The practical nurse (PN) is providing care for a client who is receiving an aminoglycoside to treat a bacterial infection.
To assess for signs of ototoxicity, which action should the PN take?
Check for changes in vision.
Monitor the client's hearing.
Observe the skin for a rash.
Measure the urinary output.
The Correct Answer is B
This is the correct answer because it is the best way to assess for signs of ototoxicity, which is a potential adverse effect of aminoglycosides. Ototoxicity is the damage or injury to the inner ear or auditory nerve caused by certain drugs or chemicals. It can result in hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, or balance problems. Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics that are effective against gram-negative bacteria, but they can also cause ototoxicity by interfering with the function of the hair cells in the cochlea. The practical nurse (PN) should monitor the client's hearing by asking about any changes in hearing acuity, ringing in the ears, or difficulty understanding speech. The PN should also perform a hearing test using a tuning fork or an audiometer if available. The PN should report any signs of ototoxicity to the health care provider and discontinue the aminoglycoside as ordered.
a) Check for changes in vision.
This is not the correct answer because it is not related to ototoxicity. Vision is the ability to see and perceive objects and colors using the eyes and the brain. Vision may be affected by various factors, such as age, genetics, eye diseases, injuries, infections, or medications. However, aminoglycosides do not cause vision problems or impairments. The PN should check for changes in vision in a client who is receiving other drugs that can cause ocular toxicity, such as ethambutol, chloroquine, or digoxin.
c) Observe the skin for a rash.
This is not the correct answer because it is not related to ototoxicity. A rash is a change in the color, texture, or appearance of the skin that may be caused by various factors, such as allergies, infections, inflammation, or medications. A rash may present as redness, itching, swelling, blisters, bumps, or scales.
Aminoglycosides can cause skin reactions such as rash or urticaria in some clients who are hypersensitive or allergic to them. The PN should observe the skin for a rash in a client who is receiving an aminoglycoside and report any signs of an allergic reaction to the health care provider. However, a rash is not a sign of ototoxicity.
d) Measure the urinary output.
This is not the correct answer because it is not related to ototoxicity. Urinary output is the amount of urine produced and excreted by the kidneys and bladder. It is an indicator of renal function and fluid balance. The normal range for urinary output is 0.5 to 1 mL/kg/hour for adults. Urinary output may be affected by various factors, such as fluid intake, dehydration, diuretics, kidney disease, or medications. Aminoglycosides can cause nephrotoxicity, which is another potential adverse effect of these drugs. Nephrotoxicity is the damage or injury to the kidneys caused by certain drugs or chemicals. It can impair the kidneys' ability to filter waste products from the blood, resulting in reduced urine production and oliguria. The PN should measure the urinary output in a client who is receiving an aminoglycoside and report any signs of nephrotoxicity to the health care provider. However, urinary output is not a sign of ototoxicity
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The statement, "This medication will shorten the duration of my symptoms," is correct. Oseltamivir is an antiviral medication used to treat influenza, and it can reduce the duration of symptoms when taken early in the course of the illness.
Choice B rationale:
The statement, "This medication will prevent me from spreading the virus to others," is incorrect. While oseltamivir can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, it does not prevent the spread of the virus to others. Clients with influenza should still take precautions to avoid transmitting the virus to others.
Choice C rationale:
The statement, "This medication will work best if I start taking it within 48 hours of symptom onset," is correct. Oseltamivir is most effective when started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
The statement, "This medication may cause nausea and vomiting as side effects," is correct. Nausea and vomiting are potential side effects of oseltamivir, and clients should be informed about these possible adverse reactions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Nausea can be a significant factor contributing to decreased food intake, but it is not the most likely cause in this scenario. Xerostomia (dry mouth) and mucositis are mentioned as symptoms in the question stem. Nausea alone does not explain why the client is consuming less than their body requirements.
Choice B rationale:
Fatigue can also contribute to decreased food intake, but it is not the most likely cause in this case. While fatigue can be a side effect of cancer treatment and may lead to reduced appetite, the question specifically mentions xerostomia and mucositis as issues contributing to imbalanced nutritional intake.
Choice C rationale:
Pain when eating is the most likely cause of imbalanced nutritional intake in this scenario. The client's laryngeal cancer and the development of mucositis indicate that eating is likely painful for them. This discomfort can significantly deter the client from eating, leading to decreased nutritional intake.
Choice D rationale:
Altered taste sensation can affect food preferences, but it is not the most likely cause in this case. Pain when eating is a more direct and immediate barrier to food intake, especially in the context of mucositis and laryngeal cancer.
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