Analgesics and Pain Management Medications > Pharmacology
Exam Review
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Total Questions : 5
Showing 5 questions, Sign in for moreA nurse is caring for a patient who is taking NSAIDs for arthritis.
Which of the following is a common side effect of NSAIDs?
Explanation
Gastrointestinal irritation is a common side effect of NSAIDs.NSAIDs can cause stomach problems such as indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, bleeding and ulcers.Taking NSAIDs with food, milk or antacids may help reduce these side effects.
Choice A is wrong because hypertension is not a common side effect of NSAIDs.However, NSAIDs can increase blood pressure in some people, especially if they have high blood pressure or take blood pressure medications.
Choice B is wrong because hypotension is not a common side effect of NSAIDs.NSAIDs do not lower blood pressure, but they may reduce the effect of some blood pressure medications.
Choice D is wrong because bradycardia is not a common side effect of NSAIDs.NSAIDs do not affect the heart rate, but they may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in some people, especially if they have heart disease or take high doses for a long time.
A nurse is caring for a patient who is taking NSAIDs for arthritis. The patient reports experiencing gastrointestinal irritation after taking the medication.
Which of the following statements by the patient indicates an understanding of the teaching?
Explanation
The patient should report any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding to their healthcare provider. NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal irritation by blocking the COX-1 enzyme, which protects the lining of the stomach from acid.This can lead to ulcers and internal bleeding in some cases.Therefore, the patient should be aware of the symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as black or bloody stools, abdominal pain, or vomiting blood.
Choice A is wrong because taking NSAIDs on an empty stomach can increase the risk of gastrointestinal irritation and ulcers.The patient should take NSAIDs with food or milk to reduce stomach acid exposure.
Choice B is wrong because avoiding alcohol while taking NSAIDs is not enough to prevent gastrointestinal irritation.Alcohol can also irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of bleeding, but it does not eliminate the effect of NSAIDs on the COX-1 enzyme.
Choice D is wrong because taking NSAIDs with antacids may not prevent gastrointestinal irritation and ulcers.Antacids can neutralize some of the stomach acids, but they do not affect the COX-1 enzyme or the prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining.The patient may need a prescription medication such as a proton pump inhibitor or misoprostol to reduce the risk of NSAID-induced ulcers.
A client is prescribed selective COX-2 inhibitors for pain relief.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
Explanation
These medications have less gastrointestinal and bleeding side effects than nonselective COX inhibitors.This is because selective COX-2 inhibitors block only COX-2 enzymes, which are mainly involved in inflammation, and do not affect COX-1 enzymes, which help protect the stomach and intestinal lining and control blood clotting.
Choice A is wrong because these medications do not block both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, but only COX-2 enzymes.
Choice B is wrong because it is an incomplete statement.These medications do block only COX-2 enzymes, but this does not explain how they differ from nonselective COX inhibitors.
Choice D is wrong because it is a potential adverse effect of these medications, not a benefit.These medications may increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke by reducing the production of prostacyclin, which inhibits platelet aggregation and vasodilation.
A nurse is caring for a patient who is prescribed nonselective COX inhibitors for pain relief.
Which of the following statements by the nurse indicates an understanding of the medication?
Explanation
Nonselective COX inhibitors are indicated for mild to moderate pain caused by inflammation, injury, surgery, dysmenorrhea, headache, fever, and cancer. This statement reflects an understanding of the medication’s mechanism of action and indications.
Choice A is wrong because nonselective COX inhibitors block both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.Blocking COX-1 can cause gastrointestinal and bleeding side effects.
Choice B is wrong because nonselective COX inhibitors have more gastrointestinal and bleeding side effects than selective COX-2 inhibitors.This is because selective COX-2 inhibitors spare the COX-1 enzyme that protects the stomach and intestinal lining.
Choice D is wrong because nonselective COX inhibitors are not available in intravenous or intra-articular forms.Only selective COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib have these formulations.
A nurse is caring for a patient who is taking NSAIDs for arthritis.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.
Explanation
The nurse should instruct the patient to take NSAIDs with food or milk and avoid alcohol while taking NSAIDs.This is because NSAIDs can cause stomach irritation, ulcers and bleeding by interfering with the protective lining of the stomach.Taking NSAIDs with food or milk can help reduce this risk, while alcohol can increase it.
Choice C is wrong because taking NSAIDs on an empty stomach can increase the risk of stomach problems.Choice D is correct but not complete, as the nurse should also teach the patient how to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding, not just report it.Choice E is wrong because taking NSAIDs with antacids can reduce their effectiveness and increase the risk of kidney problems.
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