1. The client/caregiver can define the purpose of nonopioid analgesic medication.
   1. Nonopioid analgesic medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and another group, including acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen.
   2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for mild to moderate pain, especially when pain is from a condition having inflammation.
   3. Acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen are also used for the relief of mild to moderate pain. They also are very effective in reducing fevers.
2. The client/caregiver can list the advantages of the use of nonopioid analgesic medications.
   1. Acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen are available over the counter and are relatively inexpensive.
   2. These can be taken orally and can be given in liquid form for children or others who have difficulty swallowing.
3. The client/caregiver can list caution when using these medications.
   1. Use extreme caution in giving aspirin to children or adolescents.
   2. Use with caution for clients having a long history of alcohol use.
   3. Acetaminophen can appear in breast milk.
   4. NSAIDs should be used with caution for clients with a history of bleeding disorders, gastric ulcers, and severe liver or kidney disease or during pregnancy.
4. The client/caregiver can list possible side effects when taking these medications.
   1. If taking high doses of these medications, monitor for symptoms of toxicity kidneys, such as frequent or painful urination. Also, bloody urine should be reported.
   2. Allergic reactions to these drugs may produce a rash or itch.
   3. Other undesired side effects would be nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dizziness, or drowsiness.
5. The client/caregiver can list important teaching facts when taking this class of drugs.
   1. Goals of the pain relief medication and how to classify the level of pain.
   2. Obtaining routine laboratory tests to monitor for liver or kidney damage.
   3. Enteric-coated medication should not be crushed.
   4. To decrease gastrointestinal symptoms, medication should be taken with food and plenty of fluids.

References

Ackley, B. J., & Ladwig, G. B. (2006). Nursing diagnosis handbook: A guide to planning care. St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier.
Adams, M. P., Josephson, D. L., & Holland, L. N. Jr. (2005). Pharmacology for nurses: A pathophysiologic approach. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Deglin, J. F., & Vallerand, A. H. (2001). Davis’s drug guide for nurses. Philadelphia: F. A. Davis Company.
Nursing 2006 drug handbook. (2006). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Rice, J. (1998). Medications mathematics for the nurse. Albany, NY: Delmar.