A male client has been receiving the antibiotic gentamicin sulfate IV piggyback every 12 hours for several days. Which observations by the nurse indicate that the client may be experiencing an adverse effect of gentamicin?
Hearing has decreased.
Decreased blood urea nitrogen.
White blood cells count 6,000/mm3 (6x109/L).
Reports of photophobia.
The Correct Answer is A
Gentamicin sulfate is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that can cause ototoxicity, which is damage to the inner ear leading to hearing loss or balance problems. Therefore, a decrease in hearing is an indication that the client may be experiencing an adverse effect of gentamicin.
Option b, decreased blood urea nitrogen, is not an adverse effect of gentamicin, but it may indicate improvement in kidney function, which can be a positive outcome of treatment.
Option c, a white blood cell count of 6,000/mm3 (6x109/L), is within the normal range and is not necessarily an adverse effect of gentamicin.
Option d, photophobia, is not a common adverse effect of gentamicin and may indicate a different condition or medication effect.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart failure by strengthening the heart's contractions and slowing down the heart rate. However, it can also cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, especially when levels in the body are too high. Furosemide is a diuretic medication that helps to remove excess fluid from the body, which is often necessary in heart failure. However, it can also cause electrolyte imbalances, such as low potassium levels, which can contribute to nausea and vomiting.
Therefore, in a client with heart failure who is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to assess their medication regimen, including dosages and serum levels, to ensure that they are not experiencing medication side effects or toxicity.
Adjustments may need to be made to the client's medication regimen to manage symptoms effectively and prevent further complications. Options (a), (b), and (d) do not have as direct a correlation to the current symptoms and would not have the same level of significance when planning care for this client.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Atorvastatin is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. One of its side effects is muscle damage, which can result in an increase in serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) levels. Creatine phosphokinase is an enzyme found in muscles, and when muscles are damaged, CK is released into the bloodstream. Therefore, an increased serum CK level indicates muscle damage, and the nurse should assess the client for muscle tenderness or weakness, which are symptoms of this side effect. Nausea and vomiting, excessive bruising, and peripheral edema are not typically associated with atorvastatin use.
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