Which important toxic effect of NSAIDs should be included in discharge instructions for a child prescribed NSAID therapy?

The important toxic effect of NSAIDs that should be highlighted in discharge instructions for a child prescribed NSAID therapy is the potential for blood in the urine. NSAIDs, while effective for pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects, can lead to various adverse effects that are particularly concerning in children. One such effect is nephrotoxicity, which can manifest as hematuria (blood in the urine).

This occurs due to the ability of NSAIDs to affect renal blood flow and glomerular function, particularly in susceptible populations such as children. Monitoring for signs of urinary bleeding is critical since it may indicate underlying renal impairment or damage. Parents and caregivers need to be informed about this potential risk to ensure prompt detection and management if blood in the urine occurs.

The other options do not represent significant toxic effects associated with NSAID use. Increased appetite is not a recognized effect of NSAIDs. While dry mouth and sleep disturbances might be reported as side effects, they are considerably less serious compared to the implication of hematuria. Therefore, focusing on blood in the urine as a potential complication underscores the importance of monitoring renal function in pediatric patients on NSAID therapy.