Prepare for the Saunders Respiratory Exam with our comprehensive quiz, designed to enhance your knowledge and confidence. Utilize our engaging flashcards and multiple-choice questions that provide hints and explanations to help you master respiratory concepts and theories.

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


A client taking isoniazid reports numbness in extremities. What is this an indication of?

  1. Allergic reaction

  2. Peripheral neuritis

  3. Drug resistance

  4. Medication overdose

The correct answer is: Peripheral neuritis

The reporting of numbness in the extremities by a client taking isoniazid is indicative of peripheral neuritis. Isoniazid, a medication used primarily to treat tuberculosis, can interfere with the metabolism of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) in the body. This interference can lead to a deficiency in B6, which is essential for proper nerve function. When levels of this vitamin drop, patients may experience symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, including numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands and feet. Monitoring for these side effects is crucial when prescribing isoniazid, and in many cases, patients are also given pyridoxine supplementation to prevent this complication. Recognizing peripheral neuritis allows for timely intervention, which can help avoid further neurological damage and improve the patient's overall quality of life during tuberculosis treatment.