PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

When educating a client about a new prescription for rifampin and isoniazid, which symptom should the nurse highlight as important to report to the provider?

1. Increased appetite.

2. Unusual bleeding.

3. Minor headaches.

4. Temporary fatigue.

The correct answer is: Unusual bleeding.

Rifampin and isoniazid are antibiotics commonly used to treat tuberculosis (TB), and both medications can have significant side effects that require monitoring. Among these, unusual bleeding is particularly important to highlight for the patient. This symptom can indicate a potential hematological issue or liver dysfunction, both of which are serious concerns when taking these medications. Rifampin can cause liver enzyme elevations and, in some cases, lead to thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), which results in an increased risk of bleeding. Isoniazid also carries a risk for liver toxicity. Therefore, any signs of unusual bleeding—such as bleeding gums, unusual bruising, or blood in urine or stool—should be promptly reported to the healthcare provider. In contrast, increased appetite, minor headaches, and temporary fatigue are generally not indicative of serious adverse effects linked to these medications and may not warrant immediate medical attention. While these symptoms can indicate other potential issues, they do not have the same level of urgency as unusual bleeding.