Anyone else ever had a case like this?
Homecare patient, 50 yr. old male, NIDDM, has had 2 episodes of severe pain in his shoulders (alternating sides, about a year apart.) His pulse was up over 100, his BP was up, and when I asked him to sit up in bed, the sweat immediately popped out on his forehead, and he BEGGED to lie back down again! He rated his pain at an 8/10, and after seeing his symptoms, I was sure that was legit.
Now, I've NEVER seen this before, and suspect some other underlying cause. The consensus with the other nurses is that he's a non-compliant diabetic (not testing his B.S., this I know for sure, but not sure about his diet). They say he's brought this all on himself, and I should discharge him, and let the doctor figure out how to get him comfortable and compliant. The doc does do house calls. He has the pt. on oxycet 1-2 tabs. q 6 h. for pain, as well as Gabapentin TID.
Suggestions and comments welcome.