A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has a prescription for gentamicin. Which of the following should the nurse include as an adverse effect of this medication?
Urinary frequency
Constipation
Hypertension
Tinnitus
The Correct Answer is D
The nurse should include tinnitus (ringing in the ears) as an adverse effect of gentamicin in the client's teaching. Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections. One of the potential side effects of gentamicin is damage to the inner ear, which can lead to tinnitus.
Tinnitus is a concerning symptom as it may indicate ototoxicity, which is damage to the structures of the inner ear responsible for hearing and balance. If the client experiences tinnitus while taking gentamicin, it is essential to notify the healthcare provider immediately to assess the severity of the issue and consider appropriate interventions.
Let's go through the other options and explain why they are not adverse effects of gentamicin:
A. Urinary frequency: Urinary frequency is not a common adverse effect of gentamicin. Gentamicin primarily affects the kidneys, and its main concern is related to potential nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) rather than causing urinary frequency.
B. Constipation: Constipation is not an adverse effect typically associated with gentamicin. Gentamicin is not known to affect the gastrointestinal system or cause constipation.
C. Hypertension: Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not a known adverse effect of gentamicin. Gentamicin primarily affects the kidneys and the inner ear, as mentioned earlier, but it does not significantly impact blood pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A nurse who is caring for a preschooler should question a prescription for tetracycline. Tetracycline is contraindicated in children under 8 years of age due to its potential to cause permanent discoloration and damage to developing teeth and bones. This adverse effect is known as tooth staining or dental hypoplasia.
Let's go through the other options:
A. Azithromycin: Azithromycin is an appropriate antibiotic for use in preschool-age children and is commonly prescribed for various bacterial infections. It does not pose the same risk of tooth staining as tetracycline, making it a safe option for this age group.
C. Cefuroxime: Cefuroxime is another antibiotic that is safe for use in preschoolers. It belongs to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics and is commonly prescribed for respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and other bacterial infections.
D. Gentamicin: While gentamicin is an effective antibiotic, its use in preschool-age children should be carefully monitored. Gentamicin can have potential ototoxic and nephrotoxic effects (damage to the inner ear and kidneys, respectively). However, its use is not strictly contraindicated in this age group, and it can be prescribed when necessary with appropriate monitoring.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Exenatide is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. The nurse should plan to administer exenatide via the subcutaneous route.
Subcutaneous administration involves injecting the medication into the fatty tissue just below the skin. Exenatide is available as a subcutaneous injection and is typically given in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Let's go through the other options:
A. Oral: Exenatide is not available in an oral form. It is a peptide-based medication that would be destroyed by stomach acid and digestive enzymes if taken orally. Therefore, it must be administered via injection to be effective.
B. Intramuscular: Exenatide is not administered intramuscularly. Intramuscular injections are given deep into the muscle tissue, and exenatide is not formulated or intended for this route of administration.
D. Intravenous: Exenatide is not administered intravenously. Intravenous injections are given directly into the bloodstream, and exenatide is not suitable for this route of administration.
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