A male client has been receiving the antibiotic gentamicin sulfate, IV piggyback every 12 hours for several days. Which observation by the nurse indicates that the client may be experiencing an adverse effect of gentamicin?
Reference Range: White Blood Cell [5000 to 10,000/mm3 (5 to 10 x 109/L)]
White blood cell count of 6,000/mm3 (6 x 109/L).
Decreased blood urea nitrogen.
Hearing has decreased.
Reports of photophobia.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. A WBC count within the normal range does not indicate an adverse effect of gentamicin.
B. Gentamicin is more likely to increase BUN levels due to nephrotoxicity rather than decrease them.
C. Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic known to cause ototoxicity, which can lead to hearing loss. Decreased hearing is a significant adverse effect that should be promptly addressed.
D. Photophobia is not a common side effect of gentamicin.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Erythromycin does not require the client to avoid sunlight, unlike some other antibiotics.
B. The timing of medication intake does not affect the interaction between erythromycin and oral contraceptives.
C. Erythromycin can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. It is essential to use an additional contraceptive method to prevent unintended pregnancy.
D. Stopping the oral contraceptive is not necessary but using an additional form of contraception is important.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Storing the remainder of the medication in a locked drawer is not appropriate for controlled substances that are not fully administered.
B. Lorazepam is a controlled substance, and any unused portion must be disposed of according to hospital policy, typically by discarding it with a witness. The presence of another nurse to witness the discarding process ensures proper documentation and compliance with legal regulations.
C. Withdrawing the medication into a syringe and labeling it is unsafe as it may lead to medication errors or misuse.
D. Simply throwing the vial into the trash, even with another nurse present, does not comply with the proper disposal procedure for controlled substances.