Aspirin
Aspirin
Aspirin
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Side & Toxic Effects Client Response
Date: 3/4/2012
Nursing Considerations and Teaching
Side effects: GI distress, allergy to medication Toxic effects: High doses of aspirin may produce GI bleeding and/or gastric mucosal lesions. Dehydrated, febrile children may experience aspirin toxicity quickly. Reye's syndrome may occur in children with chickenpox or flu. Low-grade toxicity characterized by tinnitus, generalized pruritus (may be severe), headache, dizziness, flushing, tachycardia, hyperventilation, diaphoresis, thirst. Marked toxicity characterized by hyperthermia, restlessness, seizures, abnormal breathing patterns, respiratory failure, coma.
Nursing considerations: Monitor urinary pH (sudden acidification, pH from 6.5 to 5.5, may result in toxicity). Assess skin for evidence of ecchymosis. If given as antipyretic, assess temperature directly before and 1 hr after giving medication. Evaluate for therapeutic response: relief of pain, stiffness, swelling; increased joint mobility; reduced joint tenderness; improved grip strength. Patient teaching: Do not crush or chew enteric-coated tablets. Report tinnitus or persistent abdominal GI pain. Therapeutic anti-inflammatory effect noted in 13 wks. Behavioral changes, vomiting may be early signs of Reye's syndrome. Contact physician.