Question

A patient prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), for treatment of arthritis complains of stomach upset. What should the nurse instruct the patient to do?

1) Notify the prescriber immediately.
2) Take the medication with food.
3) Take the medication with 8 ounces of water.
4) Take the medication before bedtime.

Answer 1

A patient with stomach upset from taking naproxen should be advised to take the medication with food to alleviate gastrointestinal side effects. If symptoms persist, they should notify their prescriber.Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as naproxen, for arthritis complains of stomach upset, it is usually recommended to take the medication with food. This can help mitigate the gastrointestinal side effects that are associated with NSAIDs use. Furthermore, naproxen may cause stomach lining irritation, leading to discomfort or even gastrointestinal ulcers. Hence, taking naproxen with a substantial amount of food or with antacids can often alleviate or reduce stomach upset. However, if the discomfort persists or worsens, the patient should notify the prescriber as alternative therapies or additional protective measures such as proton pump inhibitors might be required.