A nurse is caring for a client who is taking multiple medications. Which of the following medications should the nurse identify as a controlled substance?

Rationale:

A. Hemoglobin and hematocrit: The client’s hemoglobin (9.1 g/dL) and hematocrit (27%) are significantly below normal, indicating anemia, likely from gastrointestinal bleeding. This finding requires immediate follow-up to prevent further hemodynamic compromise and assess for ongoing blood loss.

B. Stool results: The client reports dark, tarry stool, which is indicative of melena and gastrointestinal bleeding. Positive hemoccult (if confirmed) further supports active bleeding. Prompt evaluation is necessary to identify the source and prevent severe anemia or shock.

C. Temperature: The client’s temperature is 37.5°C (99.5°F), which is mildly elevated but not critically high. It does not indicate an immediate life-threatening condition, though it should be monitored as part of ongoing assessment for infection.

D. WBC count: The WBC is 6,700/mm³, which is within normal limits. There is no indication of acute infection requiring immediate intervention at this time.

E. Respiratory rate: The respiratory rate of 18/min is within normal limits and does not require immediate follow-up.

F. Heart rate: The client’s heart rate is 118/min, which is tachycardic and may indicate hypovolemia from blood loss. Immediate monitoring and intervention are warranted to prevent cardiovascular compromise.

G. Blood pressure: The client’s blood pressure is 90/50 mm Hg, which is hypotensive. This may result from fluid loss due to bleeding and requires urgent assessment and stabilization to prevent shock.

H. Current medications: The client is taking high-dose ibuprofen (800 mg three times daily), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcer formation. This directly relates to the client’s presenting symptoms and requires immediate review and discontinuation.

Rationale:

A. WBC count 10,000/mm³ (5,000 to 10,000/mm³): This value is at the upper limit of normal. Mild elevations can occur during early pregnancy due to physiological changes and do not typically require immediate reporting unless accompanied by signs of infection.

B. Fasting blood glucose 80 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL): This value falls within the normal fasting glucose range for adults and is not concerning during early pregnancy. No intervention or reporting is necessary for this result.

C. Hematocrit 30% (37% to 47%): This value is below the normal range, indicating anemia. Early pregnancy anemia can increase the risk of maternal fatigue, preterm birth, and low birth weight. The nurse should report this finding to the provider for further evaluation and possible iron supplementation.

D. RBC count 6 million/mm³ (4.2 to 6.1 million/mm³): This value is within the normal range for red blood cells. It does not indicate any immediate concern and does not require reporting to the provider.