Case Scenario
Ms. Smith, a 78-year-old woman with a history of peptic ulcer
disease and stroke, comes into the clinic following a car
accident. Her car was rear-ended, and she present with
complaints of a headache and pain rate + 6-7/10 in her neck and
shoulders. The nurse takes the client's vital signs: BP – 148/84;
P-102/min; R – 18/min; T – 99.0 (T). The client states she has
allergies to penicillin and codeine and takes Warfarin 5 mg i po
daily since her stroke three years ago. After being examined, the
healthcare provider tells Ms. Smith she is experiencing whiplash
and prescribes a muscle relaxer and aspirin.
1. What subjective and objective data triggers concern for
you?
2. Is the prescribed aspirin the most appropriate medication
for pain control, explain? Which medication may be more
appropriate?
3. What nonpharmacological techniques can be implemented
to help obtain adequate pain relief?