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.
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.
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