Author Question: The nurse is caring for a client being treated with ethambutol in the treatment of tuberculosis. ... (Read 76 times)

Mollykgkg · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is caring for a client being treated with ethambutol in the treatment of tuberculosis. What assessment findings would indicate that the client is experiencing a side effect of this therapy?

1. Alteration in colored vision
2. White patches in the mucous membranes
3. Ringing in the ears
4. Alteration in smelling

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with a form of tuberculosis that is resistant to isoniazid therapy. What drug does the nurse anticipate the client will be prescribed for first-line therapy?

1. Ethambutol (Myambutol)
2. Pyrazinamide (PZA)
3. Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
4. Pyridoxine

janieazgirl · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Ethambutol affects the ability to distinguish red from green.
Rationale 2: White patches are associated with fungal infections, not with ethambutol.
Rationale 3: Ringing in the ears is not associated with ethambutol.
Rationale 4: Alteration in smelling does not occur with ethambutol.
Global Rationale: Ethambutol has a unique adverse effect of optic neuritis that affects visual acuity and the ability to distinguish red from green. This effect is dose related, may be unilateral or bilateral, and is usually reversible when therapy is discontinued. White patches, ringing in the ears, and alteration in ability to smell do not occur.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Ethambutol is the agent of choice.
Rationale 2: Pyrazinamide is not the agent of choice.
Rationale 3: Rifampin is not the agent of choice.
Rationale 4: Pyridoxine is not the agent of choice.
Global Rationale: In regions where the incidence of isoniazid resistance is 4 or higher, ethambutol (Myambutol) or streptomycin is included as part of the initial therapeutic regimen. Three months of additional therapy may be indicated, depending on whether the sputum cultures have turned negative during therapy. The remaining medications do not have this indication.