On a home visit to an older adult client who is taking NSAIDs daily for relief of arthritis pain, the nurse finds that the client has dependent edema. What is the nurse's best first ac-tion?
A. Encourage the client to elevate the legs and feet when sitting.
B. Document the finding as the only action.
C. Auscultate the client's lungs.
D. Notify the physician.
C
NSAIDs can cause sodium and water retention, increasing the risk for congestive heart failure among older clients, and should be used with caution in clients who have any existing degree of congestive heart failure.
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