Question

A client seen in the ambulatory care clinic has ascites and slight jaundice. The nurse should assess the client for a history of chronic use of which medication?

1.Ibuprofen
2. Ranitidine
3.Acetaminophen
4. Acetylsalicylic acid

Answer 1

Option C. A patient with ascites and jaundice should be assessed for chronic Acetaminophen use due to its potential to cause severe liver damage, leading to these symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client seen in the ambulatory care clinic with ascites and slight jaundice should be assessed for a history of chronic use of Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen, known as paracetamol outside of the US, can produce severe or even fatal liver damage if used in acute overdose. It is crucial to note that while Acetaminophen does not normally cause significant gastric distress or affect platelet aggregation like NSAIDs or aspirin, its primary risk arises from hepatotoxicity, which can lead to liver failure, a condition closely associated with ascites and jaundice.

To determine which medication may have caused the client's ascites and slight jaundice, the nurse should assess for a history of chronic use of certain medications. In this case, the most likely medication would be acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen overdose can lead to severe liver damage, and it is known to have fewer side effects than aspirin.