Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 2309 of 2368
Why is morphine commonly used for severe cancer pain and end-of-life pain?
- It is the weakest opioid, so it causes no respiratory depression
- It has a ceiling effect, so higher doses add no sedation
- It has no ceiling effect, so a higher dose gives more pain relief
- It is given only by mouth, which limits its side effects
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Correct answer: It has no ceiling effect, so a higher dose gives more pain relief
With no ceiling effect, higher doses give more analgesia, but also more sedation and respiratory depression.
Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Comfort: Opioid Analgesics. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026