What is the WHO analgesic ladder and how is it applied in cancer-related pain management?

What is the WHO analgesic ladder and how is it applied in cancer-related pain management?

• A. Step I: non-opioid ± adjuvant for mild pain; Step II: weak opioid ± non-opioid ± adjuvant for moderate pain; Step III: strong opioid ± non-opioid ± adjuvant for severe pain; breakthrough dosing is added and treatment is tailored.
• B. Step I: strong opioid; Step II: non-opioid; Step III: adjuvant therapy; no breakthrough dosing.
• C. Step I: non-opioid only; Step II: opioid only; Step III: there is no Step III.
• D. Step I: adjuvant therapy; Step II: non-opioid; Step III: non-opioid with caffeine.

Answer: (A)