best reflects NICE opioid guidance in palliative care?

Accepted Answer

Strong opioids may be used cautiously for refractory breathlessness with appropriate titration and monitoring

Answer

Strong opioids should not be used for breathlessness

Answer

Morphine must only be prescribed by a specialist palliative care physician

Answer

Once started, Morphine dose should be increased rapidly to relieve all symptoms regardless of side effects

Answer

Use of opioids for breathlessness is illegal in the UK

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Opioids for refractory breathlessness