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Constipation opioid — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyGastrointestinal TherapeuticsConstipation opioidGPhC CRA

A patient receiving morphine for cancer pain has not opened their laxatives and now has hard stools after four days. They have no vomiting or severe abdominal pain. What would you advise the patient?

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

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Correct answer: B — Start regular stimulant and osmotic laxative as prescribed

Opioid-induced constipation usually requires regular laxatives. Delayed management can worsen symptoms and compromise pain treatment adherence. In this scenario, the correct option is start regular stimulant and osmotic laxative as prescribed. The other options are plausible but do not address the key clinical, legal or safety issue as directly. This aligns with UK pharmacy practice guidance cited in the reference field.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS