Pain Management and AnalgesiaDifficulty 3/5
Which patient factor is the strongest contraindication to an NSAID?
- AA mild elevation in liver enzymes noted on a routine screening panel
- BConcurrent administration of an opioid for multimodal pain control
- CAdvanced age alone in an otherwise healthy and well-hydrated patient
- DHypotension or dehydration, because renal perfusion depends on prostaglandins
Show answer and rationale
Correct: D. NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandins that maintain renal perfusion during hypotension, so a dehydrated or hypotensive patient is at real risk of renal injury. Opioid co-administration is standard multimodal practice.
- A — Mild enzyme elevation warrants caution but is a weaker contraindication.
- B — Opioids and NSAIDs are commonly combined deliberately.
- C — Age alone is not a contraindication.