A male client with tuberculosis reports ringing in his ears after 10 weeks of treatment. Which medication should the PN report?

A male client with tuberculosis reports ringing in his ears after 10 weeks of treatment. Which medication should the PN report?

• A. Rifampin 600 mg daily
• B. Isoniazid 300 mg PO daily
• C. Pyrazinamide 1500 mg daily
• D. Ethambutol 1200 mg daily

Answer: (B)

The medication that the practical nurse should report is isoniazid, particularly because of its potential to cause auditory side effects such as tinnitus or ringing in the ears. While isoniazid is an essential medication for treating tuberculosis, it is known to be associated with neurotoxicity. In some patients, this can manifest as peripheral neuropathy or auditory issues, which are critical to monitor closely. Rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol are also key agents in tuberculosis therapy, but they are not typically linked with auditory problems. Rifampin primarily causes liver enzyme elevation and has fewer neurotoxic side effects. Pyrazinamide can cause liver issues and gout, while ethambutol's notable risk is optic neuritis, which affects vision rather than hearing. Therefore, the reported symptom of ringing in the ears specifically points to isoniazid as the medication of concern that requires further assessment and reporting.

The medication that the practical nurse should report is isoniazid, particularly because of its potential to cause auditory side effects such as tinnitus or ringing in the ears. While isoniazid is an essential medication for treating tuberculosis, it is known to be associated with neurotoxicity. In some patients, this can manifest as peripheral neuropathy or auditory issues, which are critical to monitor closely.

Rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol are also key agents in tuberculosis therapy, but they are not typically linked with auditory problems. Rifampin primarily causes liver enzyme elevation and has fewer neurotoxic side effects. Pyrazinamide can cause liver issues and gout, while ethambutol's notable risk is optic neuritis, which affects vision rather than hearing. Therefore, the reported symptom of ringing in the ears specifically points to isoniazid as the medication of concern that requires further assessment and reporting.