A nurse in a clinic receives a telephone call from a client who has tuberculosis and was prescribed rifampin 3 days ago. The client reports, "My saliva and tears are red. What should I do?" Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
"This is an expected adverse effect of the medication.”
"Stop taking the medication. You are having an allergic reaction.
"This condition will only last a couple of days."
"Taking the medication with red meat will cause this adverse effect."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "This is an expected adverse effect of the medication." Rifampin commonly causes red-orange discoloration of bodily fluids, including saliva, tears, urine, and sweat. This occurs due to the drug's excretion and is harmless. It does not indicate internal bleeding or organ dysfunction. Clients should be educated about this side effect in advance to prevent alarm and unnecessary discontinuation of the medication, as adherence to tuberculosis treatment is crucial.
B. "Stop taking the medication. You are having an allergic reaction." The red discoloration caused by rifampin is a known side effect, not an allergic reaction. A true allergic response would include symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Stopping rifampin without medical advice could disrupt tuberculosis treatment, leading to drug resistance or treatment failure, making this an inappropriate recommendation.
C. "This condition will only last a couple of days." The discoloration of bodily fluids persists throughout the duration of rifampin therapy. Tuberculosis treatment can last several months, so the client should expect this effect to continue as long as they are taking the medication. Providing incorrect information may cause the client to worry unnecessarily when the discoloration does not resolve quickly.
D. "Taking the medication with red meat will cause this adverse effect." The discoloration is due to rifampin’s chemical properties and metabolism, not dietary intake. Red-colored foods, such as red meat or berries, do not influence this effect. Providing inaccurate dietary information may lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions, which are not needed for managing this side effect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Increased salivation. Tobramycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, does not cause increased salivation. It primarily affects the kidneys and auditory system, with no significant impact on saliva production. Increased salivation is more commonly associated with medications affecting the autonomic nervous system, such as cholinergic agents.
B. Bruising. While some antibiotics may impact platelet function, aminoglycosides like tobramycin do not commonly cause thrombocytopenia or increased bruising. Clients experiencing unexplained bruising should be evaluated for other underlying causes, such as coagulation disorders or concurrent medication use.
C. Joint pain. Joint pain is not a typical adverse effect of tobramycin. While some antibiotics, like fluoroquinolones, are associated with tendonitis or joint issues, aminoglycosides primarily affect the kidneys and inner ear, leading to nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity rather than musculoskeletal symptoms.
D. Tinnitus. Tobramycin is ototoxic and can cause tinnitus, hearing loss, or balance disturbances due to its toxic effects on the auditory and vestibular nerves. Clients receiving tobramycin should be monitored for early signs of ototoxicity, and the medication should be discontinued if symptoms develop to prevent permanent hearing damage.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Glucosamine. Glucosamine is a supplement used to support joint health, particularly in osteoarthritis. It does not have significant interactions with digoxin and is not known to affect cardiac function or digoxin metabolism, making it safe to use concurrently.
B. Garlic. Garlic has blood-thinning properties and may mildly lower blood pressure, but it does not directly interfere with digoxin metabolism. However, clients on anticoagulants or blood pressure medications should use garlic cautiously due to its potential to enhance their effects.
C. St. John's wort. St. John’s wort induces liver enzymes that can increase the metabolism of many medications, including digoxin. This can lead to decreased digoxin levels, reducing its effectiveness and increasing the risk of uncontrolled heart failure or atrial fibrillation. Clients taking digoxin should avoid St. John’s wort to maintain therapeutic drug levels.
D. Ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo biloba is primarily used to enhance cognitive function and circulation. While it has mild blood-thinning effects, it does not significantly impact digoxin metabolism. However, caution is advised in clients taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications to avoid an increased risk of bleeding.
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