The physician has ordered aspirin therapy for a client with severe rheumatoid arthritis. A sign of acute aspirin toxicity is: A. Anorexia B. Diarrhea C. Tinnitus D. Pruritis

In this multiple-choice question, we are asked to identify which of the given options is a sign of acute aspirin toxicity. The correct answer is C. Tinnitus.

Tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears, is a typical sign of acute aspirin toxicity. This occurs because aspirin directly affects the cochlea, a part of the inner ear that helps process sound. High levels of aspirin in the blood can cause temporary or permanent damage to the cochlea, resulting in tinnitus.

We can now briefly explain why the other options are not signs of acute aspirin toxicity: A. Anorexia - Chronic aspirin use may cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite, but these are not specific to acute aspirin toxicity. B. Diarrhea - Aspirin can cause gastrointestinal side effects. Still, diarrhea is not a classic sign of acute aspirin toxicity; it is more often seen with chronic use or overdose of other medications. D. Pruritis - Itching can be a side effect of various medications, including aspirin, but it is not a hallmark sign of acute aspirin toxicity. It is more frequently associated with allergic reactions to medications or other health issues. In conclusion, the correct answer is C. Tinnitus, which is a sign of acute aspirin toxicity due to its direct effect on the cochlea in the inner ear.