Question

A nurse attempts to give a client with chronic arterial insufficiency of the legs the prescribed dose of aspirin (asa). the client refuses it, stating, "my legs are not painful." which action by the nurse is appropriate?

Answer 1

The nurse should explain the indication why the patient is being given aspirin. The patient has chronic arterial insufficiency of the legs and the patient might have been bedridden. Aspirin is more often than not indicated for deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis to prevent pulmonary embolism. The nurse should explain that aspirin is not given for pain but for prophylaxis for a much serious condition. If the patient does not want to take the medication, the patient should not be forced to take the medication; yet the patient should sign a waiver that he does not want to receive medication.