Final answer:
The nurse should be concerned about sunburn and photosensitivity in patients receiving tetracycline due to the drug's phototoxic potential. Patients should be warned to use sun protection and healthcare providers should monitor for other side effects like tooth discoloration and liver toxicity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse would identify sunburn and photosensitivity as a concern for patients receiving tetracycline. Tetracycline, a natural antibiotic produced by soil bacteria, is known to cause photosensitivity, which is an increased sensitivity to sunlight. When exposed to the sun, patients taking tetracycline may experience a reaction that can look like a sunburn even after only minimal sun exposure. This side effect is due to the drug's phototoxic potential and should be a key consideration when counseling patients on the use of tetracycline. Other side effects of tetracycline may include permanent discoloration of developing teeth in children and liver toxicity, especially at high doses or in patients with kidney impairment. It is important for healthcare providers to monitor for these side effects, advise patients to use sun protection, and assess the risk-benefit ratio for each patient on an individual basis.