Question

A patient is prescribed a quinolone (fluoroquinolone) antibiotic for the treatment of UTI, lower respiratory infections, bone and joint infections, skin infections, and certain STDs. When monitoring the patient's response to this medication, the nurse should prioritize assessments for:

Option 1: Gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and diarrhea.
Option 2: Cardiac abnormalities and arrhythmias.
Option 3: Renal toxicity and hepatotoxicity.
Option 4: Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.

Answer 1

The nurse should prioritize assessments for all potential side effects of quinolone antibiotics, including gastrointestinal issues, cardiac abnormalities, renal and liver toxicity, and allergic reactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When monitoring a patient who has been prescribed a quinolone antibiotic such as levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin for a variety of infections, a nurse should prioritize assessments for all of the potential side effects listed in the options provided. These antibiotics can cause a range of side effects, including gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea, cardiac abnormalities and arrhythmias, renal toxicity and hepatotoxicity, as well as allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. It is important to monitor for these effects because each can have serious implications for the patient's health. Documented side effects associated with fluoroquinolones include phototoxicity, neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, glucose metabolism dysfunction, and an increased risk for tendon rupture. Given this wide spectrum of potential adverse effects, a comprehensive assessment is crucial.