The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia as the result of a gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. What discharge instruction should the nurse provide if this client is also prescribed aspirin 81 mg daily?

Choice A reason: Withholding the dose and reassessing the blood pressure in 30 minutes is not the most appropriate action at this time. Furosemide is a drug that reduces fluid retention and swelling by increasing the urine output. ¹ The client has pulmonary congestion, which means that there is excess fluid in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing and low oxygen levels. ² Delaying the administration of furosemide may worsen the client's condition and increase the risk of complications, such as pulmonary edema or heart failure.

Choice B reason: Calling the healthcare provider to obtain an order for oral furosemide is not the most appropriate action at this time. Oral furosemide is a tablet that is swallowed and absorbed by the digestive system. ¹ It takes longer to act than intravenous (IV) furosemide, which is injected directly into the bloodstream. ¹ The client has pulmonary congestion, which requires immediate treatment to relieve the fluid accumulation in the lungs. Switching to oral furosemide may delay the therapeutic effect and compromise the client's outcome.

Choice C reason: Administering the medication and notifying the healthcare provider of the blood pressure is the most appropriate action at this time. Furosemide is a drug that reduces fluid retention and swelling by increasing the urine output. ¹ The client has pulmonary congestion, which means that there is excess fluid in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing and low oxygen levels. ² Administering IV furosemide can help remove the excess fluid from the lungs and improve the client's breathing and oxygenation. However, furosemide can also lower the blood pressure by reducing the volume of fluid in the blood vessels. ¹ The client already has low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness, fainting, or shock. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider of the blood pressure and monitor the client for any signs of hypotension or adverse reactions.

Choice D reason: Administering the dose and continuing to monitor the vital signs is not the most appropriate action at this time. Furosemide is a drug that reduces fluid retention and swelling by increasing the urine output. ¹ The client has pulmonary congestion, which means that there is excess fluid in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing and low oxygen levels. ² Administering IV furosemide can help remove the excess fluid from the lungs and improve the client's breathing and oxygenation. However, furosemide can also lower the blood pressure by reducing the volume of fluid in the blood vessels. ¹ The client already has low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness, fainting, or shock. The nurse should not only monitor the vital signs, but also notify the healthcare provider of the blood pressure and report any changes or concerns.

Choice A reason: The client requires additional teaching if they state that they can have aspirin for pain after the bone marrow aspiration. Aspirin is a drug that inhibits platelet aggregation and increases the risk of bleeding. ¹ The client should avoid aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for at least 48 hours after the procedure. ² The client should use acetaminophen or another pain reliever that does not affect blood clotting.

Choice B reason: The client does not require additional teaching if they state that the nurse will check the puncture site at least every 4 hours after the procedure. This is a correct statement, as the nurse should monitor the site for signs of bleeding, infection, or hematoma. ² The nurse should also apply pressure and a sterile dressing to the site and instruct the client to keep it dry and clean for 24 hours.

Choice C reason: The client does not require additional teaching if they state that they will have some pain that is similar to a toothache. This is a correct statement, as the client may experience mild to moderate pain at the site of the aspiration, which may radiate to the hip or back. ² The pain usually subsides within a few hours or days.

Choice D reason: The client does not require additional teaching if they state that they understand that this is a sterile procedure. This is a correct statement, as the bone marrow aspiration is performed under sterile conditions to prevent infection. ² The nurse should wear gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection and use a sterile needle, syringe, and antiseptic solution.