Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What non-drug approach should be considered in managing breakthrough pain in opioid-treated patients?

1. Psychological support

2. Physical therapy

3. Regular dosing schedule

4. Increased opioid dosage

The correct answer is: Regular dosing schedule

In managing breakthrough pain for patients already on opioids, establishing a regular dosing schedule is a crucial non-drug approach. This method helps to maintain a consistent level of pain relief by preventing peaks and troughs in medication efficacy. A well-structured schedule can lead to better overall pain management, reducing the likelihood of pain flares that necessitate additional doses for breakthrough events. Regular dosing can ensure that the medication is at therapeutic levels within the system, which can be particularly important for managing chronic pain conditions. In this context, the focus is on preventing the occurrence of breakthrough pain rather than only addressing episodes as they arise. While psychological support, physical therapy, and increased opioid dosage could play roles in comprehensive pain management, they may not specifically address the need for a consistent therapeutic effect that a regular dosing schedule ensures. Psychological support may help with coping strategies but does not directly influence the pharmacokinetics of opioid action. Physical therapy can assist in functional improvement but may not adequately manage pain on its own. Increasing the opioid dosage could lead to an overdose risk and does not directly tackle the rhythm of medication administration that a regular schedule does.