A 68-year-old woman with metastatic lung cancer reports severe dyspnea at rest, despite supplemental oxygen. Her pain is well-controlled. What is the most appropriate pharmacologic intervention to address her dyspnea?

The correct answer to the question "A 68-year-old woman with metastatic lung cancer reports severe dyspnea at rest, despite supplemental oxygen. Her pain is well-controlled. What is the most appropriate pharmacologic intervention to address her dyspnea?" is Option B: Administer a low-dose opioid (e.g., morphine)..

The other options — A) Increase supplemental oxygen flow rate., C) Prescribe a nebulized bronchodilator., D) Initiate a benzodiazepine for anxiety relief. — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: Low-dose opioids are the first-line pharmacologic treatment for refractory dyspnea in palliative care, even without pain, as they reduce the perception of breathlessness by acting on central respirat…