An 89-year-old man with terminal lung cancer becomes breathless and anxious at home. Oxygen saturation is 91% on air, he is not known to be hypoxic

Question

An 89-year-old man with terminal lung cancer becomes breathless and anxious at home. Oxygen saturation is 91% on air, he is not known to be hypoxic at baseline and has chosen comfort-focused care. He cannot swallow tablets. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Use non-drug calming measures and appropriate subcutaneous opioid with anxiolytic if needed

Answer

Withhold medication until saturation falls below 85%

Answer

Arrange oxygen solely because he feels breathless

Answer

Give high-dose diuretic without signs of overload

Answer

Send to hospital despite his documented preference

Terminal breathlessness — DGM MCQ

An 89-year-old man with terminal lung cancer becomes breathless and anxious at home. Oxygen saturation is 91% on air, he is not known to be hypoxic at baseline and has chosen comfort-focused care. He cannot swallow tablets. What is the most appropriate management?