A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for ibuprofen to treat postpartum cramping. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask prior to administering the medication? (Select all that apply.)
A.
“Are you taking over-the-counter medications?”
B.
“Do you have a history of gastric problems?”
C.
“What kind of contraception will you be using?”
D.
“Are you being treated for high blood pressure?”
E.
“Do you have a history of cataracts?”
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answers are A, B, D.
Explanation:
- “Are you taking over-the-counter medications?” (A): This question is crucial because ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly available over-the-counter. It is important to assess if the client is taking other medications, particularly other NSAIDs or medications containing salicylates (like aspirin), to avoid potential overdosing or increased risk of side effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding.
- “Do you have a history of gastric problems?” (B): This question addresses the gastrointestinal risks associated with NSAID use. Ibuprofen can irritate the gastric lining and increase the risk of ulcers and bleeding, particularly in individuals with a history of peptic ulcers, gastritis, or other gastric issues. Identifying these risks beforehand helps in making informed decisions about medication administration and considering alternatives if necessary.
- “Are you being treated for high blood pressure?” (D): NSAIDs like ibuprofen can cause fluid retention and may interfere with antihypertensive medications, leading to increased blood pressure. Patients with a history of hypertension should be monitored closely when taking ibuprofen, and it may be prudent to consider alternative pain relief options if they have poorly controlled hypertension.
- “What kind of contraception will you be using?” (C): While important for overall care and understanding the client’s reproductive plans, this question is less relevant to the immediate considerations for administering ibuprofen.
- “Do you have a history of cataracts?” (E): This question is not particularly relevant to ibuprofen use. While there are some associations between NSAIDs and ocular issues, they are not direct contraindications for ibuprofen administration.
By asking questions A, B, and D, the nurse ensures that the medication is administered safely, minimizing the risks of adverse effects while addressing the client’s postpartum cramping effectively.