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, a form of rash or hives, is an acute hypersensitivity reaction to cefazolin, a cephalosporin antibiotic. This reaction is mediated by IgE antibodies and can indicate the onset of a severe allergic response, which can escalate to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Instructing the adolescent to monitor for and report urticaria is critical for patient safety and preventing a more severe allergic event. Choice B rationale Dry mouth is not a common adverse effect associated with cefazolin. Cephalosporin antibiotics typically affect the gastrointestinal system by altering the gut microbiota, which can lead to diarrhea. Dry mouth is more often linked to medications with anticholinergic properties or dehydration, not to this class of antibiotics. Choice C rationale Constipation is not a recognized side effect of cefazolin. While cephalosporin antibiotics can cause gastrointestinal disturbances, the most common is diarrhea. Constipation is generally not a significant adverse event and would not be a priority instruction for an adolescent taking this medication. Choice D rationale Back pain is not an adverse effect of cefazolin. This symptom is not typically associated with cephalosporin antibiotics. Back pain is more likely to be related to musculoskeletal issues, injury, or other underlying medical conditions and is not a priority adverse effect to monitor for with this medication.