A patient who has had recent cardiac surgery develops pericarditis and complains of severe chest pain with deep breathing.Which of these ordered as-needed medications should the nurse administer?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ibuprofen (Motrin) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can help reduce the inflammation associated with pericarditis, thus addressing both pain and the underlying cause of the pain. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer but does not have anti-inflammatory properties. Morphine and fentanyl are strong opioids that treat pain but do not address the inflammation causing the pain in pericarditis.

A Patient Who Has Had Recent Cardiac Surgery Develops Pericarditis