Question

A client whose dog has just been diagnosed with bone cancer asks why the animal can't immediately be put on morphine IV. Which series best describes the WHO 'analgesic ladder' for the treatment of cancer pain?

1) Step 1: Non-opioid drugs (e.g. NSAIDs), Step 2: Weak opioids (e.g. codeine), Step 3: Strong opioids (e.g. morphine)
2) Step 1: Strong opioids (e.g. morphine), Step 2: Weak opioids (e.g. codeine), Step 3: Non-opioid drugs (e.g. NSAIDs)
3) Step 1: Weak opioids (e.g. codeine), Step 2: Strong opioids (e.g. morphine), Step 3: Non-opioid drugs (e.g. NSAIDs)
4) Step 1: Non-opioid drugs (e.g. NSAIDs), Step 2: Strong opioids (e.g. morphine), Step 3: Weak opioids (e.g. codeine)

Answer 1

The correct series describing the WHO analgesic ladder for cancer pain is:
1) Step 1: Non-opioid drugs (e.g. NSAIDs), Step 2: Weak opioids (e.g. codeine), Step 3: Strong opioids (e.g. morphine)

Answer 2

The WHO 'analgesic ladder' begins with non-opioids, followed by weak opioids like codeine, and advances to strong opioids like morphine for cancer pain. Opioids are effective but have a risk of addiction and must be supervised by a doctor.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct series describing the World Health Organization's (WHO) 'analgesic ladder' for the treatment of cancer pain is: Step 1: Non-opioid drugs (e.g., NSAIDs), Step 2: Weak opioids (e.g., codeine), Step 3: Strong opioids (e.g., morphine). This approach is designed to start with less potent drugs and only proceed to stronger medications if the pain is not adequately controlled.

Morphine is often used for severe pain, whereas codeine is less potent and is often prescribed for mild to moderate pain. Oxycodone is also prescribed for moderate to severe pain. All these drugs work by attaching to specific receptors in the brain, altering the perception of pain. However, because opioids such as morphine and oxycodone have a high potential for addiction and serious side effects, they must be used judiciously and under a doctor's supervision.