OCS Pharmacology & Pain Management Flashcards

A patient is prescribed methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis; which precaution should the OCS observe during treatment?

Answer: Monitor for signs of immunosuppression and fatigue; avoid high-intensity exercise during flares

Methotrexate is an immunosuppressant and can cause fatigue and increased infection risk, requiring the OCS to monitor exercise tolerance and avoid vigorous exercise during disease flares.

Topical diclofenac gel is used in orthopedic practice primarily for which purpose?

Answer: Local NSAID delivery with reduced systemic side effects for superficial joint pain

Topical diclofenac provides localized COX inhibition for superficial joints like the knee and hand, with significantly lower systemic absorption and GI side effects compared to oral NSAIDs.

Which pain neuroscience education (PNE) concept helps patients understand why pain does not always equal tissue damage?

Answer: The brain produces pain as a protective output based on perceived threat, not only tissue damage

PNE teaches that the brain creates pain as a protective response based on perceived threat level, which explains why pain and tissue damage are often poorly correlated.

A patient taking bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate) for osteoporosis presents with thigh pain; which serious adverse effect must be considered?

Answer: Atypical femoral fracture

Long-term bisphosphonate use is associated with atypical femoral fractures, often presenting with prodromal thigh pain before complete fracture.

The biopsychosocial model of pain assessment incorporates which three domains?

Answer: Biological (tissue), psychological (thoughts/emotions), and social (environment/context) factors

The biopsychosocial model recognizes that pain is influenced by biological tissue factors, psychological factors such as fear-avoidance beliefs, and social factors including work and support systems.

Which outcome measure is specifically designed to assess pain catastrophizing — a psychological factor strongly associated with poor outcomes in chronic musculoskeletal pain?

Answer: Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)

The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) measures rumination, magnification, and helplessness related to pain, which are strong predictors of disability and chronicity.