Question

The physician has ordered aspirin therapy for a client with severe rheumatoid arthritis. A sign of acute aspirin toxicity is: A. Anorexia B. Diarrhea C. Tinnitus D. Pruritis

Short answer

A. Anorexia B. Diarrhea C. Tinnitus D. Pruritis Answer: C. Tinnitus Explanation: Tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears, is a typical sign of acute aspirin toxicity. This occurs because aspirin directly affects the cochlea, a part of the inner ear that helps process sound. High levels of aspirin in the blood can cause temporary or permanent damage to the cochlea, resulting in tinnitus. The other options, anorexia, diarrhea, and pruritis, are not specific signs of acute aspirin toxicity and can be associated with other health issues or medication side effects.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the correct answer

In this multiple-choice question, we are asked to identify which of the given options is a sign of acute aspirin toxicity. The correct answer is C. Tinnitus.

Explain why Tinnitus is a sign of acute aspirin toxicity

Tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears, is a typical sign of acute aspirin toxicity. This occurs because aspirin directly affects the cochlea, a part of the inner ear that helps process sound. High levels of aspirin in the blood can cause temporary or permanent damage to the cochlea, resulting in tinnitus.

Explain why the other options are incorrect

We can now briefly explain why the other options are not signs of acute aspirin toxicity: A. Anorexia - Chronic aspirin use may cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite, but these are not specific to acute aspirin toxicity. B. Diarrhea - Aspirin can cause gastrointestinal side effects. Still, diarrhea is not a classic sign of acute aspirin toxicity; it is more often seen with chronic use or overdose of other medications. D. Pruritis - Itching can be a side effect of various medications, including aspirin, but it is not a hallmark sign of acute aspirin toxicity. It is more frequently associated with allergic reactions to medications or other health issues. In conclusion, the correct answer is C. Tinnitus, which is a sign of acute aspirin toxicity due to its direct effect on the cochlea in the inner ear.

Key concepts

NCLEX-PN Exam Preparation

Preparing for the NCLEX-PN exam is a crucial step for aspiring practical nurses who must demonstrate their proficiency in various aspects of nursing care, including pharmacology. Understanding medication side effects is vital for this exam, as it is often a subject of multiple-choice questions, like identifying acute aspirin toxicity. To ensure success, students should focus on mastering content, practicing with similar questions, and developing test-taking strategies. This approach helps in retaining important details such as tinnitus being an indicator of acute aspirin toxicity, which could easily be a question on the exam.

Nursing Pharmacology

In the field of nursing pharmacology, it is essential for nurses to have a comprehensive understanding of how drugs work and the potential side effects associated with them. For example, aspirin, a common analgesic, has its place in managing pain in conditions such as severe rheumatoid arthritis. However, its use also carries the risk of side effects like tinnitus, indicating acute toxicity. Recognizing these side effects promptly is critical, as it impacts patient care and intervention strategies.

Medication Side Effects

Knowledge of medication side effects is a cornerstone of effective nursing practice. Side effects can range from mild to life-threatening. Identifying signs such as tinnitus being related to acute aspirin toxicity is just one example of how nurses need to be vigilant in assessing patient responses to medication.

During patient education, it is imperative to inform about possible adverse effects of medications, what to look for, and when to seek medical attention. This proactive approach not only ensures patient safety but also aids in the prevention of complication escalation.

Clinical Nursing Practice

Within clinical nursing practice, recognizing patient symptoms and linking them to potential causes is an everyday requirement. Whether it's acute aspirin toxicity showing as tinnitus or other symptoms, nurses must discern between various clinical presentations to provide timely and appropriate care.

Moreover, ongoing observation for side effects post-medication administration forms a part of the nursing assessment and care plan. A nurse's ability to promptly identify changes in a patient's condition can be crucial in managing complications effectively and providing holistic care.