Kate, age 57 years, is experiencing severe rheumatoid arthritisin her wrists, fingers, and knees. The joints are quite inflamed,red, and swollen. She is sitting rigidly in a chair and refuses toput on a sweater, even though she is shivering, or let anyone touchher arms. She has been prescribed an analgesic and ananti-inflammatory drug, but her dose is not due for another hour.She is feeling nauseated, so she has not eaten for the past 8hours.
Discuss the potential treatment strategies andmedications involved to relieve the pain being experienced by thepatient. Explain the complications of continueduse of over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs)medications. What other medications are appropriate for thispatient, and why?
