Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 85%
Simulated
A nurse is reviewing laboratory reports for a client who is taking NSAIDs for rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following results should the nurse recognize as a possible adverse effect of NSAID therapy?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Positive fecal occult blood test is the correct answer. NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be detected through a fecal occult blood test. This is a well-documented adverse effect of NSAID therapy and is a significant concern for patients on long-term NSAID treatment.