A patient who is taking aspirin for arthritis pain asks the nurse ...

[sjones]

A patient who is taking aspirin for arthritis pain asks the nurse why it also causes gastrointestinal upset. The nurse understands that this is because aspirin
 
  a. increases gastrointestinal secretions.
  b. increases hypersensitivity reactions.
  c. inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2.
  d. is an acidic compound.

Question 2

A patient who is 7 months pregnant and who has arthritis asks the nurse if she can take aspirin for pain. The nurse will tell her not to take aspirin for which reason?
 
  a. It can result in adverse effects on her fetus.
  b. It causes an increased risk of Reye's syndrome.
  c. It increases hemorrhage risk.
  d. It will cause increased gastrointestinal distress.

[reelove4eva]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Aspirin is a COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor. COX-1 protects the stomach lining, so when it is inhibited, gastric upset occurs. Aspirin does not increase gastrointestinal secretions or hypersensitivity reactions. It is a weak acid.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Patients should not take aspirin during the third trimester of pregnancy because it can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus. It does not increase her risk of Reye's syndrome. Aspirin taken within a week of delivery will increase the risk of bleeding. It can cause gastrointestinal distress, but this is not the reason for caution.

[sjones]

Both answers were spot on, thank you once again

[reelove4eva]

Great! Please up vote