Question

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client following placement of a cast for a fractured ankle. The client is to take oxycodone for pain management. The nurse should instruct the client that which of the following over-the-counter medications is contraindicated while taking oxycodone?

A. Docusate sodium
B. Ranitidine
C. Diphenhydramine
D. Ibuprofen

Answer 1

A patient taking oxycodone for pain management should avoid ibuprofen, an NSAID, to prevent the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Ibuprofen is the only contraindicated over-the-counter medication among the options provided.

Step-by-step explanation:

Oxycodone is a powerful opioid prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain. It's important for patients to avoid certain over-the-counter (OTC) drugs while taking oxycodone due to the risk of interactions or enhanced side effects. Among the options provided:

• Docusate sodium is a stool softener, which does not interact adversely with oxycodone.
• Ranitidine is an acid reducer, typically considered safe to take with oxycodone.
• Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that can cause additional sedation if taken with opioids, but it is not contraindicated.
• Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), can potentially increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when taken with opioids and is the only mentioned medication that is contraindicated.

Therefore, the client should be advised to avoid taking ibuprofen while on oxycodone therapy.