A 76-year-old man with end-stage COPD and metastatic lung cancer is breathless at rest despite optimal inhaled therapy and low-dose opioids. He is dis...

Question

A 76-year-old man with end-stage COPD and metastatic lung cancer is breathless at rest despite optimal inhaled therapy and low-dose opioids. He is distressed and anxious about his breathing. What is the most appropriate additional pharmacological option?

Accepted Answer

Low-dose benzodiazepine such as oral Lorazepam

Answer

High-dose intravenous fluids

Answer

Long-term high-dose steroids

Answer

High-flow oxygen for all patients regardless of saturation

Answer

No further treatment options are available

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Refractory breathlessness in palliative care

A 76-year-old man with end-stage COPD and metastatic lung cancer is breathless at rest despite optimal inhaled therapy and low-dose opioids. He is distressed and anxious about his breathing. What is the most appropriate additional pharmacological option?