Reassuring About Morphine and Breathing — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ
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Correct answer: B — At the low doses used for breathlessness (e.g. 2–5 mg oral), the risk of respiratory depression is extremely low — morphine alters the perception of breathlessness rather than dangerously suppressing respiratory drive
The correct answer is B. UK palliative care guidance affirms that low‑dose oral morphine, started and titrated carefully, is safe in breathlessness management and does not cause respiratory depression (Right Decisions, 2026) ([rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk](https://www.rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/scottish-palliative-care-guidelines/symptom-management/breathlessness/?utm_source=openai)). Further, national palliative care resources note that opioids reduce the subjective sensation of breathlessness without evidence of significant respiratory suppression or life‑shortening when used appropriately ([ruh.nhs.uk](https://www.ruh.nhs.uk/For_Clinicians/departments_ruh/Palliative_Care/documents/palliative_care_handbook.pdf?utm_source=openai)). Option E incorrectly implies permanent damage. Option A is misleading — nebulised morphine is not the only safe method. Option D exaggerates risk contrary to evidence. Option C dismisses evidence‑based pharmacological palliation.
Reference: Breathlessness | Right Decisions (Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines), 2026; Palliative Care Handbook (RUH), UK, 2026, https://www.rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/scottish-palliative-care-guidelines/symptom-management/breathlessness/