What should the nurse instruct a client regarding pain relief after a bone marrow biopsy?

After a bone marrow biopsy, it is important for the client to manage pain effectively while ensuring safety and minimizing potential side effects. Acetaminophen is commonly recommended for pain relief in this scenario because it is effective for mild to moderate pain and is not associated with gastrointestinal complications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen, while it can reduce inflammation, may not be the best choice immediately following a procedure like a biopsy, due to the risk of increased bleeding, as it can interfere with platelet function. Therefore, recommending acetaminophen is a safer option in terms of pain management for the client post-biopsy.

Applying a cold pack can help reduce swelling and numbing, however, it is not typically the primary recommendation for pain relief in this context. Cold packs can be used, but for the specific instruction on medication, acetaminophen is the clear choice. Lastly, advising the client not to take any pain medications could lead to unnecessary discomfort and is not appropriate post-procedure when patients are likely to experience pain. Thus, acetaminophen as prescribed is the most suitable approach for pain relief after a bone marrow biopsy.