OSCE Flashcards
self care tip for muscle and joint pain
- rubbing the area
- hot or cold compress
what is the maximum daily dose of paracetamol for adults?
two 500mg tablets four times a day
NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen are used for what?
- relieve pain and fever
- reduce swelling and inflammation
what is the maximum daily dose of ibuprofen for adults?
400mg up to three times a day, leave four hours between doses
what are the possible contra-indications for NSAIDs?
- asthma
- stomach problems e.g. ulcers
- kidney and liver problems
- pregnancy especially >30 weeks
minimum age for aspirin
16
possible contra-indications for aspirin?
- asthma
- stomach problems e.g. ulcers
- patients taking anticoagulants e.g. warfarin
minimum age for combination opioid products
12
cluster headache characteristics
- severe pain on one side
- sudden, uncommon
- usually everyday in bouts of weeks/months
cluster headache pharmacy treatment
refer to GP, paracetamol no effect
what is the first choice of painkiller for pregnant women?
paracetamol
red flag symptoms for back pain?
- pain radiating down the leg, below the knee
- numbness below the waist
- back lump, swelling
- worse at night
- no improvement 2/3 weeks
red flag for joint pain?
accompanying symptoms such as fever, tiredness, generally unwell
first line OTC care for joint and muscle pain?
pain relief gels e.g.
- ibuprofen gel
- deep freeze/heat
How long is normal for cold symptoms to persist?
1-2 weeks
minimal age for decongestants
6
how long can children aged between 6 and 12 take decongestants?
no longer than five days
what other type of medicine can be included in combination products for cold and flu but can cause drowsiness?
antihistamines e.g. diphenhydramine
nasal decongestant sprays often contain what?
what is the recommended time limit for use of such nasal sprays? Why?
xylometazoline and/or oxymetazoline
up to seven days
can cause rebound congestion ie. reappearance of symptoms
what are inhalants or vapour rubs good for?
alleviating blocked noses, sinuses
what do preventative nasal sprays do?
help to stop colds from developing
what signs distinguish flu from a cold?
- flu appears quickly (hours), colds gradually
- sudden fever (38+)
- aching, tiredness
- loss of appetite, gastric issues
a chesty cough is
productive
a dry, tickly cough is
non-productive
productive cough treatments
expectorants (12 yrs+)
include ingredients such as guaifenesin
What sorts of patients with a cough should automatically be referred to a pharmacist?
- children under 6
- pregnant and breastfeeding women
Treatment for adults, children over 12 with tickly cough?
Cough suppressants e.g dextromethorphan
Those containing diphenhydramine for cough suppression
What sorts of ingredients are good for soothing the throat?
Who might products containing these ingredients not be suitable for?
Glycerin, honey, lemon
Diabetics because likely high in sugar
What sorts of meds can be offered for sore throats?
What kind of APIs?
Throat sprays, lozenges, anti-inflammatories
E.g. benzydamine hydrochloride - Difflam
What sorts of lozenges may also be helpful for sore throats?
What do they contain?
Antiseptic lozenges
Benzalkonium, dichlorobenzyl, hexylresorcinol, tyrothricin
What sorts of lozenges/throat sprays should be considered for sore throats?
- painkillers and anti-inflammatory
- antiseptic
- local anaesthetic
- soothing
What is an example of an API that acts as a local anaesthetic in lozenges/throat sprays?
How long can such products be used for?
Benzocaine
No more than 5 days
What patients are lozenges unsuitable for?
- elderly
- children under 12
Minimum age for throat spray?
6
What do soothing lozenges contain?
What are the benefits?
Who must be careful using them?
Lemon, honey etc
Help produce saliva to lubricate throat
People with diabetes - look for SF