Question

A nurse in a provider's office is assessing a client who has been taking aspirin daily for the past year. For which of the following findings should the nurse notify the provider immediately?

a) Occasional bruising on the arms
b) Heartburn after taking aspirin
c) Dark, tarry stools
d) Mild headache in the morning

Answer 1

A nurse should notify the provider immediately if they encounter dark, tarry stools in a client taking aspirin daily, as this can indicate a serious side effect like gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse who is assessing a client that has been taking aspirin daily for the past year should notify the provider immediately if they encounter a finding of dark, tarry stools.

Dark, tarry stools can indicate a serious side effect of aspirin usage such as gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers, which is a result of aspirin's antiplatelet effects that can lead to increased bleeding times. Occasional bruising and heartburn are less immediately concerning side effects, although they still warrant monitoring, and a mild headache could be unrelated to the aspirin regimen. Given the potential risks associated with long-term aspirin use, particularly including increased risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding, these findings should be promptly communicated to the healthcare provider.