A nurse is reviewing the medication orders for a client who is NPO and has a standing order for oral ibuprofen 400 mg every 6 hours PRN for pain. The client reports a pain level of 5/10. Which action should the nurse take?

Question: A nurse is reviewing the medication orders for a client who is NPO and has a standing order for oral ibuprofen 400 mg every 6 hours PRN for pain. The client reports a pain level of 5/10. Which action should the nurse take?

Answer options:

• Administer the ibuprofen orally as prescribed. ✅ Contact the primary healthcare provider to request an alternative pain medication route.
• Offer non-pharmacological pain relief measures, such as repositioning.
• Document the client's pain level and reassess in 30 minutes.

Correct answer: Contact the primary healthcare provider to request an alternative pain medication route.

Explanation: Since the client is NPO (nothing by mouth), administering an oral medication is contraindicated. The nurse should contact the primary healthcare provider to obtain an order for an alternative pain medication via a different route (e.g., intravenous, rectal) to address the client's pain.