Which adverse effect unique to vancomycin is caused by histamine release?
Discoloration of body fluids
Ototoxicity
Red-man syndrome
Nephrotoxicity
The Correct Answer is C
A. Discoloration of body fluids:
Vancomycin can cause discoloration of body fluids, particularly urine, resulting in a brownish discoloration. However, this is not caused by histamine release.
B. Ototoxicity:
Ototoxicity refers to damage to the inner ear structures leading to hearing loss or balance problems. While vancomycin can cause ototoxicity, it is not specifically associated with histamine release.
C. Red-man syndrome
Red-man syndrome, also known as red-neck syndrome or red-person syndrome, is a hypersensitivity reaction characterized by flushing of the skin, particularly the upper body and face, resembling a "red man." This reaction is typically associated with the rapid infusion of vancomycin and is caused by the release of histamine from mast cells and basophils. It is not an allergic reaction but rather a non-immunologic response to vancomycin.
D. Nephrotoxicity:
Nephrotoxicity refers to kidney damage caused by certain medications or toxins. While vancomycin can cause nephrotoxicity, it is not specifically associated with histamine release.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Changes in mental status:
Changes in mental status are not typically associated with ototoxicity caused by gentamicin. Mental status changes may indicate other systemic effects or adverse reactions, but they are not specific to ototoxicity.
B. Complaints that he is unable to hear the television:
This complaint is highly indicative of ototoxicity. Hearing loss, particularly high-frequency hearing loss, is a common symptom of ototoxicity caused by drugs like gentamicin. Difficulty hearing sounds such as the television, especially at typical volume levels, suggests a potential problem with hearing function.
C. An increase in the BUN and creatinine:
An increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels may indicate kidney damage, which can occur as a result of nephrotoxicity associated with gentamicin use. While nephrotoxicity is a known adverse effect of gentamicin, it is not specific to ototoxicity.
D. Tingling of the extremities:
Tingling of the extremities is not typically associated with ototoxicity caused by gentamicin. This symptom may suggest other neurological or systemic effects but is not specific to ototoxicity.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Permanent, inheritable changes to DNA:
Mutations are alterations or changes in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome. These changes can be permanent and heritable, meaning they are passed on to offspring during reproduction. Mutations can occur spontaneously or be induced by various factors such as environmental agents, radiation, or errors in DNA replication or repair mechanisms. These changes can lead to variations in traits among individuals within a population and are essential for the process of evolution.
B. An organism that is capable of causing disease:
This definition refers to the term "pathogen." Pathogens are organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, that are capable of causing disease in their hosts. Pathogens can infect humans, animals, plants, or other organisms and can lead to a wide range of diseases, from mild infections to life-threatening illnesses.
C. The severity of a disease that an organism is able to cause:
This definition refers to the term "virulence." Virulence is a measure of the severity or harmfulness of a pathogen, indicating its ability to cause disease in a host organism. Highly virulent pathogens are more likely to cause severe illness or death, while less virulent pathogens may cause milder symptoms or asymptomatic infections. Virulence factors, such as toxins, adhesion molecules, or evasion mechanisms, contribute to the pathogen's ability to cause disease.
D. A substance that can inhibit the growth of bacteria:
This definition refers to the term "antibiotic." Antibiotics are chemical substances produced by microorganisms, fungi, or synthesized in the laboratory that can inhibit the growth of or kill bacteria. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial infections and work by targeting specific bacterial structures or metabolic processes, thereby disrupting bacterial growth and survival. However, antibiotics are not mutations; instead, they are therapeutic agents used to combat bacterial infections.
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