Tutorial 3: Case 2

Question 1

Emma, a young mother with three children and a husband that works FIFO. She is visiting the pharmacy today to buy something for her sore throat. She asks could I have something for a sore throat, please?

A) Who is it for?

B) What are the symptoms?

C) How long have you had these symptoms?

D) Action taken

E) Medications being taken?

F) Medical conditions

G) P/BF

Answer 1

A) It’s for myself

B) I need something for a sore throat

C) Over a week now. Doesn’t seem to be going away

D) Sipping on lemon tea

E) I use a purple puffer. I think its called Seretide and I use Ventolin when I need it. My GP is happy with my asthma management

F) None

G) None

Question 2

Appropriate extended questions

1. ​Are they any other symptoms?
2. Have you had this before?
3. Can you describe the pain? Is it one side?
4. Do you have a fever? Temperature?
5. Have you experienced any swelling of your glands
6. Does the appear to be any pus/white mucus on your tonsils?
7. Can you open your mouth with no problems (peri tonsillar abscess)
8. Is there any change to your voice or any problems swallowing
9. Has anything changed recently? Any travel overseas (diphtheria)?
10. Do you have an asthma action plan?

Answer 2

1. Just a very sore throat
2. I have had sore throats before, though usually with a cold or cough
3. Feels like razor blades most of the day, seems all over my throat
4. No
5. Not that I have noticed
6. No
7. Yes I can open my mouth, no problem
8. No
9. No
10. Yes

Question 3

What is the diagnosis? Explain reasoning to patient

Answer 3

Pharyngitis (viral)

Based on the signs and symptoms you have told me, I believe you have pharyngitis due to a viral infection. Symptoms are just a sore throat so we can manage it with OTC treatment.

Question 4

What product would you recommend for this patient? Provide IDARL.

Answer 4

lidocaine and benzydamine (anesthetic plus anti-inflammatory agent) –> difflam plus

• ​Indication: Anaesthetic will numb the throat, you will have loss of feeling in the throat area. It is also an anti-inflammatory which will further reduce pain.
• Dosage and directions: Suck on one lozenge every 2-3 hours
• Adverse effects: Be careful drinking hot and cold food/drinks straight after sucking on a lozenge.
• Duration of treatment, time to recovery, when to refer: use for a few days unless systemic symptoms occur, refer if pain severely on one side, if there is pus, change in voice
• Lifestyle/self-care: keep throat lubricated, rest voice, rest your body

I will give you a self care-card for pharyngitis and a consumer medication information leaflet. Do you have any questions for me?