A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal. The nurse should anticipate administering which of the following medications to the client to facilitate the withdrawal process?

A. Aspirate before injecting the medication. Aspirating before injecting heparin is not recommended because it can cause tissue trauma and increase the risk of hematoma formation. Heparin is administered into the subcutaneous tissue, which has fewer blood vessels than intramuscular tissue, making aspiration unnecessary. Aspiration can also lead to bruising and discomfort, which should be minimized when administering anticoagulants.

B. Use a 25-gauge, 1/2-inch needle to administer the medication. Heparin should be administered using a small-gauge (25- to 27-gauge) needle with a length of 1/2 to 5/8 inch to reduce tissue trauma and minimize the risk of bleeding. The small needle size helps ensure that the medication is delivered into the subcutaneous tissue rather than deeper layers. Proper needle selection is important to prevent bruising and irritation, which are common concerns when administering anticoagulants.

C. Administer the medication within 2 cm (1 in) of the umbilicus. Heparin should not be injected near the umbilicus because this area has a higher density of blood vessels and an increased risk of bruising. The preferred injection sites are the abdomen (at least 5 cm or 2 inches away from the umbilicus), the upper outer thigh, or the outer upper arm. Injecting in these areas ensures proper absorption while minimizing complications such as hematoma formation.

D. Massage the site after injecting the medication. Massaging the injection site after administering heparin is contraindicated because it can lead to increased bruising, tissue irritation, and the potential for excessive bleeding. Instead of massaging, gentle pressure can be applied with a gauze pad if necessary to control minor bleeding. Clients should be advised to avoid rubbing or applying unnecessary pressure to the injection site to reduce the risk of local complications.

A. Increased salivation. Tobramycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, does not cause increased salivation. It primarily affects the kidneys and auditory system, with no significant impact on saliva production. Increased salivation is more commonly associated with medications affecting the autonomic nervous system, such as cholinergic agents.

B. Bruising. While some antibiotics may impact platelet function, aminoglycosides like tobramycin do not commonly cause thrombocytopenia or increased bruising. Clients experiencing unexplained bruising should be evaluated for other underlying causes, such as coagulation disorders or concurrent medication use.

C. Joint pain. Joint pain is not a typical adverse effect of tobramycin. While some antibiotics, like fluoroquinolones, are associated with tendonitis or joint issues, aminoglycosides primarily affect the kidneys and inner ear, leading to nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity rather than musculoskeletal symptoms.

D. Tinnitus. Tobramycin is ototoxic and can cause tinnitus, hearing loss, or balance disturbances due to its toxic effects on the auditory and vestibular nerves. Clients receiving tobramycin should be monitored for early signs of ototoxicity, and the medication should be discontinued if symptoms develop to prevent permanent hearing damage.