A nurse is providing teaching to an adolescent who has a new prescription for cefazolin. For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse instruct the adolescent to monitor and report to the provider?

Choice A rationale Urticaria, or hives, is an immediate hypersensitivity reaction to a medication, such as cefazolin, which is a cephalosporin antibiotic. This allergic response is mediated by IgE antibodies and can progress to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening systemic reaction. Urticaria is a significant and potentially dangerous adverse effect that requires immediate reporting to the provider. Choice B rationale Dry mouth is not a common or significant adverse effect of cefazolin. Cefazolin is a beta-lactam antibiotic and its primary side effects are gastrointestinal upset, rash, or allergic reactions. Dry mouth is more typically associated with anticholinergic medications. Therefore, this symptom is unlikely to be a result of the cefazolin prescription. Choice C rationale Constipation is not a typical adverse effect associated with cefazolin. Cephalosporins can sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects, but diarrhea is far more common than constipation due to the disruption of normal gut flora. Constipation is a less frequent and less urgent adverse effect to report in comparison to a potential allergic reaction. Choice D rationale Back pain is not a known adverse effect of cefazolin. Back pain can be caused by various musculoskeletal or renal issues, but it is not a recognized side effect of cephalosporin antibiotics. Reporting this symptom would likely be unrelated to the medication and would not be a priority over symptoms like urticaria.