Question

Mr. K. is a 62-year-old man who lives alone. He was admitted 4 days ago to an extended-care facility on his
third postoperative day from a right total knee replacement for care and rehabilitation until he can safely
care for himself at home. He has prescribed hydrocodone with acetaminophen (Vicodin) for pain control.
The prescription reads: “Vicodin (5 mg hydrocodone; 300 mg acetaminophen) one to two tablets every 4 to
6 hours as needed for pain.” He tells you that overall, his pain is not bad except when he comes back from
physical therapy. Then it is “really roaring.” He also says he tries to take the drug just at that time so that he
does not become addicted.
What type of pain is he having?
How will you know the severity of “really roaring” pain?
What specific type of drug is Vicodin?
What type of change(s) could be made in drug delivery with the current prescription to help relieve his pain
more effectively? .
What will you tell him about his potential for addiction?
If he were to receive two Vicodin tablets every 4 hours around the clock, what would be his total dose of
acetaminophen for the day?

Answer 1

Pain of patient:-

Patient may have swelling,infection,wound healing and persistent pain, etc.

Severity of pain.:-

It is more pain than hip replacement surgery. The pain is more at the time with swelling,wound healing and especially with inflammation.

The roaring pain says that he is suffering from severe inflammation,etc.

Vicodin:-

This is the medication with combination of pain killing hydrocodone and paracetamol. This medication is used to treat the moderate and severe pain . This works in the brain to change your body feels and responses for pain. Vicodine is a pain killer, that will be taken orally by mouth.

Drug delivery changes should be made:-

It should be taken in liquid form.

Potential of addiction:-

Hydrocodone is an opioid in class of drugs known as narcotic analgesic. This connects the proteins in brain and spinal cord results in addiction of this Vicodin.

Dose of acetaminophen:-

The tablet is of 300 mg. if it is taken for every hours in clock that is 3 times , the dosage is 900 mg per day. As 4+4+4=12 or 4×3=12.