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 C
Explanation
A competitive neuromuscular blocking agent can cause respiratory depression and compromise the client’s ability to clear secretions. Therefore, it is important to have suction equipment readily available at the bedside to assist with airway clearance if needed.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice b. Constipation.
Choice A rationale:
While headaches can occur with some medications, they are not a common adverse effect of diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine's typical side effects are more related to its anticholinergic properties.
Choice B rationale:
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic effects, which can lead to dry mouth, urinary retention, and constipation as common adverse effects.
Choice C rationale:
Diphenhydramine typically does not cause bradycardia. In some cases, it may cause tachycardia (increased heart rate) rather than a slower heart rate.
Choice D rationale:
Hypertension is not typically associated with diphenhydramine. In fact, it can sometimes cause hypotension (low blood pressure) rather than high blood pressure.
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