A nurse is caring for a client who has a bacterial infection and is receiving gentamicin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to minimize the risk of an adverse effect of the medication?
Administer the medicine with food.
Monitor the serum medication levels.
Limit the client’s fluid intake.
Instruct the client to report agitation.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice b. Monitor the serum medication levels.
Choice A rationale:
Administering gentamicin with food is not necessary and does not minimize the risk of adverse effects. Gentamicin is typically given intravenously or intramuscularly, and food does not impact its administration or absorption.
Choice B rationale:
Monitoring the serum medication levels is crucial when administering gentamicin. Gentamicin has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small. Regular monitoring helps ensure the drug remains within the safe and effective range, reducing the risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
Choice C rationale:
Limiting the client’s fluid intake is not recommended. Adequate hydration is important to help prevent nephrotoxicity, a known adverse effect of gentamicin. Ensuring the client has sufficient fluid intake can help protect kidney function.
Choice D rationale:
Instructing the client to report agitation is not directly related to minimizing the risk of adverse effects of gentamicin. While it is important for clients to report any unusual symptoms, agitation is not a common adverse effect of gentamicin. Monitoring for signs of nephrotoxicity (e.g., decreased urine output) and ototoxicity (e.g., hearing loss, tinnitus) is more relevant.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
According to Mayo Clinic, before applying gentamicin topical cream, one should wash the affected area with soap and water and dry thoroughly. Then apply a small amount to the affected area and rub in gently.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A.Sterile technique should ideally be used when handling the distal portion of the eyedropper to prevent introducing pathogens into the eye, as the eye is a sensitive area susceptible to infection.
B.When cleaning the eye, it is recommended to wipe from the inner canthus to the outer canthus to avoid bringing contaminants from the outer area closer to the tear duct, which reduces the risk of infection.
C.Applying pressure to the bridge of the nose is ineffective for preventing systemic absorption of the medication. Instead, pressure should be applied to the inner canthus (the nasolacrimal duct area) for about 1-2 minutes after instillation.
D.The correct technique for administering eye drops involves placing the prescribed number of drops into the conjunctival sac, not directly onto the cornea, as this can cause irritation and discomfort. Administering drops into the conjunctival sac allows for better absorption of the medication.
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