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Opioid Nausea Tolerance — SCE Medical Oncology MCQ

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EasySupportive & Palliative OncologyOpioid Nausea ToleranceSCE Medical Oncology

A 58-year-old woman on cancer treatment asks about opioid-induced nausea. She has been on morphine for 5 days and still feels nauseated. What is the typical course?

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Correct answer: A — Opioid nausea typically resolves within 5-7 days as CTZ tolerance develops — a short course of haloperidol/metoclopramide bridges this period; if persistent beyond 1 week, consider opioid rotation

Opioid nausea: CTZ tolerance develops in 5-7 days. Haloperidol 1.5mg nocte for 5-7 days. If persistent: consider rotation. CONSTIPATION is the only opioid effect with NO tolerance development.

Reference: NICE CG140; Palliative Care Formulary