A client with chronic lower back pain has been taking ibuprofen PO twice a day for several months. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to complete?

Rationale: A. Evaluate ongoing sleep patterns: Sleep quality is important for clients with chronic pain, since poor rest can worsen fatigue and overall functioning. However, sleep disturbance is not directly linked to ibuprofen’s most serious adverse effects. B. Palpate volume of pedal pulses: Assessing pedal pulses evaluates peripheral circulation and vascular status. While important in some conditions, it is not specifically related to the risks of long-term ibuprofen use, which more commonly affects the gastrointestinal and renal systems. C. Determine presence of abdominal pain: Long-term NSAID use like ibuprofen carries significant risk for gastric irritation, peptic ulcers, and GI bleeding. Assessing for abdominal pain helps detect early signs of these complications, making it the priority assessment. D. Assess back pain using numeric scale: Evaluating the client’s pain level is important for managing chronic pain and adjusting therapy. However, the immediate concern is potential harm from prolonged NSAID use, which could result in serious gastrointestinal injury.