Question

A client with tuberculosis has a prescription for Myambutol (ethambutol \(\mathrm{HCl}\) ). The nurse should tell the client to notify the doctor immediately if he notices: A. Gastric distress B. Changes in hearing C. Red discoloration of bodily fluids D. Changes in color vision

Short answer

Answer: Changes in color vision.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the medication

Myambutol (ethambutol \(\mathrm{HCl}\)) is a medication used to treat tuberculosis. We need to determine the possible side effects of Myambutol and decide which option in the given question may require immediate doctor attention.

Evaluate side effects of Myambutol

Researching the potential side effects of Myambutol, we would find that common side effects include: 1. Gastric distress - abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea, vomiting. 2. Changes in hearing - tinnitus, dizziness, hearing loss. 3. Red discoloration of bodily fluids - urine, tears, sweat may appear red. 4. Changes in color vision - difficulty distinguishing between colors, especially red and green.

Identify the significant side effect

Among the side effects mentioned above, one significant side effect to pay attention to with Myambutol is changes in color vision. This side effect could be an indication of optic neuritis, which can potentially lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.

Choose the correct answer

Considering the potential severity of this side effect, the correct answer is: D. Changes in color vision

Key concepts

Tuberculosis Medication Side Effects

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease, and managing it often involves a regimen of medications with potential side effects that patients need to be aware of. TB medications can cause a variety of side effects ranging from mild to severe. Common side effects of these drugs include liver toxicity (which may present as fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and liver inflammation), gastrointestinal issues (such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite), and neurological symptoms (including neuropathy or dizziness).

Specifically, medications such as Rifampin can cause the bodily fluids to turn red or orange, which, while alarming, is typically harmless. However, other side effects like vision changes from drugs like Ethambutol are more serious. Nurses must educate patients to report any unusual symptoms, especially those affecting vision, as they can indicate more severe complications requiring immediate medical attention.

Nursing Pharmacology

Nursing pharmacology involves the study of how drugs interact with the human body and how the body responds to those drugs. It is crucial for nurses to understand the pharmacokinetics (movement of drugs within the body) and pharmacodynamics (effects of the drugs on the body) of medications to manage patient care effectively. Knowledge of drug actions, proper dosages, administration routes, and potential side effects is imperative. This understanding aids nurses in educating patients, monitoring for adverse reactions, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective medication management.

When it comes to TB medication management, nurses must be extra vigilant due to the potentially severe side effects of these drugs. They play a pivotal role in assessing patient responses to therapy, managing adverse reactions, and providing education on the importance of medication adherence to prevent the development of drug-resistant TB strains.

Ethambutol Adverse Reactions

Ethambutol, sold under the brand name Myambutol, is an antibiotic commonly used in conjunction with other medications to treat TB. While it is effective in eliminating the tuberculosis-causing bacteria, it can also cause significant adverse reactions. One of the most serious potential side effects of Ethambutol is optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve that can lead to symptoms such as changes in color vision. Patients might experience difficulty distinguishing between red and green hues or have a general reduction in vision acuity.

Such changes in vision are particularly worrisome because if Ethambutol-induced optic neuritis is not promptly recognized and the medication is not discontinued, there is a risk for permanent vision loss. Therefore, it's critical for patients to notify their healthcare provider immediately if they notice any changes in their vision. Other possible side effects of Ethambutol include allergic reactions, joint pain, confusion, or hallucinations, which are important for both patients and nurses to monitor.