A client who reports the use of ibuprofen for chronic back pain is being assessed for possible NSAID toxicity. The nurse identifies symptoms including bilateral foot swelling, dark yellow urine, and a decrease in urinary frequency. Which system is likely being damaged?

A. Only educate about the medication's cost:Focusing solely on cost does not ensure the client understands how to safely take the medication or recognize adverse effects. Cost is important but is only one aspect of medication education.

B. Rely on the pharmacy's printed instructions:Printed instructions are helpful supplements, but the nurse is responsible for ensuring the client understands proper administration, purpose, and safety precautions. Relying exclusively on written materials may lead to misunderstanding.

C. Encourage the client to research the medication independently:Independent research may provide incomplete or inaccurate information. The nurse must provide accurate, evidence-based guidance rather than leaving the client to interpret information alone.

D. Provide comprehensive education on the medication's use and side effects:The nurse’s primary responsibility is to teach the client how and when to take the medication, its therapeutic purpose, potential side effects, and necessary precautions. Comprehensive education promotes safe, effective, and informed medication use.

A. Calf strain:A calf strain usually presents with localized pain and mild swelling after a known injury or overuse. It is less likely to cause significant redness, unilateral swelling of one inch, or progressive pain with activity without a precipitating trauma.

B. Peripheral artery disease (PAD):PAD typically causes pain in the lower extremities with exertion (claudication) but is associated with cool, pale skin, diminished pulses, and hair loss, rather than redness, swelling, and unilateral calf enlargement.

C. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT):DVT presents with unilateral calf pain, redness, swelling, and increased calf circumference. Oral contraceptive use is a known risk factor due to increased clotting tendency, making DVT the most likely condition in this patient.

D. Cellulitis:Cellulitis presents with redness, warmth, and swelling, but it is usually associated with systemic symptoms such as fever and may not cause significant unilateral calf circumference changes. DVT should be ruled out first due to risk of pulmonary embolism.