What should the nurse include in medication teaching regarding the administration of aspirin?

Including the instruction to report persistent abdominal pain in medication teaching is essential due to the potential side effects of aspirin, particularly its gastrointestinal toxicity. Aspirin can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, or gastritis. Patients should be made aware that experiencing abdominal pain could indicate these serious adverse effects, necessitating immediate medical attention.

This understanding helps ensure that patients are vigilant about their symptoms and prompts timely intervention if complications arise. While it is also important to clarify the proper times for taking aspirin to maximize its therapeutic effects and to avoid certain complications, the recognition and reporting of significant symptoms directly relate to patient safety with this medication.

The other options do not align with best practices related to aspirin use and patient safety. For example, aspirin should not necessarily be taken at any time without regard for meals, as food may mitigate stomach irritation. Enteric-coated tablets should not be crushed, as doing so defeats their purpose of preventing gastrointestinal irritation. Lastly, while hydration is generally necessary for overall health, there is no specific requirement to drink excessive fluids while taking aspirin unless otherwise directed for a particular health concern.