Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers
Discussion 1
Tom, a 26-year-old runner, came into the office today complaining of constant pain in the right ankle. While running his usual route, he accidentally stepped on a branch lying in his path, twisting his ankle inward. He denies hearing a “pop.” He was able to walk, or limp, the remaining ¼ mile back to his home, where he immediately elevated and iced the ankle for 30 minutes. He took two acetaminophens 325 mg, showered and dressed for work, and drove to his place of employment. He continued to experience significant pain in the ankle, worse when walking. His foot became swollen. Since his job in a sporting goods store requires that he be on his feet most of the day, he was unable to continue his normal workday and made a same-day appointment to be seen. He has no chronic diseases, takes no medication, and denies recent use of NSAIDs, as aspirin and ibuprofen cause him to have gastritis. He sprained the ankle last year but was able to manage that injury at home.
Assessment
A 26-year-old, otherwise healthy male presents limping into the examination room, holding his right shoe in his hand. He grimaces with partial weight-bearing of the affected foot. He has local ecchymosis and 1+ edema over the anterolateral ligaments of the right ankle. Capillary refill, pulses, and sensation of the foot and toes are intact. There is no lateral or anterior instability of the joints or tendons. X-ray of the ankle and foot are negative for fracture or dislocation. He has a grade I lateral ankle sprain.
What pain-relieving medications would you prescribe? Defend your choice.
How would you prescribe them?
What side effects should you educate the patient about?
Does the age of the patient influence your choice?
Please use this as one of the references:
From your course textbook, Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers with Davis Plus resources, 4th ed., read the following chapters:
Chapter 25 – Drugs Used in Treating Inflammatory Process
Chapter 38 – Hormone Replacement Therapy and Osteoporosis
