The nurse is caring for a client receiving gentamycin IV. Which of the following adverse effects would the nurse report to the physician immediately?
Ototoxicity
Nausea
Constipation
Increased urinary output
The Correct Answer is A
A. Ototoxicity:
Ototoxicity refers to damage to the auditory and vestibular nerves, leading to hearing loss and balance disturbances. Gentamicin, being an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is known for its potential to cause ototoxicity. Signs and symptoms of ototoxicity include changes in hearing, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and imbalance. Ototoxicity is irreversible and can occur suddenly or gradually during gentamicin therapy. Therefore, any signs or symptoms of ototoxicity should be reported immediately to the physician for further evaluation and management.
B. Nausea:
Nausea is a common gastrointestinal side effect associated with gentamicin therapy. While it can be bothersome to the patient, nausea alone is not typically considered a severe adverse effect that requires immediate reporting to the physician. However, if nausea is severe or persistent and leads to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, it should be addressed promptly.
C. Constipation:
Constipation is another potential gastrointestinal side effect of gentamicin therapy. Like nausea, constipation alone is not typically considered a severe adverse effect that requires immediate reporting to the physician. However, if constipation is severe or persistent and leads to discomfort or bowel obstruction, it should be addressed promptly.
D. Increased urinary output:
Increased urinary output may indicate improved renal function, which can be a desired effect during gentamicin therapy. Gentamicin is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and increased urinary output may help in the elimination of the drug from the body. Therefore, increased urinary output alone is not typically considered an adverse effect that requires immediate reporting to the physician. However, if there are signs of dehydration or electrolyte imbalances associated with increased urinary output, they should be addressed promptly.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. “It’s fine for me to become pregnant while taking this medication.”
This statement is incorrect. Tetracycline is known to have teratogenic effects, meaning it can harm the developing fetus if taken during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while taking tetracycline and avoid becoming pregnant during treatment.
B. “I will need to postpone my vacation at the beach until I finish this medication."
This statement demonstrates an understanding of the discharge instructions. Tetracycline can increase the risk of sunburn and photosensitivity reactions. Therefore, it's advisable for the client to avoid prolonged sun exposure, particularly during peak sunlight hours, and to use sun protection measures such as wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and avoiding tanning beds or sunlamps. Postponing a vacation at the beach until after finishing the medication is a prudent precaution to minimize the risk of sun-related side effects.
C. “I am so glad to be leaving today because I have an appointment at the tanning salon."
This statement is incorrect. Tetracycline can increase the risk of sunburn and photosensitivity reactions. Visiting a tanning salon while taking tetracycline can further increase the risk of skin damage and should be avoided.
D. "I will stop taking this medication as soon as I feel better.”
This statement is incorrect. It's important for the client to complete the full course of tetracycline as prescribed by their healthcare provider, even if they start to feel better before finishing the medication. Stopping the medication prematurely can lead to incomplete treatment and potential recurrence of the infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Take small amounts of food:
This advice suggests eating small, frequent meals when experiencing diarrhea. It aims to reduce the workload on the digestive system and may help alleviate symptoms such as nausea and discomfort. However, while eating small amounts of food can be beneficial, increasing fluid intake is the priority to prevent dehydration associated with diarrhea.
B. Consume large quantities of milk and smoked meat:
Consuming large quantities of milk and smoked meat is not recommended when experiencing diarrhea. Dairy products, including milk, can worsen diarrhea in some individuals, especially those who are lactose intolerant. Similarly, smoked meat may be high in fat and difficult to digest, potentially aggravating gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, this advice is not appropriate for managing diarrhea.
C. Increase fluid intake:
Increasing fluid intake is essential when experiencing diarrhea to prevent dehydration. Diarrhea leads to the loss of fluids and electrolytes from the body, which can quickly lead to dehydration if not replenished. Encouraging the patient to drink water, clear broths, oral rehydration solutions, and other electrolyte-rich fluids helps replace lost fluids and maintain hydration levels, making this the correct choice.
D. Take a mild medication to treat the diarrhea along with the ciprofloxacin:
While it may be tempting to take a medication to alleviate diarrhea symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider before taking any additional medications, especially when already taking antibiotics like ciprofloxacin. Some anti-diarrheal medications can interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics or worsen gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, it's important to seek medical advice before taking any additional medications.
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