Question

A frail 72-year-old woman with stage 3 chronic kidney disease is cared for at home by her family. The patient has a history of taking many over-the-counter medications. Which over-the-counter medications should the nurse teach the patient to avoid?

A.Aspirin
B. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
C. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
D.Aluminum hydroxide (Amphogel)

Answer 1

The frail 72-year-old woman with stage 3 chronic kidney disease should avoid Aspirin due to its potential to cause kidney damage, especially in those with pre-existing kidney conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Regarding over-the-counter medications for a 72-year-old woman with stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD), certain medications should be avoided due to the increased risk of adverse effects. One of the medications to be cautious about is Aspirin. This is because Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can lead to gastrointestinal ulcers, bleeding, and notably in this case, kidney damage, particularly in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease. People over 60 years of age and those with heart disease or high blood pressure are at an even higher risk when using NSAIDs.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often considered a safer alternative to NSAIDs for analgesic and antipyretic use. However, it is crucial to avoid overdosing as it can cause severe or fatal liver damage, particularly if the patient consumes alcohol or has underlying liver conditions. NSAIDs like Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and Aluminum hydroxide (Amphogel) may have various side effects, but Aspirin is specifically known for its potential to harm the kidneys in patients with CKD and should be avoided when possible.