Physiological Integrity NCLEX RN Related

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The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving tobramycin sulfate intravenously every 8 hours. Which result should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the medication?

  • A. A total bilirubin of 0.5 mg/dL (8.5 mcmol/L)
  • B. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 15 mm/hour
  • C. A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 30 mg/dL (10.8 mmol/L)
  • D. A white blood cell count (WBC) of 6000 mm³ (6 × 10⁹/L)
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Tobramycin sulfate is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. Adverse effects or toxic effects of tobramycin sulfate include nephrotoxicity as evidenced by an increased BUN and serum creatinine; irreversible ototoxicity as evidenced by tinnitus, dizziness, ringing or roaring in the ears, and reduced hearing; and neurotoxicity as evidenced by headaches, dizziness, lethargy, tremors, and visual disturbances. The normal BUN ranges from 10 to 20 mg/dL (3.6 to 7.1 mmol/L), depending on the laboratory. The normal total bilirubin level ranges from 0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL (5.1 to 17 mcmol/L). The normal sedimentation rate for a male is ≤15 mm/hr and for a female is ≤20 mm/hr. A normal WBC count is 5000 to 10,000 mm³ (5 to 10 × 10⁹/L).