Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has type 1 DM and reports severe ankle pain after falling off a stepstool at home. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse clarify with the provider?

A) Order for an ankle X-ray.
B) Prescription for ibuprofen for pain.
C) Referral for physical therapy.
D) Prescription for an ankle brace.

Answer 1

The nurse should clarify the ibuprofen prescription with the provider because NSAIDs can pose health risks to individuals with diabetes, potentially worsening kidney damage and leading to other serious side effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should clarify the prescription for ibuprofen for pain with the provider, especially since the patient has type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). People with diabetes can have complications that include an increased risk of kidney damage, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can exacerbate this risk. NSAIDs can also cause other serious side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding and increased risk of stroke. A safer alternative pain medication, which is less likely to cause adverse effects in individuals with diabetes, may need to be considered.