Final answer:
For a patient with OA on a knee x-ray, you should perform a physical exam and take a medical history, consider further diagnostic tests, and prescribe pain meds as needed. Immediate knee surgery should not be scheduled as non-surgical treatments are often effective.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient with osteoarthritis (OA) on knee x-ray comes for an initial visit, the appropriate steps to take are to perform a thorough physical examination and take a detailed medical history. Additional diagnostic tests may be ordered to support the diagnosis of OA or to rule out other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Prescribing medication for pain relief is also a common course of action, often beginning with acetaminophen and moving to NSAIDs if needed, both of which should be used cautiously due to potential side effects. Joint replacement surgery is usually considered as a last resort, after other treatments have been tried or if the patient's quality of life is significantly affected by the OA.
What should not be done is to schedule the patient for knee surgery immediately without exploring other treatment options. Many non-surgical treatments are effective in managing OA symptoms, including exercise, weight management, and pain relief methods. Surgery is often only necessary when these methods have not provided sufficient relief.