Chapter 56, Problem 1CS

(1)

Summary Introduction

To explain:

Why did the physician assistant (PA) apply bacitracin instead of clotrimazole?

Case summary:

A.T. is a 16-year-old boy who got cut in his hand while clearing the brush. He applied clotrimazole (Lotrimin) ointment which is the only medication availed in the family medicine cabinet. After two days, the wound was not better and it was very painful and A.T. visited the clinic. The physician assistant (PA) found the laceration was deep and without any drainage. After irrigating the wound with normal saline, the PA applied bacitracin and closed the wound with adhesive strips and dressed it in gauze. A.T. received a tetanus booster vaccine and got instructions from the nurse about the wound care. In addition, he was also suggested to take zinc and vitamin C supplements and also instructed not to use clotrimazole ointment on the wound.

(2)

Summary Introduction

To explain:

What is the purpose of vitamin C and zinc supplements?

Case summary:

A.T. is a 16-year-old boy who got cut in his hand while clearing the brush. He applied clotrimazole (Lotrimin) ointment which is the only medication availed in the family medicine cabinet. After two days, the wound was not better and it was very painful and A.T. visited the clinic. The physician assistant (PA) found the laceration was deep and without any drainage. After irrigating the wound with normal saline, the PA applied bacitracin and closed the wound with adhesive strips and dressed it in gauze. A.T. received a tetanus booster vaccine and got instructions from the nurse about the wound care. In addition, he was also suggested to take zinc and vitamin C supplements and also instructed not to use clotrimazole ointment on the wound.

(3)

Summary Introduction

To determine:

A.T. discovers a rash covering both his arms and legs the next day. The rash is very itchy and the skin is red with small bumps. He knows that there was poison ivy in the brush and wants something to stop the itching. What will be suggested to stop the itching?

Case summary:

A.T. is a 16-year-old boy who got cut in his hand while clearing the brush. He applied clotrimazole (Lotrimin) ointment which is the only medication availed in the family medicine cabinet. After two days, the wound was not better and it was very painful and A.T. visited the clinic. The physician assistant (PA) found the laceration was deep and without any drainage. After irrigating the wound with normal saline, the PA applied bacitracin and closed the wound with adhesive strips and dressed it in gauze. A.T. received a tetanus booster vaccine and got instructions from the nurse about the wound care. In addition, he was also suggested to take zinc and vitamin C supplements and also instructed not to use clotrimazole ointment on the wound.

(4)

Summary Introduction

To explain:

The next evening, as A.T. takes off the dressing to clean his wound finds that the area is swollen and more inflamed, with tiny red bumps around the wound. There is no drainage. What do you think has happened, and what will be done?

Case summary:

A.T. is a 16-year-old boy who got cut in his hand while clearing the brush. He applied clotrimazole (Lotrimin) ointment which is the only medication availed in the family medicine cabinet. After two days, the wound was not better and it was very painful and A.T. visited the clinic. The physician assistant (PA) found the laceration was deep and without any drainage. After irrigating the wound with normal saline, the PA applied bacitracin and closed the wound with adhesive strips and dressed it in gauze. A.T. received a tetanus booster vaccine and got instructions from the nurse about the wound care. In addition, he was also suggested to take zinc and vitamin C supplements and also instructed not to use clotrimazole ointment on the wound.