Which analgesic is unlikely to cause epigastric distress in a client with gastritis?

Acetaminophen is the analgesic that is unlikely to cause epigastric distress in a client with gastritis. This is primarily because acetaminophen is not classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which are known to irritate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, and naproxen sodium, inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are protective factors in the stomach lining. This inhibition can lead to increased gastric acid secretion, decreased mucus production, and a higher risk of mucosal injury, which can exacerbate conditions like gastritis and lead to epigastric pain or distress.

In contrast, acetaminophen primarily works in the central nervous system to relieve pain and reduce fever, and it does not have the same gastrointestinal side effects as NSAIDs. Therefore, for a client with gastritis who is experiencing epigastric distress, acetaminophen would be a safer choice for managing pain without further irritating the stomach.