Question

A nurse in a provider's office is assessing an adolescent who has been taking ibuprofen for 6 months to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask to assess for an adverse effect of this med?

A. "Have you experienced any blurred vision?"
B. "Have you noticed any changes in your bowel habits?"
C. "Do you have difficulty falling asleep at night?"
D. "Have you had any swelling in your ankles?"

Answer 1

The nurse should ask if the adolescent has noticed any changes in their bowel habits, as this can indicate gastrointestinal complications from long-term ibuprofen use, which is a known side effect of NSAIDs.

Step-by-step explanation:

To assess for an adverse effect of long-term ibuprofen use, the most relevant question the nurse should ask the adolescent is: "Have you noticed any changes in your bowel habits?" This question is pertinent because one of the known side effects of NSAIDs like ibuprofen is the increased risk of gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. While the other options might also represent health issues, they are not commonly associated with the use of ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen is a popular nonprescription pain medication that inhibits the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, reducing inflammation and pain. However, care must be taken with NSAIDs as long-term use can cause gastrointestinal, liver, or kidney damage. GI ulcers and bleeding are particularly concerning risks, so changes in bowel habits could signal these complications.