The nurse reviews the medication orders for an older patient with arthritis in both hips who reports level 3 (0 to 10 scale) hip pain while ambulating. Which medication should the nurse offer as initial therapy?

Rationale: A. Aspirin can relieve mild pain but has a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and irritation in older adults, making it less ideal as first-line therapy. B. Opioids are reserved for moderate to severe pain or when other analgesics are ineffective. Using oxycodone for mild pain (level 3) is inappropriate and carries unnecessary risks of dependence and side effects. C. NSAIDs are effective for arthritis pain but should be used cautiously in older adults due to risks of gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment, and cardiovascular effects. D. Acetaminophen is recommended as the first-line therapy for mild arthritis pain in older adults because it is effective for mild pain and has a safer profile when used within recommended limits.