Mr. Marquez with rheumatoid arthritis is about to begin aspirin therapy to reduce inflammation. When teaching the client about aspirin, the nurse discusses adverse reactions to prolonged aspirin therapy. These include:
A. Weight gain.
B. Fine motor tremors.
C. Respiratory acidosis.
D. Bilateral hearing loss.
Correct Answer: D. Bilateral hearing loss.
Prolonged use of aspirin and other salicylates sometimes causes bilateral hearing loss of 30 to 40 decibels. Usually, this adverse effect resolves within 2 weeks after the therapy is discontinued.
Option A: Aspirin does not cause weight gain. Weight only influenced the relationship between aspirin and long-term risks of colorectal cancer, with benefits lost at higher body weights.
Option B: Aspirin doesn’t lead to fine motor tremors. In a study, the proportion of aspirin users did not differ in essential tremor cases or controls.
Option C: Large or toxic salicylate doses may cause respiratory alkalosis, not respiratory acidosis. Direct stimulation of the cerebral medulla causes hyperventilation and respiratory alkalosis.