An 89-year-old man with metastatic prostate cancer is thought to be in the last days of life. He is intermittently agitated, no longer swallowing

Question

An 89-year-old man with metastatic prostate cancer is thought to be in the last days of life. He is intermittently agitated, no longer swallowing tablets and his family are worried about future pain and breathlessness at night. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Prescribe anticipatory subcutaneous medicines with an individualised care plan

Answer

Transfer routinely to hospital for intravenous fluids

Answer

Withhold symptom medicines to avoid sedation

Answer

Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation planning after death

Answer

Continue oral tablets until he is unconscious

Anticipatory prescribing — DGM MCQ

An 89-year-old man with metastatic prostate cancer is thought to be in the last days of life. He is intermittently agitated, no longer swallowing tablets and his family are worried about future pain and breathlessness at night. What is the most appropriate management?