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Naloxone and opioid safety — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardPatient Counselling and Pharmaceutical CareNaloxone and opioid safetyGPhC CRA

A carer collects oxycodone modified-release and immediate-release capsules for a patient with escalating cancer pain. The patient also uses diazepam at night and had an episode of severe drowsiness yesterday. The carer asks what signs should prompt urgent help. What would you advise the patient?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Seek urgent help for marked drowsiness, slow breathing or difficulty waking

Opioids can cause sedation and respiratory depression, especially with benzodiazepines. Carers should know red flags such as slow breathing, cyanosis, severe drowsiness or difficulty waking, and should seek urgent help. Breakthrough dosing must follow the prescribed plan. Safe storage is important because opioids are controlled drugs and can cause serious harm.

Reference: BNF Opioid analgesics; NICE CKS Palliative care