Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics. prescribers case studies

Woo Page 1 of 1 Pharmacotherapeutics 5e Ch44 Student CS Chapter 44: Pain Management: Acute and Chronic Pain

Student Case Study

A 78-year-old male patient comes to your office complaining of increased left knee pain for the

past 3 to 4 months. He has had no history of recent injury. An x-ray done less than 4 months ago

showed degenerative osteoarthritic changes. He has full range of motion and denies any recent

swelling, pedal edema, or discoloration. He has been a long-distance runner for many years and

was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of his left knee more than 10 years ago. He has decreased his

weekly running, but the pain is persistent and is affecting his daily activities. He has been using

over-the-counter NSAIDs on and off, but states they are no longer working and wants something

“stronger.” His vital signs are all normal and he has no history of fever, chills, or rashes. He is

otherwise healthy.

1. How would you approach the management of chronic pain in this patient?

2. What education would you provide when prescribing pain medication for this patient?