Question

a nurse is obtaining a client’s health history. the client reports no allergies but has experienced mild itching while taking amoxicillin in the past. which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• “itching is an expected adverse effect of amoxicillin.”
• “itching can indicate amoxicillin toxicity.”
• “itching can indicate a hypersensitivity to amoxicillin.”
• “itching can result from dry skin, which is often caused by amoxicillin.”

Explanation:

Itching can be an early sign of a hypersensitivity reaction (which can range from mild to severe allergic reactions) to amoxicillin. While some drugs have expected adverse effects, itching is not a typical "expected" common side - effect that is without concern for amoxicillin like some minor gastrointestinal upset might be. Amoxicillin toxicity usually presents with different symptoms such as problems with kidney function (if related to drug accumulation) rather than just itching. And while dry skin can cause itching, there is no common association of amoxicillin with causing dry skin as a significant side - effect.

Answer:

"Itching can indicate a hypersensitivity to amoxicillin."