An adolescent female reports facial pain and frequent popping of her jaw. An exam reveals unilateral tender facial muscles and a deviation of the mandible to the affected side with opening of the mouth. What will the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The adolescent is exhibiting symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), which is often caused by muscle tension and clenching of the jaw. The recommended treatment includes rest, application of ice packs, NSAIDs for pain relief, and a soft diet to avoid further discomfort. Referring to a mental health specialist or orthodontist is not necessary at this point. Botox is not the first-line treatment for TMD and should only be considered after other conservative treatment options have been exhausted.

An Adolescent Female Reports Facial Pain and Frequent Popping of Her