Last week, a client was advised to drink fluids, rest, and take aspirin to minimize symptoms of a head cold. Today the client calls the clinic and reports dizziness, nausea, and "a strange buzzing sound in my head." How should the nurse respond?

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. "Are you having difficulty hearing?"
2. "You should increase your fluid intake."
3. "Come to the clinic today."
4. "Take an additional aspirin with each dose."
5. "Are you allergic to aspirin?"

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,3
Rationale 1: Aspirin may be ototoxic and cause hearing loss.
Rationale 2: Dehydration may be occurring and might cause dizziness but is not a likely cause of the buzzing sound or nausea.
Rationale 3: Buzzing or ringing in the ears, nausea, and dizziness are all associated with aspirin toxicity. This client should be evaluated in the clinic.
Rationale 4: This client is likely taking too much aspirin already.
Rationale 5: Aspirin allergy does not manifest as buzzing in the ears.
Global Rationale: This patient is likely taking too much aspirin. Tinnitus and hearing loss are common adverse effects with high doses of aspirin. Nausea and dizziness are also associated with aspirin toxicity. The patient should be assessed for other findings such as nephrotoxic effects or hepatotoxicity. Dehydration may be occurring and might cause dizziness but is not a likely cause of the buzzing sound or nausea. Aspirin allergy does not manifest as buzzing in the ears.