Question

A nurse is collecting data from a client who is taking penicillin V potassium. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

a) Nausea and vomiting
b) Diarrhea
c) Rash and itching
d) Increased appetite

Answer 1

A nurse should report findings of rash and itching to the provider when a client is taking penicillin V potassium, as it may indicate an allergic reaction, requiring immediate medical attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse is collecting data from a client who is taking penicillin V potassium, the finding that should be reported to the provider is c) Rash and itching. This type of symptom can indicate an allergic reaction to the medication, which may require immediate medical attention. Other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased appetite might be more common side effects that do not always require reporting, but still should be monitored. However, a rash and itching specifically suggest an allergic reaction, which can be a more serious side effect of taking antibiotics like penicillin.

It's important to note that antibiotics can lead to a disruption of the normal microbiota, which might result in secondary infections such as yeast infections due to the eradication of 'good' bacteria that help maintain the body's natural balance. This can also be observed in symptoms like diarrhea and vaginal yeast infections following antibiotic use.