Question

Nitrofurantoin is prescribed for a client with a urinary tract infection. The client contacts the nurse and reports a cough, chills, fever, and difficulty breathing. The nurse should make which interpretation about the client's complaints?

Option 1: The client may have contracted the flu.
Option 2: The client is experiencing anaphylaxis.
Option 3: The client is experiencing expected effects of the medication.
Option 4: The client is experiencing a pulmonary reaction requiring cessation of the medication.

Answer 1

The client is experiencing a pulmonary reaction requiring cessation of the medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client is experiencing a pulmonary reaction requiring cessation of the medication. Nitrofurantoin is associated with a rare but serious pulmonary reaction known as nitrofurantoin-induced lung injury. Symptoms of this reaction can include cough, chills, fever, and difficulty breathing, which are consistent with the client's complaints. If the client is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to stop the medication and seek medical attention immediately.