Question

The elderly patient is receiving ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) and tells the nurse he doesn't hear as well as he used to. What is the best response by the nurse?

1. "You may be dehydrated; are you drinking enough fluid?"
2. "I will let your doctor know about this; it could be a side effect of your medication."
3. "How long have you been having difficulty hearing?"
4. "I will schedule a hearing exam; this could be a side effect of your medication."

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the doctor as reduced hearing could be a side effect of the medication ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), a loop diuretic, which can cause ototoxicity leading to sensorineural hearing loss, particularly in elderly patients.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best response the nurse can provide is, "I will let your doctor know about this; it could be a side effect of your medication." Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) is a loop diuretic that can potentially cause ototoxicity, leading to temporary or permanent hearing loss. Hearing impairment can fit into sensorineural hearing loss, which can be precipitated by certain medications among other causes. It is important to address this issue promptly to prevent further damage.

Hearing loss due to medication is often related to the drug's toxicity to the structures within the ear responsible for processing sound. Loop diuretics like ethacrynic acid can affect the cochlea’s function, and healthcare providers should be aware of this potential side effect especially in elderly patients, who may already be at an increased risk for hearing issues due to age-related changes.