Question

A client is receiving an aminoglycoside antibiotic for an infection. the nurse would monitor the client closely for:

A) Hypertension
B) Hypoglycemia
C) Ototoxicity
D) Hyperkalemia

Answer 1

A client receiving an aminoglycoside antibiotic would be closely monitored for ototoxicity, as these medications can cause hearing loss and balance disorders. C) Ototoxicity

Step-by-step explanation:

A client receiving an aminoglycoside antibiotic would be closely monitored for C) Ototoxicity. Aminoglycosides including drugs like streptomycin, gentamicin, neomycin, and kanamycin, have known ototoxic effects which can lead to hearing loss and balance disorders. This group of antibiotics binds to the 30S subunit of bacterial ribosomes, rendering them effective at combating bacterial infections. However, their impact on human cells, especially within the ear, can lead to damage.

This is why ototoxicity is a significant concern when administering aminoglycosides. Besides ototoxicity, these antibiotics can also be nephrotoxic (harmful to the kidneys), but the question specifically asks for the effects closely monitored by a nurse, and ototoxicity is the relevant side effect in this context.