Question

A nurse is reviewing prescriptions for a client with a history of rheumatoid arthritis and peptic ulcer disease. The client has prescriptions for ibuprofen and ranitidine. Which action will the nurse perform?

Clarify the prescription for ibuprofen

Administer the ibuprofen 30 minutes before the ranitidine

Hold the ranitidine for 1 hour after meals

Question the prescription for ranitidine

Answer 1

The nurse should question the prescription for ranitidine.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should question the prescription for ranitidine. Ranitidine is an H₂ blocker that decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach and is commonly used to treat ulcers. However, ibuprofen, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like aspirin, can increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeds. Therefore, it is not advisable to administer ranitidine along with ibuprofen to a client with a history of peptic ulcer disease.