Assignment task:
A 41-year-old Hispanic male patient presents at the community walk-in clinic for an ER follow-up. He was seen yesterday for right knee pain after pivoting quickly during a soccer game. He hand carries an MRI report showing he was diagnosed with a full-thickness ACL tear. He was discharged with a knee immobilizer, crutches, and ibuprofen for pain. He has a follow-up appointment with ortho in three days. He reports minimal relief with 800 mg ibuprofen qid, rest, ice, and elevation. Current pain level is reported at a 9 out of 10, and you note the patient to be uncomfortable and grimacing in pain.
Case Questions:
1. You have decided to prescribe an opioid analgesic for this patient. What analgesic would you prescribe, and why?
2. Access your state's prescribing guidelines. Based on these guidelines, how many days of the opioid would you provide? What resources are available to help you prescribe safely for this patient? Are there any database checks required by your state to help you identify potential issues with drug diversion? Summarize your state's opioid prescribing guidelines.
3. What are some additional nonpharmacological comfort measures to recommend for this patient?