Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: effects on kidney function and implications for nursing care.

The nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs are in wide use today. The use of these drugs, both over-the-counter and prescription strength, has risen dramatically for acute and chronic ailments. Of concern are patients with mild-to-moderate renal disease who may not recognize their increased risk of complications with the use of this category of drug. Understanding pathophysiology, educating patients, and performing comprehensive nursing assessments will be of great importance to this at-risk population.