A client is being treated with amphotericin B for a serious systemic fungal infection. The nurse instructs the client to immediately report which adverse effects associated with this medication?

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Loss of hearing
2. Visual disturbances
3. Dizziness
4. Ringing in the ears
5. Nausea and vomiting

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,3,4
Rationale 1: Amphotericin B can cause ototoxicity potentially affecting both branches, cochlear and vestibular, of cranial nerve VIII. A loss of hearing can be indicative of ototoxicity and should be reported.
Rationale 2: Visual disturbances are not caused by this medication.
Rationale 3: Amphotericin B can cause ototoxicity potentially affecting both branches, cochlear and vestibular, of cranial nerve VIII. Dizziness can be indicative of ototoxicity and should be reported.
Rationale 4: Amphotericin B can cause ototoxicity potentially affecting both branches, cochlear and vestibular, of cranial nerve VIII. A ringing in the ears can be indicative of ototoxicity and should be reported.
Rationale 5: At the onset of therapy, as many as 50% of patients experience acute, infusion-related fever and chills, vomiting, anorexia, and headache. These symptoms usually subside as treatment continues and would not need to be reported.
Global Rationale: Amphotericin B can cause ototoxicity potentially affecting both branches, cochlear and vestibular, of cranial nerve VIII. A loss of hearing and ringing in the ears can be indicative of ototoxicity and should be reported. At the onset of therapy, as many as 50% of patients experience acute, infusion-related fever and chills, vomiting, anorexia, and headache. These symptoms usually subside as treatment continues and would not need to be reported. Visual disturbances are not caused by this medication.