week 10 ARPN discussion
Howard is a 24 year-old male who presents to the clinic his wife for what he states is severe lower back pain. He states the pain is so bad that he rates it as a “50 out of 10.” He also tells you that due to a past medical history of an ulcer, he cannot take any medications “like Motrin.” He states that the pain is from a car accident in 2012, and that it flairs up and he needs pain medications. He also tells you that he has a high pain tolerance, and that when he gets pain meds he requires the higher doses.
You are concerned that this patient may have a substance abuse problem.
1.What screening testing is available for you to use that is reliable and valid?
2.What strategies would you suggest for this patient if he was found to have a problem?
3.What type of referrals would you make?
