foundations of nursing test bank Related

Review foundations of nursing test bank related questions and content

A patient diagnosed with arthritis has been taking aspirin and now reports experiencing tinnitus and hearing loss. What should the nurse teach this patient?

  • A. The hearing loss will likely resolve with time after the drug is discontinued.
  • B. The patients hearing loss and tinnitus are irreversible at this point.
  • C. The patients tinnitus is likely multifactorial, and not directly related to aspirin use.
  • D. The patients tinnitus will abate as tolerance to aspirin develops.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because hearing loss and tinnitus caused by aspirin are typically irreversible. Aspirin is known to cause ototoxicity, which can lead to permanent damage to the auditory system. The nurse should inform the patient that the hearing loss and tinnitus may not improve even after discontinuing aspirin.

Choice A is incorrect because hearing loss caused by aspirin is usually permanent. Choice C is incorrect because aspirin is a known cause of tinnitus and hearing loss. Choice D is incorrect because tolerance to aspirin does not prevent or reverse ototoxic effects like tinnitus and hearing loss.