The nurse is caring for a client being treated with ethambutol in the treatment of tuberculosis. What assessment findings would indicate that the client is experiencing a side effect of this therapy?

Question

1. Alteration in colored vision
2. White patches in the mucous membranes
3. Ringing in the ears
4. Alteration in smelling

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Ethambutol affects the ability to distinguish red from green.
Rationale 2: White patches are associated with fungal infections, not with ethambutol.
Rationale 3: Ringing in the ears is not associated with ethambutol.
Rationale 4: Alteration in smelling does not occur with ethambutol.
Global Rationale: Ethambutol has a unique adverse effect of optic neuritis that affects visual acuity and the ability to distinguish red from green. This effect is dose related, may be unilateral or bilateral, and is usually reversible when therapy is discontinued. White patches, ringing in the ears, and alteration in ability to smell do not occur.