The nurse is caring for a client receiving gentamycin IV. Which of the following adverse effects would the nurse report to the physician immediately?

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.

A. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act:

The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) is a federal law that regulates the manufacturing, labeling, and distribution of food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices in the United States. While the FD&C Act does provide some regulatory authority over certain aspects of dietary supplements, such as labeling requirements and good manufacturing practices, it is not the primary law governing the regulation of herbal and dietary supplements.

B. Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations:

The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), now known as The Joint Commission, is an independent, nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. However, The Joint Commission is not responsible for regulating herbal and dietary supplements.

C. Health and Human Services (HHS):

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a cabinet-level executive branch department of the U.S. federal government. While HHS oversees various health-related agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is not the primary regulatory authority for herbal and dietary supplements.

D. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA):

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 is the primary law that regulates herbal and dietary supplements in the United States. DSHEA defines dietary supplements, sets forth labeling requirements, establishes good manufacturing practices, and outlines the responsibilities of manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements. Under DSHEA, dietary supplements are regulated as a category of food rather than as drugs.