Question

1) Angie’s 10-year-old son has been seen by the physician for a sore throat. Dr. Good has determined that an antibiotic is not needed; however, he asks you to give Angie a sample of liquid Tylenol and to recommend a dose of 12.5 ml up to 4 times per day for pain. How can you clarify these instructions for Angie?

2) Michael has arrived for his second visit near the end of the day’s office hours. He does not have an appointment, but claims to be suffering from extreme back pain. On his last visit he was given a prescription for an opioid analgesic. He says that he is new to the area, his records from his previous physician have not arrived at your office, and when asked for contact information, he promises instead to contact the office himself when he gets home. How would you handle this situation

Answer 1

1. Tyelenol is a medication prescription for children with complaint of pain and for pain relief proposes. Since the doctor checked Angie's son and found the sore throat was not a throat infection so pain relief medication in the form of Tylenol was prescribed. Tyelenol in the liquid form is given to children above 2 years if age. Since Angie's son is 10 year old liquid Tylenol can he given and according to that age and weight a standard dosage 12.5 mL was prescribed. Taking Tylenol in excess amount can make the child sick and affect his critics organs such as liver. Also giving this medication multiple times (4 times) is suggested so as to assess the pain relief and then give the next dose of medication of required. Do not give the medication if the pain is subsided. This is what we would clarify Angie regarding medication instructions.

2. Refusal to provide by Michael is suspicious and is clear red flag. The medical records are not presented band it can be due to his history to addiction to opiod analgesics and abuse. Since this is the second visit and his reluctance to share the contact information indicates alterior motives and false intentions. This is a tricky situation to handle but being a healthcare professional our first and foremost responsibility is to assess and treat the patient. So in this case we would assess if Micheal is really in pain and confirm his record and ID and then move as per the medical treatment necessity. Always remember abuse of treatment is to be avoided and above all never deny medical treatment to any patient without proper assessment.