A patient with osteoarthritis is taking NSAIDs and vomited dark blood. What should the nurse anticipate doing next?

In the context of a patient with osteoarthritis who is taking NSAIDs and has vomited dark blood, the most appropriate action is to administer IV fluids. This situation is indicative of potential gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be a serious complication related to NSAID use. The presence of dark blood in vomit, known as hematemesis, suggests that there is bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Administering IV fluids is crucial because the patient may be at risk for dehydration and hypovolemia due to blood loss. IV fluids can help stabilize the patient's condition by ensuring adequate hydration and maintaining blood volume, which is essential in managing potential shock and other complications associated with gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

While obtaining a detailed health history or ordering a CT scan might be important later in the management of the patient, these actions do not address the immediate risk associated with the observed vomiting of dark blood. Similarly, offering oral hydration is not suitable at this point, as the patient's condition requires careful monitoring and support that IV administration provides.