Author Question: A patient who recently started therapy with indomethacin (Indocin) for acute gouty arthritis ... (Read 59 times)

tiara099 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient who recently started therapy with indomethacin (Indocin) for acute gouty arthritis complains of a severe frontal headache. What nursing action is most appropriate?

a. Explain to the patient that the headache indicates an allergic reaction.
b. Explain to the patient that the headache is a common adverse effect.
c. Further assess the headache, because it is not related to the indomethacin (Indocin) therapy.
d. Have the serum drug level measured, because the headache indicates that the dose is excessive.

Question 2

A nurse counsels parents about antipyretic choices for an 8-year-old with influenza. Which statement, made by one of the parents, best demonstrates understanding of an appropriate antipyretic choice?

a. Acetaminophen is toxic to the liver.
b. Ibuprofen may increase fever in children younger than age 10.
c. Sponge baths are the best option.
d. Aspirin may increase the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Tonyam972 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The most common adverse effect of indomethacin is a severe frontal headache, which occurs in 25 to 50 of patients.
Headache is an expected adverse effect and not a sign of an allergic reaction.
The headache is related to the use of indomethacin, therefore further assessment is not needed.
Indomethacin does not require serum monitoring; the headache is an expected response and not the result of an excessive dose.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Aspirin increases the risk of Reye's syndrome in children; this statement demonstrates understanding of the correct antipyretic choice.
Acetaminophen is toxic to the liver, but this is not what the question asks.
Ibuprofen does not increase fever; it is considered an antipyretic as well as an analgesic.
Sponge baths could be used as adjunctive therapy, but not as the only option.