What is a prudent nursing action for a patient with NSAID-related GI risk?

• A. Continue NSAIDs without counseling
• B. Immediately administer a proton pump inhibitor for protection regardless
• C. Hold NSAIDs if ordered and discuss alternatives with the provider
• D. Ignore GI symptoms

Answer: (C)

NSAIDs can irritate the stomach lining and reduce the protective prostaglandins in the GI tract, increasing the risk of gastritis, ulcers, and bleeding—especially in someone with existing GI risk factors. The best nursing action is to hold the NSAID if it’s ordered and promptly involve the provider to discuss safer pain-management options or protective strategies. This approach stops the medication that could worsen GI injury and opens the door to alternatives such as acetaminophen for analgesia, a topical NSAID, or a plan that may include a gastroprotective agent if the clinician determines NSAID use is still needed. The nurse should also monitor for GI symptoms and educate the patient on warning signs to report.