Answering Questions about Pain Management in an Older Adult with Postherpetic Neuralgia

Answer the question in regards to this case study. Use Acceptable resources include your textbook,
UpToDate, peer-reviewed journals obtained from professional websites such as 
Medscape,
CASE STUDY:
1.     
A 64-year-old female presents with a
2-day history of intense pain along her left posterior chest wall. She
complains of a burning rash in this area. Calamine lotion and Tylenol have been
ineffective. Examination reveals allodynia along the left T5 – T7 dermatome,
with a blistering rash in the middle aspect of the dermatome. She is exhausted
and unable to sleep or eat due to intense pain. She is diagnosed with herpes
zoster and prescribed valacyclovir (Valtrex) 1 g three times a day, along with hydrocodone/acetaminophen
(Vicodin) 5/500, 1-2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours. When she returns 1 week later,
the blisters have resolved, but she continues to have significant allodynia. She
is taking the Vicodin but it does not help much. She cannot wear her
undergarments.
QUESTIONS:
a.     
What schedule drug is hydrocodone? In
what situations can an APRN in Texas prescribe this medication?
b.    
What are the major side effects of
concern for older adults taking opioids for pain?
c.     
What would be a non-opioid treatment
option for this patient with postherpetic neuralgia?
d.    
What education does the patient need
regarding this treatment option?