Hospitalized patients frequently require antibiotic therapy. Identify a patient in the clinical setting who is receiving antibiotic therapy. Describe three common adverse reactions that can occur related to the patient’s antibiotic therapy. Develop nursing interventions that would be implemented to assess for the common adverse reactions related to antibiotic therapy. · Please use and list two reference from a peer reviewed source less than 5 years old (APA format) with in-text citations in APA.
Introduction
Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to hospitalized patients to treat various categories of infections. However, like any medication, they can have adverse effects on patients. This paper aims to identify a patient in the clinical setting who is receiving antibiotic therapy, describe three common adverse reactions related to antibiotic therapy, and develop nursing interventions to assess for these adverse reactions. The information provided in this paper is based on recent evidence from peer-reviewed sources.
Patient Scenario
The patient in the clinical setting who is receiving antibiotic therapy is a 65-year-old male admitted with a diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia. He has been prescribed a course of intravenous antibiotics, specifically ceftriaxone, based on the susceptibility of the identified pathogen. The patient presents with symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, which are consistent with pneumonia.
Common Adverse Reactions related to Antibiotic Therapy
1. Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to antibiotics are one of the most common adverse reactions encountered in patients receiving antibiotic therapy. These reactions can range from mild rashes and itching to severe anaphylactic reactions. According to Feller et al. (2018), the prevalence of antibiotic allergies is estimated to be around 10% in the general population. This highlights the importance of careful assessment and monitoring of patients receiving antibiotics. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure.
2. Gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances: Antibiotics can disrupt the normal flora of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to various GI disturbances. Diarrhea is the most common adverse effect, with Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea being a significant concern. According to Pritt et al. (2016), C. difficile infection is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections and is associated with prolonged hospital stays and increased morbidity and mortality rates. Other GI disturbances may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. These adverse reactions can impact the patient’s comfort and nutritional status.
3. Drug-induced liver injury: Antibiotics can occasionally cause liver injury, ranging from mild elevations in liver enzymes to severe liver failure. This adverse reaction can be idiosyncratic, meaning it does not depend on the dose or duration of antibiotic therapy. Among the commonly used antibiotics, amoxicillin-clavulanate has been found to be associated with a higher risk of liver injury (Shenoy, Varkey, & Reyes, 2019). Early recognition and management of drug-induced liver injury are crucial to prevent further complications. Symptoms of liver injury may include jaundice, abdominal pain, and altered mental status.
Nursing Interventions to Assess for Common Adverse Reactions
1. Allergic reactions: To assess for allergic reactions in patients receiving antibiotic therapy, nurses should obtain a detailed allergy history from the patient, including any previous reactions to antibiotics. It is essential to document and communicate any known allergies to the healthcare team. During medication administration, nurses should closely monitor patients for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If an allergic reaction is suspected, the antibiotic should be discontinued immediately, and appropriate medical interventions, such as administering antihistamines or epinephrine, should be initiated as per the facility’s protocols.
2. Gastrointestinal disturbances: To assess for GI disturbances related to antibiotic therapy, nurses should monitor patients for the development of diarrhea, particularly during the course of antibiotics and up to several weeks after completion. Nurses should also assess for symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. It is important to document the frequency and consistency of stools and notify the healthcare team if diarrhea persists or worsens. To prevent C. difficile-associated diarrhea, nurses should ensure strict adherence to infection prevention measures, such as hand hygiene and appropriate disinfection practices.
3. Drug-induced liver injury: Nurses should assess patients receiving antibiotics for any symptoms indicative of liver injury, such as jaundice, abdominal pain, and altered mental status. They should monitor liver enzymes through regular laboratory testing as prescribed by the healthcare provider. It is crucial for nurses to communicate any abnormal findings promptly to the healthcare team and initiate appropriate interventions based on the severity of liver injury.
Conclusion
Antibiotic therapy is commonly administered to hospitalized patients, but it can give rise to various adverse reactions. Allergic reactions, GI disturbances, and drug-induced liver injury are among the common adverse reactions associated with antibiotic therapy. Nurses play a crucial role in assessing and monitoring patients for these adverse reactions. By obtaining thorough patient histories, closely observing for signs and symptoms, and promptly communicating abnormal findings to the healthcare team, nurses can contribute to the safe and effective management of patients undergoing antibiotic therapy.