The nurse is caring for a patient who has been taking an NSAID for 4 weeks for osteoarthritis. The patient reports decreased pain, but the nurse notes continued swelling of the affected joints. The nurse will perform which action?
a. Assess the patient for drug-seeking behaviors.
b. Notify the provider that the drug is not effective.
c. Reassure the patient that swelling will decrease eventually.
d. Remind the patient that this drug is given for pain only.
ANS: B
This medication is effective for both pain and swelling. After 4 weeks, there should be some decrease in swelling, so the nurse should report that this medication is ineffective. There is no indication that this patient is seeking an opioid analgesic. The drug should be effective within several weeks. NSAIDs are given for pain and swelling.
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An older patient requires assistance with the removal of her new custom-fit hearing aids. The first thing her nurse should do is
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