Final answer:
The most important intervention for a nurse caring for a patient with anemia who regularly takes NSAIDs for rheumatoid arthritis is to observe for gastrointestinal bleeding. This observation is critical due to the increased risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeds associated with long-term NSAID use.
Step-by-step explanation:
A client who takes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) every day for rheumatoid arthritis is being treated for anemia. The most important intervention for the nurse to include in the plan of care is to observe for gastrointestinal bleeding. NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, help to relieve pain and decrease inflammation but they also have the side effect of increasing the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeds, particularly with long-term use. This risk is compounded by the fact that NSAIDs can inhibit the formation of blood clots. If a patient is anemic and regularly uses NSAIDs, it is crucial to monitor for signs of internal bleeding, such as black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, or abdominal pain, as this could be a direct cause of the anemia.
While offering dietary selections rich in iron and monitoring liver function tests are also important, these actions are more preventive and supportive, whereas vigilance for internal bleeding addresses the immediate life-threatening risk associated with NSAID use. Additionally, protecting the skin from bruising could be beneficial, but it is not the most critical intervention in this scenario.