Mary arrives to the urgent care clinic with her 8 year old daughter Susie. Susie has been complaining of a sore throat, sneezing, coughing, fever >100', and chills. A rapid strep test and an influenza test were run on Susie. Both results came back negative. The nurse practitioner diagnosed Susie with a common cold.
- Mary the nurse asks you why the NP has not prescribed antibiotics? What is your best response to Mary?
- The nurse practitioner has recommended alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen to treat the fever and pain from the sore throat. What education points regarding acetaminophen and ibuprofen are important to communicate to Mary and Susie?
- What non-pharmacological options can you recommend to Mary and Susie to help alleviate Susie's symptoms?
- What discharge instructions would you provide to Mary and Susie regarding the diagnosis of a common cold?