The nurse initiates an infusion of piperacillin-tazobactam for a client with a urinary tract infection. Five minutes into the infusion, the client reports not feeling well.Which client manifestation should the nurse identify as a reason to stop the infusion?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A rationaleHypertension, or high blood pressure, is not typically a side effect of piperacillin-tazobactam. While it’s important to monitor a client’s blood pressure during any infusion, hypertension alone would not typically be a reason to stop the infusion of piperacillin-tazobactam.Choice B rationaleA scratchy throat could be a sign of an allergic reaction to piperacillin-tazobactam. Allergic reactions to medications can range from mild to severe, and can include symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling in the face or throat. If a client reports a scratchy throat shortly after starting an infusion of piperacillin-tazobactam, it would be prudent for the nurse to stop the infusion and assess the client for other signs of an allergic reaction.Choice C rationaleBradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically a side effect of piperacillin-tazobactam. While it’s important to monitor a client’s heart rate during any infusion, bradycardia alone would not typically be a reason to stop the infusion of piperacillin-tazobactam.Choice D rationalePupillary constriction is not typically a side effect of piperacillin-tazobactam. While it’s important to monitor a client’s pupils during any infusion, pupillary constriction alone would not typically be a reason to stop the infusion of piperacillin-tazobactam.