A patient is receiving intravenous ceftriaxone (Rocephin) for the treatment of pneumonia. The nurse should monitor the patient for which severe side effect?

Explanation

•Ceftriaxone (Rocephin), 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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