Which of the following is a side effect of streptomycin?

Appeared in: HPSSC - 2015

Explanation

Streptomycin belongs to the aminoglycoside class of antibiotics.
The most significant, dose-limiting toxicities of aminoglycosides are ototoxicity (damage to the ear) and nephrotoxicity (damage to the kidneys).
Ototoxicity results from damage to the 8th cranial nerve (vestibulocochlear nerve), which is responsible for hearing and balance.
Clinical signs of ototoxicity include tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo (dizziness, loss of balance), and progressive, often irreversible, hearing loss.

Option A: While diarrhea can be a side effect of many antibiotics due to disruption of gut flora, it is not the most characteristic or serious toxicity associated with streptomycin.
Option B: Bone marrow depression, specifically aplastic anemia, is the classic and most feared adverse effect of the antibiotic chloramphenicol, not streptomycin.
Option D: Damage to growing cartilage (arthropathy) and an increased risk of tendon rupture are the hallmark toxicities of fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Adverse effects of streptomycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must conduct baseline hearing and balance assessments before initiating aminoglycoside therapy and monitor for any changes.
Monitoring renal function (e.g., serum creatinine) is critical, as nephrotoxicity can decrease drug clearance and potentiate ototoxicity.
Patient education is a key safety intervention. Patients must be taught to immediately report any tinnitus, hearing loss, or vertigo to their healthcare provider.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the drug mentioned in the question: Streptomycin.
Recall the pharmacological class of Streptomycin. It is an aminoglycoside antibiotic.
Access your knowledge base about the major, characteristic side effects of the aminoglycoside class. The two key toxicities are ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
Evaluate the given options. 'Damage to 8th cranial nerve' directly corresponds to ototoxicity.
Analyze the other options to confirm they are incorrect. Associate 'Bone marrow depression' with chloramphenicol, 'Damage to growing cartilage' with fluoroquinolones, and 'Diarrhea' as a general antibiotic side effect, not specific to streptomycin's primary toxicity profile.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full HPSSC - 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.