A client with rheumatoid arthritis taking acetylsalicylic acid 5 g daily would demonstrate understanding by reporting which symptom?

A client with rheumatoid arthritis taking acetylsalicylic acid 5 g daily would demonstrate understanding by reporting which symptom?

• A. Ring­ing in the ears
• B. Headache
• C. Dizziness
• D. Nausea

Answer: (A)

High-dose aspirin can affect the inner ear, leading to ototoxicity. At about 5 g daily, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is a classic early sign of salicylate toxicity and indicates the body is responding to the high dose. This symptom is more specific to aspirin’s effects on the ear than the others, which can arise from many causes. While nausea, dizziness, or headaches can occur with aspirin use, tinnitus specifically points to cochlear involvement from high-dose salicylates and should prompt clinical assessment and possible adjustment of therapy.

High-dose aspirin can affect the inner ear, leading to ototoxicity. At about 5 g daily, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is a classic early sign of salicylate toxicity and indicates the body is responding to the high dose. This symptom is more specific to aspirin’s effects on the ear than the others, which can arise from many causes. While nausea, dizziness, or headaches can occur with aspirin use, tinnitus specifically points to cochlear involvement from high-dose salicylates and should prompt clinical assessment and possible adjustment of therapy.