The licensed practical nurse reports to the registered nurse after administering the client's morning medications. Which statement requires follow-up by the RN?

• A. I left extra aspirin with the client in case her headache returns.
• B. I told the family they could use ibuprofen if the headache continues at home.
• C. The client's family is asking for a referral to a rehab facility.
• D. The client had a bowel movement this morning.

Answer: (B)

The situation centers on safe medication management and who is responsible for advising on drug use. A licensed practical nurse should not instruct a patient or family to take nonprescribed medications or adjust analgesic plans without a provider’s order. When the LPN tells the family they could use ibuprofen at home, it introduces a potential drug interaction with the aspirin already given and could lead to unsafe effects without proper oversight.

Ibuprofen and aspirin both affect bleeding risk and kidney function, and using them together can increase the chance of GI irritation or bleeding, especially in someone who is already on aspirin. The RN needs to review the analgesic plan with the prescribing provider, check for contraindications, and determine a safe, appropriate recommendation for home use. The RN can also educate the patient and family on safe options (for example, whether acetaminophen is a better choice) and ensure any home-medication instructions are correct.

Leaving aside the other options, they involve either routine observations or tasks that would be addressed by other parts of the care team, not the immediate safety issue of a non-prescribed analgesic instruction.