Case: Problem Statement
This is an 18-year-old male college student with a history of childhood asthma who presents with acute onset of nonproductive cough, sore throat, fatigue, myalgias, and headache × 4 days. He reports a sick contact, and has not had annual flu vaccine or COVID booster. Physical examination reveals a temperature of 101°F, tachycardia, erythematous pharynx, and anterior cervical lymphadenopathy, but is negative for adventitious breath sounds and hepatosplenomegaly.
Case: Management Plan
Pharmacologic Care:
- Acetaminophen OTC 325 mg 1-2 tabs PO q 4-6 hours; maximum dose 10 tablets per day pm fever, headache, myalgias
- Dextromethorphan HBr + guaifenesin 20mg/400 mg 20 mL PO q 4 hrs; maximum dose 6 doses daily pr cough
Supportive Care:
- Increase fluid intake
- Rest – no class attendance – school note provided for 48 hours
- Marvin Webster Jr i-Human Patients Case Study
Patient Education:
- Offered education on the diagnosis and treatments provided
- Educated patient that oseltamivir is not indicated given timeline since symptom onset
Follow-Up/Disposition:
- Follow up in the student health center if not improving within 48 hours or headache worsens or if shortness of breath develops
- At future visit, address vaccination status – encourage flu vaccine and COVID booster
- Marvin Webster Jr i-Human Patients Case Study
