A patient is receiving intravenous ceftriaxone for the treatment of pneumonia. A side effect of cephalosporin antibiotics is neurotoxicity. The nurse monitoring the patient knows to watch for which of the following symptoms that would indicate the development of neurotoxicity?

Explanation

• Ceftriaxone, and other cephalosporin antibiotics, can cause neurotoxicity. Seizures, confusion, twitching, and somnolence are the most common clinical manifestations. Discontinuation of the drug usually resolves the neurotoxicity.

• Renal impairment puts a patient at greater risk for cephalosporin-induced neurotoxicity.

• Nausea and diarrhea can occur with Rocephin, but are not severe side effects.

• Arrhythmias are not associated with the administration of Rocephin.

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