Assignment Directions
Discussion: Mr. Smith brings his 4-year-old to your office with chief complaints of right ear pain, sneezing, mild cough, and low-grade fever of 100 degrees for the last 72 hours. Today, the child is alert, cooperative, and well hydrated. You note a mildly erythemic throat with no exudate, both ears mild pink tympanic membrane with good movement, lungs clear. You diagnose an acute upper respiratory infection, probably viral in nature. Mr. Smith is states that the family is planning a trip out of town starting tomorrow and would like an antibiotic just in case.
Create a communication plan for Mr. Smith and/or families for both prescriptive and non-prescriptive drug therapies. Describe what you would tell Mr. Smith and the child. Provide resources that Mr. Smith could access which would provide information concerning your decision.
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Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, the communication plan for Mr. Smith and his family for the treatment of his child’s upper respiratory infection is crucial. In this case, Mr. Smith requested antibiotics for his child, which is not suitable for a viral infection. The following plan will outline the prescriptive and non-prescriptive drug therapies for Mr. Smith’s child and provide a clear communication plan for the family to understand the treatment.
Answer:
Prescriptive Drug Therapy:
The child is diagnosed with a viral upper respiratory infection, which means antibiotics are not necessary. Antibiotics are for bacterial infections, and prescribing them for viral infections can cause resistance to develop and harm the child’s body. Instead, prescribe antipyretics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever, and decongestants like pseudoephedrine or nasal saline drops for nasal congestion.
Non-Prescriptive Drug Therapy:
Non-prescriptive drug therapies include adequate hydration to flush out mucus and warm saline gargles for sore throat relief. Mr. Smith could try using a humidifier in the child’s bedroom to help the child breathe easier and avoid dryness.
Communication Plan:
It is important to explain to Mr. Smith the difference between a viral and a bacterial infection and the appropriate use of antibiotics. Inform him that antibiotics are not needed for viral infections and can lead to antibiotic resistance. Inform him of the prescriptive and non-prescriptive drug therapies available for his child’s symptoms and explain how they will help with symptom management. Finally, explain to him the importance of monitoring the child’s symptoms and seeking medical attention if they worsen.
Resources:
Provide Mr. Smith with resources such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) website and handouts that clarify the appropriate use of antibiotics and how to manage viral infections. The AAP provides a helpful guide on when antibiotics are needed, which would be beneficial for Mr. Smith. The website also offers a list of non-prescriptive therapy options for the common cold.
Conclusion:
The communication plan for Mr. Smith and his family should clarify the prescriptive and non-prescriptive drug therapies available to alleviate the child’s symptoms and explain the importance of avoiding the use of antibiotics for viral infections. By providing useful resources, Mr. Smith can obtain more information that clarifies the effectiveness of different treatment options to manage his child’s symptoms.
