Question

A client was just admitted to the hospital to rule out a gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. The client has brought several bottles of medications prescribed by different specialists. During the admission assessment, the client states, "Lately, I have been hearing some roaring sounds in my ears, especially when I am alone." Which medication would the nurse determine could be the cause of the client's complaint?

Option 1: Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Option 2: Ibuprofen (Advil)
Option 3: Aspirin
Option 4: Naproxen (Aleve)

Answer 1

Aspirin is the medication most likely to cause the patient's complaint of roaring sounds in the ears, as it is known to cause tinnitus, especially in higher doses.

Step-by-step explanation:

The medication among the given options that could cause roaring sounds in the ears, a condition known as tinnitus, is Aspirin. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can have side effects such as gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeds, but it can also cause tinnitus, especially when taken in higher doses. On the other hand, Acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is not an NSAID, typically has fewer side effects such as gastric distress and less ringing in the ears as compared to aspirin.

It’s also important to be aware, however, that all NSAIDs, including Ibuprofen (Advil) and Naproxen (Aleve), have the potential to cause stomach bleeding and kidney damage, especially in at-risk populations like those over 60 or those with pre-existing conditions. Nonetheless, the particular complaint of roaring sounds, or tinnitus, is more closely associated with aspirin than the other drugs listed here.