skip to main content

Syringe Driver Double Effect — SCE Medical Oncology MCQ

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

ModerateSupportive & Palliative OncologySyringe Driver Double EffectSCE Medical Oncology

A 55-year-old man with cancer on a syringe driver has morphine + midazolam + glycopyrronium running. His wife asks whether the syringe driver is 'putting him to sleep'. What should the clinician explain?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — The syringe driver delivers SYMPTOM CONTROL medications at doses titrated to relieve distress (pain, agitation, secretions); it does not hasten death — the principle of double effect means that medications given to relieve suffering with the primary INTENTION of symptom control are ethically and legally appropriate even if they MAY have the secondary unintended effect of shortening life

Principle of double effect: if the PRIMARY intention is symptom relief and the treatment is proportionate, it is ethically and legally acceptable even if a secondary unintended effect MAY be life-shortening. This is distinct from euthanasia (where the primary intention is to end life). Clear communication with families about syringe driver purpose is essential. NICE NG31 and GMC guidance support this framework.

Reference: NICE NG31; GMC End-of-life guidance; Mental Capacity Act 2005