A nurse is caring for a client who is taking oral erythromycin. Which of the following statements by the nurse indicates the client is experiencing a common adverse effect of this medication?
"The client verbalizes a ringing in the ears."
"The client reports constipation with abdominal cramping."
"The client had a small amount of yellow emesis."
"The client has swollen lips."
The Correct Answer is C
A. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a common adverse effect of aminoglycosides such as gentamycin which cause ototoxicity, rather than erythromycin which is a macrolide.
B. Constipation with abdominal cramping, is not a commonly reported side effect of erythromycin; this medication is more likely to cause diarrhea rather than constipation.
C. Common adverse effects of oral erythromycin include gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal cramping and nausea. Therefore, the statement indicating the client is experiencing a common adverse effect would be having a small amount of yellow emesis which aligns with the reported side effects of nausea and vomiting.
D. Swollen lips are not a common adverse effect of erythromycin. This symptom may indicate an allergic reaction or another issue unrelated to the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, is known to cause drowsiness and sedation as a common side effect. Patients should be advised to avoid activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until they understand how the medication affects them.
B. Even a single dose of diazepam can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Patients should be aware of potential side effects regardless of the number of doses taken.
C. While grapefruit juice can interact with certain medications by affecting their metabolism, it doesn't directly inactivate diazepam. However, it may increase the risk of side effects by altering the metabolism of the medication, leading to higher blood levels.
D. Tyramine is not typically a concern with diazepam. Tyramine-containing foods are more relevant in the context of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a different class of medications used to treat depression.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Azithromycin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat infections such as chlamydia. While it's generally well-tolerated, it can rarely cause serious side effects such as allergic reactions or severe skin reactions. Sore throat or fever may indicate such adverse effects, and patients
should be instructed to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience these symptoms.
B. Dark yellow or orange urine is not a typical side effect of azithromycin. It can be caused by drugs such as rifampin.
C. Taking azithromycin with an antacid is generally not necessary and may interfere with the absorption of the medication. It's usually recommended to take azithromycin on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, unless otherwise directed by a healthcare provider.
D. Bleeding gums are not a common side effect of azithromycin. If a patient experiences unusual bleeding or bruising, they should seek medical attention, but this symptom is not specifically associated with azithromycin use.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.