The nurse is obtaining a medication history of a 48-year-old patient with an ear infection who is to receive penicillin therapy.
The patient reports taking a beta-adrenergic blocker for his hypertension.
The nurse would identify that this patient is at increased risk for which of the following if penicillin is administered?

Choice A rationale:

Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, are responsible for supplying our cells with oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Hemoglobin, a protein within erythrocytes, binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it in the body's tissues, ensuring that our cells receive the oxygen they need for metabolic processes. This is the primary function of erythrocytes.

Choice B rationale:

Erythrocytes do not control bleeding from microscopic to major tears in our tissues. Hemostasis, or the control of bleeding, is primarily the role of platelets (thrombocytes) and clotting factors in the blood. While erythrocytes are essential for oxygen transport, they are not directly involved in the process of controlling bleeding.

Choice C rationale:

Leukocytes, also known as white blood cells, are not responsible for supplying our cells with oxygen. Their primary function is to help our body fight infection and respond to various immune challenges, including bacterial and viral infections.

Choice D rationale:

Thrombocytes, also known as platelets, play a crucial role in controlling bleeding. They are responsible for the initial stages of hemostasis, forming blood clots to prevent excessive bleeding when blood vessels are damaged. This is their primary function, distinct from the role of erythrocytes in oxygen transport. .