What should a client taking ethambutol (Myambutol) report immediately?

A client taking ethambutol should report any problems with visual acuity immediately due to the potential risk of optic neuritis, which is a serious side effect associated with this medication. Ethambutol can cause vision changes, including reduced visual acuity or the perception of colors. Vision disturbances can indicate damage to the optic nerve that, if left unreported, could lead to irreversible vision loss.

While impaired hearing, gastrointestinal side effects, and orange-red discoloration of body secretions are side effects associated with other medications or concerns, they do not carry the same immediacy of risk as problems with visual acuity when taking ethambutol. It is crucial for healthcare providers to assess and manage vision-related issues promptly to prevent complications.