The patient has been at the skilled nursing facility for 2 weeks and is making progress toward rehabilitation goals; however, during a follow-up appointment to her surgeon, she learned that she has metastatic ovarian cancer
Part 3:
She was discharged to a skilled nursing facility and is receiving physical therapy and occupational therapy 6 days each week.
Current Meds: Metoprolol succinate ER 50 mg daily; rivaroxaban 20 mg daily; levothyroxine 150 mcg daily; polyethylene glycol 3350 17 g daily; lisinopril 2.5 mg daily; amiodarone 200 mg daily; sertraline 50 mg daily, hydrocodone/acetaminophen 10/325 mg every 6 hours as needed for pain.
Pain Assessment: Patient reports pain of 7 out of 10; worse with movement. She complains of pain “everywhere, but my shoulder is really bothering me.” Physical therapy notes indicate patient is unable to complete therapy goals due to complaints of pain in her shoulder.
- Based on this information, what would you recommend to optimize pain control?
- Prescribers play a critical role in prescription drug misuse and abuse prevention. What steps can be taken to identify signs of dependence and abuse and what education can you provide to the patient regarding the negative effects of medication misuse?
Part 4:
The patient has been at the skilled nursing facility for 2 weeks and is making progress toward rehabilitation goals; however, during a follow-up appointment to her surgeon, she learned that she has metastatic ovarian cancer.
She states that she has not been sleeping well and has lost 7 lb (3.2 kg) since admission. She also states that she hates waiting for her pain pills and requests something longer acting.
Pain Assessment: 8 out of 10
Current Meds: Metoprolol succinate ER 50 mg daily; rivaroxaban 20 mg daily; levothyroxine 150 mcg daily; polyethylene glycol 3350 17 g daily; lisinopril 2.5 mg daily; amiodarone 200 mg daily; sertraline 50 mg daily; diclofenac transdermal gel 1% to neck and left shoulder four times daily; hydrocodone/acetaminophen 10/325 mg every 4 hours as needed for pain (uses 6 doses per day).
- What additional recommendations would you have at this time regarding pain management?
- Are there any other therapeutic issues that should be addressed?
Part 5:
The patient was discharged to her home, but 3 months after discharge was admitted to hospice service. She is no longer able to swallow her tablets and requires them to be crushed. The hospice nurse requests your advice on an equivalent regimen using transdermal fentanyl and oxycodone for breakthrough pain.
Pain Assessment: 8 out of 10
Current Meds: Metoprolol succinate ER 50 mg daily; rivaroxaban 20 mg daily; levothyroxine 150 mcg daily; polyethylene glycol 3350 17 g daily; lisinopril 2.5 mg daily; amiodarone 200 mg daily; diclofenac transdermal gel 1% to neck and left shoulder four times daily; morphine sulfate ER 30 mg twice daily; mirtazapine 15 mg at bedtime.
- What additional recommendations would you have at this time regarding pain management?
- Are there any other therapeutic issues that should be addressed?
