A nurse is planning care for a client who is at 16 weeks of gestation and has hyperemesis gravidarum. Which of the following actions should the nurse anticipate taking?

A. Contact children and youth services. There is no indication that the client is a minor. Mandatory reporting to child protective services applies to minors, but in the case of an adult client, reporting sexual assault is the client’s decision unless required by law (such as in cases involving incapacitated individuals or threats to public safety).
B. Administer sexually transmitted infection prophylaxis. Clients who have experienced sexual assault should be offered prophylactic treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, in accordance with CDC guidelines. Post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV may also be considered based on risk factors.
C. Provide resources to the client for the local Alcoholics Anonymous chapter. The client reports social drinking but has not indicated problematic alcohol use or a desire for treatment. Providing unsolicited resources for Alcoholics Anonymous may not be appropriate in this situation.
D. Maintain a safe and private environment for the client. Ensuring privacy and a safe space is essential for clients who have experienced trauma. The nurse should provide emotional support, minimize interruptions, and allow the client to make decisions regarding care.
E. Request a consult for case management. Case management services can assist with legal considerations, follow-up care, counseling referrals, and safety planning. The nurse should initiate a referral to support the client’s needs.
F. Provide resources for local support services. Sexual assault survivors should receive information about crisis hotlines, advocacy groups, counseling services, and other community resources that can offer emotional and legal support.

A. New onset of hearing loss. Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic known for its ototoxic effects, which can lead to irreversible hearing loss or vestibular dysfunction. The drug damages the hair cells in the inner ear, resulting in symptoms like tinnitus, dizziness, or difficulty hearing. Clients receiving gentamicin should be closely monitored for auditory changes, as early detection can help prevent worsening damage.
B. Constipation. Gentamicin does not typically affect gastrointestinal motility, making constipation an unlikely adverse effect. It primarily causes nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, with its main targets being the kidneys and inner ear. Gastrointestinal side effects are rare and usually limited to nausea or mild discomfort rather than significant bowel irregularities.
C. Slurred speech. While aminoglycosides can cause neuromuscular blockade in rare cases, slurred speech is not a common adverse effect. More frequently, gentamicin affects the vestibular system, leading to balance disturbances or dizziness rather than impairing speech function. If neuromuscular symptoms develop, the medication should be reassessed to prevent severe complications.
D. Hypotension. Gentamicin does not directly cause hypotension as a primary side effect. Its adverse effects are more commonly associated with kidney damage, ototoxicity, and, in rare cases, neuromuscular paralysis. If a client on gentamicin experiences hypotension, other underlying causes such as sepsis or volume depletion should be considered.