A nurse is caring for a client who has deep-vein thrombosis and a new prescription for antiembolitic stockings.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

"Have you had any stomach pain or bloody stools?"

Rationale:

• A. Muscle stiffness is not a common or serious adverse effect of ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is an antiinflammatory drug that can reduce pain and stiffness caused by arthritis.
• B. Stomach pain or bloody stools are signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a serious and potentially fatal adverse effect of ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause ulceration, perforation, and hemorrhage of the stomach or intestines . The nurse should ask the client about any gastrointestinal symptoms and advise them to avoid alcohol, smoking, and other NSAIDs while taking ibuprofen.
• C. Dry cough is not a common or serious adverse effect of ibuprofen. Dry cough is more likely to be caused by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which are used to treat hypertension and heart failure.
• D. Increase in urine output is not a common or serious adverse effect of ibuprofen. Ibuprofen can cause renal impairment, which can lead to decreased urine output, not increased urine output. The nurse should monitor the client's renal function tests and fluid balance while taking ibuprofen.

- A. This client is at risk of harming themselves by removing the IV line, which could cause bleeding, infection, or loss of medication. This is a priority issue that requires immediate intervention by the nurse.

- B. This client is experiencing a common side effect of pain medication, which can be managed by administering antiemetics, fluids, or changing the medication. This is not a life-threatening issue and can be addressed after attending to the client in choice A.

- C. This client has a chronic condition that requires regular dialysis, but they are not in acute distress at this time. They should be monitored for signs of fluid overload, electrolyte imbalance, or infection, but they are not a priority over the client in choice A.

- D. This client has a psychosocial need that should be respected and supported by the nurse, but it is not an urgent issue that requires immediate attention. The nurse can arrange for a visit from the chaplain after attending to the client in choice A.