Role of APRN and pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments specific to patient’s condition.

APRNs have various roles in this case. One of the roles is to comprehensive assess the patient by collecting data regarding his past medical history and current clinical manifestation to provide proper diagnosis. Another role is to provide patient education. The patient should be educated about OA and how it will impact his life in the long run. Patient education will ensure that the patient is conversant with his health status. APRN is also responsible for prescribing medications and ensuring that the patient takes the medications has prescribed.

The patient can be prescribed oral acetaminophen for treatment since it is effective in treating knee OA (Brophy & Fillingham, 2022). He can be prescribed acetaminophen 325 mg to 1 g orally every six hours (Brophy & Fillingham, 2022). If the pain persists, he can be asked to take it every four hours. Non-pharmacological treatment includes the development of a plan to help the patient lose weight. He can also engage in light exercises that do not put pressure on his knees (Brophy & Fillingham, 2022). Physical therapy and massage from professionals can also help him recover.

Prognosis and long-term care considerations.

OA is a chronic pain condition with no cure. As time goes on, the disease progresses and becomes worse. Treatments are used to reduce denegation but not to cure it (Brophy & Fillingham, 2022). Ultimately, the patient might undergo surgery to replace his hip or leg. The patient’s prognosis is not bad, considering that he has other medical problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity (Brophy & Fillingham, 2022). Medications are expected to slow the disease. However, it will become worse in the next 10 to 15 years.

Long-term care considerations include physical therapy, the use of mobility aids such as canes, using a wheelchair to reduce pressure on the knee, and surgery in the next eight to 10 years. The patient can also benefit from education on how to live with the condition (Brophy & Fillingham, 2022). He should also be enrolled in a weight loss program as a way of managing the condition in the long term.

Conclusion

The patient has OA. Some factors that increase the patient’s risk of developing OA include his weight, age, previous surgery, and past injury in the hip and knee. The patient should be prescribed painkillers such as acetaminophen to help reduce pain. However, treatment should focus on long-term management. He should be urged to engage in a weight loss program, take medications as prescribed, and prepare for surgery if the disease progresses.

References

Brophy, R. H., & Fillingham, Y. A. (2022). AAOS clinical practice guideline summary: management of osteoarthritis of the knee (nonarthroplasty). JAAOS-Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 30(9), e721-e729. https://journals.lww.com/jaaos/fulltext/2022/05010/aaos_clinical_practice_guideline_summary_.10.aspx

Center for Disease Control. (2023). National statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/national-statistics.html