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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. BP 98/62:
A blood pressure of 98/62 mmHg is within the normal range for an adult, although it's slightly lower than the average blood pressure. While monitoring blood pressure is important, this reading doesn't indicate a critical condition and doesn't require immediate intervention.
B. Urticaria:
Urticaria, also known as hives, is a skin rash characterized by raised, itchy welts. While it can be uncomfortable and may indicate an allergic reaction, it's not immediately life-threatening. However, it does warrant attention and further assessment.
C. Wheezing:
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs during breathing and can indicate airway obstruction, such as in an allergic reaction or asthma exacerbation. Wheezing can be a sign of a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, which requires immediate intervention to ensure the patient's airway remains open and to administer appropriate treatment.
D. Pulse rate 104/min:
A pulse rate of 104 beats per minute (bpm) is slightly elevated but within the normal range for an adult. While it's important to monitor heart rate, this finding alone doesn't indicate an immediate threat to the patient's life.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Penicillin will be effective in treating the infection:
This interpretation is correct. When the culture and sensitivity test results show that the bacteria causing the infection are sensitive to penicillin, it means that penicillin will effectively inhibit the growth of these bacteria, leading to the resolution of the infection. This sensitivity indicates that penicillin is an appropriate and effective choice for treating the infection.
B. Penicillin will not be effective in treating the infection:
This interpretation is incorrect. If the bacteria are sensitive to penicillin, it means that penicillin will be effective in treating the infection. Sensitivity to penicillin indicates that the bacteria are susceptible to the antimicrobial activity of penicillin, and therefore, penicillin is expected to be effective in eradicating the infection.
C. The test must be repeated to obtain accurate results:
This interpretation is not warranted based on the information provided. If the culture and sensitivity test results indicate that the bacteria causing the infection are sensitive to penicillin, there is no need to repeat the test for accuracy. Sensitivity testing provides valuable information about the susceptibility of bacteria to specific antibiotics, helping healthcare providers make informed decisions about appropriate treatment.
D. Ms. Robertson is allergic to penicillin:
This interpretation is unrelated to the information provided in the scenario. The culture and sensitivity test results indicate the susceptibility of bacteria to penicillin, not whether the patient has an allergy to penicillin. Allergy testing is a separate diagnostic process used to determine if a patient is allergic to penicillin or other medications. Sensitivity testing does not provide information about the patient's allergy status.
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