A 74-year-old woman with end-stage COPD and lung cancer is dyspnoeic at rest. She is already on maximal inhaled therapy and low-dose morphine. Her oxy...

Question

A 74-year-old woman with end-stage COPD and lung cancer is dyspnoeic at rest. She is already on maximal inhaled therapy and low-dose morphine. Her oxygen saturation is 92% on air and she does not retain CO2. Which additional non-pharmacological intervention is supported by evidence to help her breathlessness?

Accepted Answer

Use of a handheld fan directed at the face

Answer

Long-term high-flow oxygen to maintain saturations >98%

Answer

Prolonged bed rest to conserve energy

Answer

Fluid restriction

Answer

Immediate non-invasive ventilation for all dyspnoea

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Palliative dyspnoea management