The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving antibiotics to treat a gram-negative bacterial infection. Because antibiotics destroy the body's normal flora, the nurse must monitor the client for:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When a client is receiving antibiotics to treat an infection, especially a gram-negative bacterial infection, the antibiotics may disrupt the balance of normal flora in the gastrointestinal tract. This disruption can lead to an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria, resulting in diarrhea. Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea is a common complication of antibiotic therapy due to the disruption of normal gut flora. Therefore, the nurse must monitor the client for signs and symptoms of diarrhea and intervene promptly to prevent complications such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Platelet dysfunction, stomatitis, and oliguria/dysuria are not typically associated with the destruction of normal flora due to antibiotic therapy for a gram-negative bacterial infection.