Following surgery, a client is placed on cefotaxime (Claforan). The assessment for possible adverse effects should include observing for

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Cefotaxime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections post-surgery. One of its most significant and frequent adverse effects is disruption of the gastrointestinal flora, which can lead to diarrhea, including potentially severe conditions like Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea. This makes monitoring for diarrhea a critical nursing action, as it can indicate a serious complication requiring immediate intervention. While headache, constipation, and tachycardia can occur with various medications, they are less commonly associated with cefotaxime compared to diarrhea. Headache might suggest a neurological issue or dehydration, constipation could relate to immobility post-surgery rather than the drug itself, and tachycardia might indicate an allergic reaction or systemic issue, but these are not the primary concerns with this antibiotic. Diarrhea, however, directly correlates with cefotaxime's impact on gut microbiota, making it the priority observation for adverse effects in this scenario, thus supporting choice A as the correct answer.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Intranasal corticosteroids cause burning and nosebleeds . They're preventive (choice B wrong), dosing is fixed (choice C wrong). D educates on side effects, making it key.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Furosemide reduces fluid overload in heart failure by diuresis, decreasing edema , a direct therapeutic sign. BP may drop, not rise. Heart rate isn't primary'preload reduction matters. Thirst is a side effect. Edema reduction aligns with furosemide's action, critical in heart failure where congestion drives symptoms, making A the key finding.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: GTN patches deliver the drug transdermally, bypassing first-pass metabolism and providing systemic therapeutic action.