Tutorial 6: Case 2

Question 1

Joyce, a 50-year-old woman wants something for her daughter Jasmine who has asked her to buy something for her headache. Joyce has jasmine on the phone to make sure she gets the best thing.

A) Who is it for? How old is she?

B) What are the symptoms?

C) How long have you had these symptoms?

D) Action taken

E) Medications being taken?

F) Medical conditions

G) Allergies?

H) P/BF

Answer 1

A) My daughter, Jasmine (she is 15 years old)

B) Headache mostly pain across the forehead

C) Since early this morning, about 5-6 hours

D) Hasn’t taken anything yet

E) None

F) None

G) None known

H) No

Question 2

Appropriate extended questions (ask can I speak to her on the phone)

1. Describe the pain (ache, throbbing, sudden, location -one-sided?)
2. Is pain triggered by anything? Is pain affected by movement or laying down?
3. How would you rate the pain (1-10)
4. Have you had this before?
5. Has medication helped previously
6. Anything changed recently
7. Any problems sleeping or changes in mood?

Answer 2

1. General pain mostly across the front of the head, feels like a tight headband on her head
2. Doesn’t seem to be affected by much except has got worse whilst she is trying to finish this big assignment
3. 3/10
4. When she studies too long with little sleep it can happen from time to time
5. She has taken painkillers once or twice, but we cannot remember which ones, just whatever was available at home
6. She hasnt had a good sleep for a couple of nights to this assignment
7. hasnt had a good sleep or a couple of nights due to this assignment, staying up late, not getitng much sleep

Question 3

What is the diagnosis? Explain reasoning to patient

Answer 3

Based on the signs and symptoms you/your daughter have told me, I believe she has a tension-type headache. The feeling of a tight headband on her head, pain across the forehead has confirmed my diagnosis. Most likely triggered by her lack of sleep and staying up late.

Question 4

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

Answer 4

Paracetamol

• Indication: Pandaol is antipyretic and analgesic. It will relief the pain around the head.
• Dosage and directions: Take 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours, max 8 a day. Don’t take any other products containing paracetamol.
• Adverse effects: Generally well tolerated
• Duration of treatment, time to recovery, when to refer: Take for symptom relief. I will refer her to a doctor if she gets a fever, muscle pain or weakness.
• Lifestyle/self care: Stress reduction, pay attention to posture, healthy diet.

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