A patient is receiving intravenous ceftriaxone for the treatment of pneumonia. The nurse should be alert for the manifestation of which severe side effect?

Explanation

•Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) and other cephalosporin antibiotics can cause neurotoxicity.

•Symptoms of neurotoxicity with Rocephin are seizures, confusion, twitching, and somnolence. Discontinuation of the drug usually resolves the neurotoxicity.

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

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

•Incorrect: Arrhythmias are not associated with the administration of Rocephin.

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