Which nursing interventions are appropriate when a patient is taking aspirin or ibuprofen?

• A. Observe for bleeding gums, black tarry stools, petechiae, and ecchymoses; avoid alcohol
• B. Increase caffeine intake
• C. Take on an empty stomach only
• D. Avoid all physical activity

Answer: (A)

When patients take aspirin or ibuprofen, the risk to watch for is GI irritation and bleeding, plus impaired platelet function with aspirin. The strongest nursing actions are focused on detecting signs of GI bleeding and reducing mucosal injury. Look for indicators like bleeding gums, black or tarry stools, petechiae, and ecchymoses, which can signal mucosal damage or clotting problems. Also, advise avoiding alcohol, as it increases the risk of ulcers and bleeding with NSAIDs. The other options don’t address these real risks: caffeine has no protective effect in this context; taking the medication on an empty stomach can worsen gastric irritation; and avoiding all physical activity isn’t a relevant or necessary precaution for NSAID therapy.