Question

a nurse is obtaining a clients 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:

• For the first option: Itching is not a typical expected adverse effect of amoxicillin; common adverse effects are more like gastrointestinal issues. So this is incorrect.
• For the second option: Amoxicillin toxicity presents with different symptoms (like neurological or renal issues), not itching. So this is wrong.
• For the third option: Itching is a common sign of a hypersensitivity (allergic - type) reaction to amoxicillin, even if the client says no allergies, a mild hypersensitivity can present as itching. This is correct.
• For the fourth option: Amoxicillin does not typically cause dry skin as a common effect, so this explanation is incorrect.

Answer:

C. "Itching can indicate a hypersensitivity to amoxicillin."