An elderly patient presents with abdominal pain and is taking naproxen. Given the vital signs, what condition is the patient most likely experiencing?

The patient’s situation, characterized by abdominal pain and the use of naproxen, points towards the likelihood of lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding as the most plausible condition. Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), known for its ability to cause irritation and potential damage to the gastrointestinal lining. This irritation can lead to conditions such as gastritis and peptic ulcers. However, the presence of lower GI bleeding suggests a more significant issue, likely due to a complication from chronic NSAID usage.

In older patients, the risk of experiencing adverse effects from NSAIDs, including GI bleeding, is heightened due to age-related physiological changes and the potential presence of other comorbid conditions. The abdominal pain may indicate either a direct result of gastrointestinal bleeding or associated complications, making lower GI bleeding a strong possibility.

In contrast, while conditions like gastritis and peptic ulcer disease can certainly be exacerbated by the use of naproxen, they typically manifest with different types of pain and symptoms, such as more localized or sharper sensations indicative of ulcers. Kidney stones could also cause significant abdominal or flank pain but would likely present with different accompanying symptoms like hematuria (blood in urine), which are not mentioned here.

Therefore, considering