Which of the following treatments should be avoided in a patient who has a history of ulcers when managing arthritis pain?

The correct choice, which is to avoid oral naproxen in a patient with a history of ulcers when managing arthritis pain, is based on the risk associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen. NSAIDs are known to irritate the gastric mucosa and can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcer formation. Given that the patient has a history of ulcers, prescribing naproxen could exacerbate their condition and lead to severe complications.

Oral acetaminophen is generally considered safe for patients with a history of ulcers since it does not have the same gastrointestinal side effects associated with NSAIDs. Similarly, a transdermal patch and oral hydrocodone do not carry the same risk of gastric irritation, making them safer options for pain management in this context. Therefore, avoiding oral naproxen is a critical consideration in ensuring the patient's safety and effective management of their arthritis pain without risking ulcer reactivation or complications.