Question

A 58-year-old woman with advanced COPD and lung cancer is distressed by severe dyspnoea at rest despite maximal inhaler therapy and home oxygen. She is not hypoxic. Which drug, used cautiously, can be effective for relieving refractory breathlessness in palliative care?

Accepted Answer

Low-dose oral Morphine

Answer

High-dose benzodiazepines

Answer

High-dose NSAIDs

Answer

High-dose steroids

Answer

Paracetamol alone

Practice question

A 58-year-old woman with advanced COPD and lung cancer is distressed by severe dyspnoea at rest despite maximal inhaler therapy and home oxygen. She is not hypoxic. Which drug, used cautiously, can be effective for relieving refractory breathlessness in palliative care?