A patient is experiencing nausea and decreased appetite during drug therapy with a tetracycline antibiotic.
What is the nurse’s best advice to the patient?

Choice A rationale:

Double vision is not a common side effect of quinolones. Quinolones are a type of antibiotic that are used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. While they can have side effects, double vision is not typically one of them.

Choice B rationale:

Tendonitis and tendon rupture are known adverse effects of quinolones. These antibiotics can very rarely cause long-lasting, disabling, and potentially irreversible side effects, sometimes affecting multiple systems, organ classes, and senses. One of these side effects is damage to the tendons, which can manifest as tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon) or even tendon rupture. This is particularly a concern for people older than 60 years and for those with renal impairment or solid-organ transplants because they are at a higher risk of tendon injury.

Choice C rationale:

Neuralgia, or nerve pain, is not a common side effect of quinolones. While these antibiotics can affect the nervous system and cause side effects such as peripheral neuropathy and central nervous system effects, neuralgia is not typically reported.

Choice D rationale:

Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is not typically associated with the use of quinolones. These antibiotics can have various side effects, but a significant drop in blood pressure is not commonly reported.

Choice A rationale:

Rifampin Rifampin is an antitubercular drug that is effective against all strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of RNA in the bacteria, preventing them from reproducing. However, it does not typically cause a decrease in visual acuity.

Choice B rationale:

Ethambutol Ethambutol is an antitubercular drug that can cause ocular toxicity in the form of visual field changes. It is known to induce toxic optic neuropathy, which is quite common and can lead to a decrease in visual acuity. Patients on Ethambutol therapy are advised to report any changes in visual acuity or eye discomfort immediately to their healthcare provider.

Choice C rationale:

Streptomycin Streptomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria. While it can cause side effects such as ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity, it is not typically associated with a decrease in visual acuity.

Choice D rationale:

Isoniazid Isoniazid is a first-line antitubercular drug that works by inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acids in the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it can cause peripheral neuropathy, it is not typically associated with a decrease in visual acuity.