skip to main content

Medications Dying Phase — SCE Medical Oncology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasySupportive & Palliative OncologyMedications Dying PhaseSCE Medical Oncology

A 72-year-old man with terminal cancer becomes unconscious. His family asks if regular medications should continue in the syringe driver. What principle applies?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: AOnly symptom-control medications continue (analgesics, anti-emetics, anxiolytics, antisecretory) — discontinue all non-essential medications (antihypertensives, statins, diabetes drugs, prophylactic antibiotics)

NICE NG31 dying phase: continue symptom control (opioids, midazolam, haloperidol, glycopyrronium/hyoscine via syringe driver). Discontinue: antihypertensives, statins, anticoagulants, diabetes meds, bisphosphonates.

Reference: NICE NG31; ESMO Palliative Care