A 55-year-old man with chronic low back pain has been on regular Morphine for many months. He asks his GP to increase the dose because he feels it is ...

Question

A 55-year-old man with chronic low back pain has been on regular Morphine for many months. He asks his GP to increase the dose because he feels it is "no longer working" and he wants to function better at work. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Explain the risks of long-term opioid therapy and explore non-pharmacological pain management options

Answer

Agree to increase the Morphine dose without further discussion

Answer

Stop Morphine abruptly and start NSAIDs only

Answer

Refer directly for spinal surgery

Answer

Prescribe additional benzodiazepines for muscle relaxation

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Opioid prescribing in chronic pain

A 55-year-old man with chronic low back pain has been on regular Morphine for many months. He asks his GP to increase the dose because he feels it is "no longer working" and he wants to function better at work. What is the most appropriate response?