A 79-year-old patient is receiving a quinolone for treatment of a complicated incision infection.
For which adverse effect associated with these drugs should the nurse monitor?

Choice A rationale:

Shortness of breath is a common symptom of a hypersensitivity reaction. This occurs because the body’s immune system responds to a foreign substance, known as an antigen, by producing specific antibodies. This immune response can cause inflammation and swelling in various parts of the body, including the airways, leading to shortness of breath.

Choice B rationale:

A black hairy tongue is not typically associated with a hypersensitivity reaction. It is a condition that causes the tongue to appear black and hairy, and it’s usually caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast on the tongue. It’s not related to allergies or hypersensitivity reactions.

Choice C rationale:

Itching is another common symptom of a hypersensitivity reaction. When the body encounters an antigen, it triggers an immune response that releases chemicals like histamine. Histamine can cause itching, among other symptoms.

Choice D rationale:

Swelling of the tongue can be a symptom of a severe hypersensitivity reaction known as anaphylaxis. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. The swelling is caused by inflammation in response to an antigen.

Choice E rationale:

Wheezing is a symptom of a hypersensitivity reaction, specifically type I hypersensitivity. This type of reaction includes allergic disorders, which affect the lungs among other parts of the body. The immune response to an antigen can cause the airways to narrow and produce a wheezing sound.

Choice A rationale:

Double vision is not a common side effect of quinolones. Quinolones are a type of antibiotic that are used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. While they can have side effects, double vision is not typically one of them.

Choice B rationale:

Tendonitis and tendon rupture are known adverse effects of quinolones. These antibiotics can very rarely cause long-lasting, disabling, and potentially irreversible side effects, sometimes affecting multiple systems, organ classes, and senses. One of these side effects is damage to the tendons, which can manifest as tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon) or even tendon rupture. This is particularly a concern for people older than 60 years and for those with renal impairment or solid-organ transplants because they are at a higher risk of tendon injury.

Choice C rationale:

Neuralgia, or nerve pain, is not a common side effect of quinolones. While these antibiotics can affect the nervous system and cause side effects such as peripheral neuropathy and central nervous system effects, neuralgia is not typically reported.

Choice D rationale:

Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is not typically associated with the use of quinolones. These antibiotics can have various side effects, but a significant drop in blood pressure is not commonly reported.