Nokea
A client with rheumatoid arthritis is about to begin aspirin therapy to reduce inflammation. When teaching the client about aspirin, the nurse discusses adverse reactions to prolonged aspirin therapy. These include:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Prolonged aspirin therapy can lead to a rare side effect known as aspirin-induced hearing loss, which manifests as bilateral hearing loss. This adverse reaction is typically associated with higher doses of aspirin and longer durations of use. It is important for healthcare providers to monitor for signs of hearing loss in patients receiving long-term aspirin therapy, especially those with rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions, to prevent irreversible damage to the hearing. Weight gain, respiratory acidosis, and fine motor tremors are not commonly associated with prolonged aspirin therapy.