Author Question: A nurse is providing teaching for an adult patient with arthritis who has been instructed to take ... (Read 43 times)

dalyningkenk · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A nurse is providing teaching for an adult patient with arthritis who has been instructed to take ibuprofen (Motrin) for discomfort. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

a. I may experience tinnitus with higher doses of this medication.
b. I may take up to 800 mg 4 times daily for pain.
c. I should limit alcohol intake to fewer than three drinks a day.
d. I will take this medication with meals to help prevent stomach upset.

Question 2

A patient who reports regular consumption of two or three alcoholic beverages per day asks about taking acetaminophen when needed for occasional, recurrent pain. What will the nurse tell the patient?

a. Do not take more than 2 gm of acetaminophen a day.
b. Do not take more than 3 gm of acetaminophen a day.
c. Do not take more than 4 gm of acetaminophen a day.
d. Do not take a fixed-dose preparation with opioid analgesics.

milbourne11 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
NSAIDs do not cause salicylism and therefore do not cause tinnitus with higher doses. The maximum dose for adults is 3200 mg/day, or 800 mg 4 times/day. Patients taking NSAIDs should be cautioned to limit alcohol intake. Taking NSAIDs with meals helps prevent GI upset.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Acetaminophen poses a risk of liver toxicity when taken chronically or in larger doses, especially when combined with alcohol. Patients who drink regularly should be advised to take acetaminophen in low doses and not to exceed 2 gm per day.