What symptom should a nurse emphasize reporting in a client taking naproxen sodium for osteoarthritis?

When a client is taking naproxen sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it is essential to monitor for potential gastrointestinal side effects, as these medications can increase the risk of gastric irritation, ulcers, and bleeding. Stomach pain that persists over a three-day period is concerning and warrants immediate reporting.

This symptom may indicate gastrointestinal distress, which can escalate to serious complications if not addressed promptly. NSAIDs like naproxen can disrupt the gastric mucosa, leading to pain that may signal underlying issues. Thus, emphasizing the importance of reporting persistent stomach pain reflects a critical understanding of the side effects associated with this medication and ensures that the nurse can take appropriate action to protect the client's health. Monitoring such symptoms helps in mitigating risks and managing the client’s overall treatment effectively.

Other symptoms, such as joint stiffness, mild headache, and nausea after meals, while potentially bothersome, do not typically indicate acute risks requiring urgent intervention in the context of NSAID therapy. These may be managed through routine assessments or adjustments in treatment, thereby highlighting the unique significance of ongoing stomach pain as a symptom to report immediately.