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Opioid overdose — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateCNS TherapeuticsOpioid overdoseGPhC CRA

A carer says a patient became very sleepy and is breathing slowly after morphine dose escalation. What is the most appropriate action?

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

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Correct answer: D — Advise calling emergency services immediately because opioid toxicity is possible

Respiratory depression with marked sedation is a medical emergency. In this scenario, the pharmacist should prioritise safe supply, appropriate counselling and timely referral or clarification where needed. This is the single best answer because the other options would either delay assessment, ignore a clinically significant risk, or create an unsafe legal or professional outcome.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS