Question

The clinician has instructed Sam, a 25-year-old patient with low back strain, to use NSAIDs to manage his symptoms of pain and discomfort. Which of the following statements would be most appropriate when teaching Sam about the use of NSAIDs to manage his pain?

A) You should start with the lowest dose that is effective in managing your pain because long-term use of NSAIDs can result in gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as ulcers and hemorrhage.
B) You should start with the lowest dose that is effective in managing your pain in order to avoid developing tolerance to the medication.
C) You should take the maximum recommended dose of NSAIDs so that you will not need to take narcotics to control your pain.
D) It is important to take NSAIDs on an empty stomach in order to increase absorption.

Answer 1

The correct instruction for Sam regarding NSAID usage is to start with the lowest effective dose to manage pain, as long-term use can cause gastrointestinal issues like ulcers and bleeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

When teaching Sam about the use of NSAIDs to manage his low back strain, the most appropriate statement is option A: "You should start with the lowest dose that is effective in managing your pain because long-term use of NSAIDs can result in gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as ulcers and hemorrhage." This is important because NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding, especially in individuals with certain risk factors, and can also lead to kidney damage. NSAIDs, like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, work by inhibiting the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which cause inflammation and pain.

Starting with the lowest dose reduces the risk of these adverse effects and recognizes that while these drugs are effective for low-to-moderate intensity pain, they need to be used with caution. Moreover, NSAIDs should not be taken on an empty stomach to avoid GI discomfort, contradicting option D. In addition, option B is incorrect because tolerance is not a common issue with NSAIDs, and option C is misleading because the maximum dose should not be taken initially but reached gradually if needed and under medical supervision to manage pain effectively and safely.

Answer 2

The most appropriate statement when teaching Sam about the use of NSAIDs to manage his pain is: (Option A) You should start with the lowest dose that is effective in managing your pain because long-term use of NSAIDs can result in gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as ulcers and hemorrhage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate statement when teaching Sam about the use of NSAIDs to manage his pain is to start with the lowest effective dose to minimize the risk of developing gastrointestinal disorders.

This statement is correct because it emphasizes the importance of starting with the lowest effective dose to minimize the risk of developing GI disorders. It also highlights the potential long-term consequences of NSAID use.

It is important for Sam to understand the potential side effects and risks associated with NSAIDs in order to take them safely and manage his pain effectively.

Hence, the correct answer is Option A.