Musculoskeletal Disorders in a Patient

The patient’s history and conditions

The patient is 58 years old and has a history of osteoarthritis, as well as severe knee pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is a joint degenerative disease. She is an elderly lady who has lived a mostly inactive existence. This has contributed to the development of her osteoarthritis at this age.

The patient’s degenerative and lifestyle disorders

Furthermore, the patient has a history of degenerative and lifestyle disorders such as hypertension, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, and obesity. These disorders frequently manifest in a number of senior persons as they age. They can, however, be triggered by bad lifestyle choices, particularly when it comes to diet and exercise. Meloxicam 15 mg was previously prescribed to the patient on a daily basis. This was largely targeted towards easing the pain in her joints caused by Osteoarthritis. However, this was not the appropriate treatment for her given her history of hypertension and myocardial infarction. Meloxicam, as much as it is effective as a preventive drug against inflammation, has the side effect of increasing the possibility of a heart attack significantly especially when taken for a long time or in high doses. Currently, she is on Eliquis 5 mg twice daily for 6 months and taking Meloxicam is contraindicated. The drug is meant to prevent clotting of blood and thus counter the occurrence of pulmonary embolism which can be deadly.

Follow-Up Care

She was referred to a hematologist for evaluation and to recommend what medicine she can safely take with Eliquis. The hematologist shall be tasked with examining her blood and conducting the necessary tests that shall determine the possible causes of her pulmonary embolism and the type of drugs that can be combined to form an effective treatment regime for her (Hertling, 2005).

References

Hertling, D. (2005). Management of Common Musculoskeletal Disorders: Physical Therapy Principles and Methods (Management of Common Musculoskeletal Disorders (Hertling)). LWW; Fourth edition.