A 57-year-old client requests opioid medication for chronic headaches, stating acetaminophen and ibuprofen are not working. They report attempting to eat healthier without success. Stress from work regularly interrupts their sleep schedule. What is one of the best next steps for ethical pain management for this person?
a. Prescribe opioids for her chronic headache.
b. Prescribe an alternative non-opioid medication known to be helpful in some cases of chronic headaches.
c. Prescribe zolpidem.
d. Refer them to a pain specialist.