A patient who takes the loop diuretic ethacrynic acid is given ...

[CBme]

A patient who takes the loop diuretic ethacrynic acid is given intravenous gentamicin for an infection.
 
  After several days of treatment with gentamicin, the nurse reviews the patient's most recent laboratory results and notes a gentamicin trough of 2.1 mcg/mL and normal blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels. The nurse will question the patient about: a. gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.
  b. headache, dizziness, or vertigo.
  c. presence of rash.
  d. urine output.

Question 2

A patient is being started on nicotinic acid Niaspan to reduce triglyceride levels. The nurse is providing patient education and should include teaching about which adverse effects? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Facial flushing
  b. Constipation
  c. Hypoglycemia
  d. Gastric upset
  e. Itching

[leahm14]

Answer to Question 1

B
Ethacrynic acid has ototoxic properties, and patients who take this drug with an aminoglycoside have an increased risk of ototoxicity, especially when trough levels of the aminoglycoside are elevated. A trough level of 2.1 mcg/mL is above normal limits for gentamicin, so this patient should be asked about early signs of ototoxicity. There is no indication to evaluate for GI symp-toms, rash, or urine output.

Answer to Question 2

A, D, E
Adverse effects of nicotinic acid include intense flushing of the face, neck, and ears; itching; and GI upset (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea). Constipation and hypoglycemia are not adverse ef-fects of niacin therapy.

[CBme]

Excellent

[flexer1n1]

TYSM