A 70-year-old woman comes into your community pharmacy and complains of her recent “joint pain”. She tells you that her hands, especially the thumbs and the ends of the fingers, or getting painful over the last few months. She also experiences some pain on her knees lately.

a) What questions will you ask to gather relevant information before deciding on whether to refer her to a doctor? (5 marks)

Upon questioning, you think that she should be suffering from early osteoarthritis.

b) What pharmacological treatments will you recommend and any counselling on use of over-the-counter or prescription medicines? (6 marks)

c) What non-pharmacological recommendations will you offer? (4 marks)