The practical nurse (PN) is assisting with the plan of care (POC) for a client with costochondritis who is now experiencing increased discomfort in breathing. The client receives a prescription for meloxicam. Which intervention should the PN include in the client’s POC?

Choice A reason: Diphenhydramine does not facilitate rapid transfusion. It is an antihistamine used to prevent allergic reactions during transfusions, not to alter infusion speed. Rapid infusion depends on clinical protocols and patient tolerance, not antihistamine effects, making this choice incorrect.

Choice B reason: Diphenhydramine does not inhibit antigen-antibody reactions, which occur in transfusion mismatches. It mitigates histamine-mediated allergic symptoms, like itching or hives, but does not prevent immunological reactions. This choice is incorrect, as it misrepresents the drug’s role in symptom management.

Choice C reason: While diphenhydramine may cause sedation, its primary purpose before transfusion is to prevent allergic reactions, not to promote relaxation. Relaxation is a secondary effect, not the clinical rationale for its use, making this choice less accurate than allergy prevention.

Choice D reason: Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, minimizes allergic reaction symptoms, such as itching or hives, during blood transfusions by blocking histamine receptors. This premedication reduces the risk of mild transfusion-related allergic responses, ensuring patient comfort and safety, making it the correct explanation.

Choice A reason: Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, inhibits prostaglandins, reducing gastric mucosal protection and increasing GI bleeding risk. Symptoms like melena or hematemesis may occur, especially with prolonged use. Monitoring for bleeding is critical to detect early complications, ensuring timely intervention to prevent severe outcomes.

Choice B reason: While ibuprofen can elevate blood pressure by affecting renal prostaglandins and sodium retention, this is less immediate than GI bleeding risk. Frequent blood pressure monitoring is relevant for long-term use but not the primary concern compared to the acute danger of GI hemorrhage.

Choice C reason: Giving ibuprofen on an empty stomach increases GI irritation, as food buffers gastric acid, reducing ulcer risk. This choice is incorrect, as it contradicts best practice, which recommends taking ibuprofen with food to minimize mucosal damage and bleeding risk.

Choice D reason: Sunblock is irrelevant to ibuprofen’s effects, as it does not cause photosensitivity. This action applies to drugs like tetracyclines, not NSAIDs. Monitoring for GI bleeding is far more critical, as ibuprofen’s primary adverse effect involves the gastrointestinal tract, not skin.