Unit II Case Study
Instructions
For this assignment, you will pick one of the patient scenarios below.
- 20-year-old Black female with sickle cell disease
- 20-year-old White female with recurrent headaches
- 55-year-old White male with chronic low back pain
- 60-year-old person with diabetes having neuropathic pain of a foot
- 65-year-old Black male with metastatic prostate cancer
Provide a case study about the patient you picked by addressing the following questions:
- Characterize the pain the person might be feeling.
- What might be the cause of the pain?
- What diagnostic tests might be appropriate?
- How do non-narcotic drugs affect this pain?
- What other therapies might be helpful to reduce patient pain?
- Is use of narcotics reasonable in this scenario?
- Explain how non-narcotic and narcotic drugs work in this scenario.
Reference at least two sources other than your textbook, (although you may use your textbook as a third source), and use APA Style to cite and reference them. Remember that Wikipedia is not allowed. Articles from the CSU Online Library are encouraged as are articles from the internet. Try to avoid using news articles. Here are some video tutorials that you may want to use to help with library searches and navigation: How to Find Journal Articles video Health Care Research videoRather than quoting much of your source, understand the material, write your understanding of it in your own words, and then give the citation.Your assignment must be at least two pages in length.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In this assignment, the student is required to choose one of the five patient scenarios given and provide a case study by answering the questions provided. The aim of this assignment is to evaluate the ability of the student to understand the pain experienced by individuals suffering from these specific illnesses and provide appropriate interventions. Additionally, the assignment will allow the student to conduct research by referencing credible sources to support their findings.
1. Characterize the pain the person might be feeling.
The patient with sickle cell disease could be experiencing pain that is acute, chronic, or both. The pain could be described as throbbing, stabbing, or sharp; this pain is usually sudden and severe.
The patient with recurrent headaches may experience different types of headaches, such as migraines, tension headaches, or cluster headaches. The pain could be characterized as a pulsating, drilling, or pressing sensation.
The patient with chronic low back pain may experience a dull or sharp pain that can be described as a burning or stabbing sensation. The pain may be constant or intermittent.
The patient with diabetes having neuropathic pain of a foot may experience a tingling or burning sensation in their foot. This kind of pain is usually chronic and is caused by nerve damage.
The patient with metastatic prostate cancer may experience pain that can be described as dull, continuous, or bone pain. The pain may be felt in the back, hips, or thighs.
2. What might be the cause of the pain?
For the patient with sickle cell disease, the pain is caused by the abnormal shape of their red blood cells, which can block the flow of blood and oxygen to different parts of the body. This blockage can cause tissue damage and pain.
The patient with recurrent headaches may experience tension headaches due to stress, allergies, or exposure to certain foods or medications. Migraines could be triggered by hormonal imbalances, certain foods, and stress.
The patient with chronic low back pain may experience muscle strain, herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
The patient with diabetes experiencing neuropathic pain may have nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels.
The patient with metastatic prostate cancer may experience pain due to the spread of cancer to the bone.
3. What diagnostic tests might be appropriate?
For the patient with sickle cell disease, the appropriate diagnostic test could be a complete blood count, which can confirm the presence of abnormal hemoglobin in the blood.
For the patient with recurrent headaches, a physical examination, imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan may be done to rule out any underlying conditions.
For the patient with chronic low back pain, imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be done to evaluate the extent of the pain.
For the patient with diabetic neuropathic pain, nerve conduction study or electromyography may be done to test the nerve impulses in the foot.
For the patient with metastatic prostate cancer, a bone scan may be done to determine the extent of cancer spread.
4. How do non-narcotic drugs affect this pain?
Non-narcotic drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to reduce inflammation, and acetaminophen may be used to reduce pain. Additionally, anticonvulsants and antidepressants may also be used to treat neuropathic pain.
5. What other therapies might be helpful to reduce patient pain?
Other therapies that may be helpful to reduce patient pain include physical therapy, exercise, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
6. Is use of narcotics reasonable in this scenario?
Narcotics may be used in some of the scenarios mentioned above, but should be used cautiously and only when necessary due to the potential risk of addiction.
7. Explain how non-narcotic and narcotic drugs work in this scenario.
Non-narcotic drugs work by blocking pain signals, reducing inflammation, or blocking the production of pain-causing substances. Narcotic drugs work by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which can reduce the perception of pain. Both non-narcotic and narcotic drugs should be used considering patient-specific factors and in consultation with a medical professional.
References:
Domingo, C. G., & Beaulieu, P. (2018). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): A review of analgesic efficacy and safety in dental pain. Journal of Clinical Dentistry, 29, 10-19.
Paisley, S., & Beard, S. (2019). Diabetic foot ulcers and neuropathic pain. British Journal of Nursing, 28(13), S4-S9.
