Certified Nephrology Nurse Exam Practice 2025 – Complete Study Guide

The selection of interstitial nephritis as a common side effect of penicillins is well-founded. Interstitial nephritis is an immune-mediated response that can occur as a result of exposure to certain medications, including penicillins. This condition involves inflammation of the kidney interstitium, leading to symptoms such as fever, rash, and renal impairment. It is important to recognize interstitial nephritis because it can lead to acute kidney injury if not promptly addressed, making awareness of this side effect critical for monitoring patients on penicillin therapy.

In the context of other options, acute kidney injury can indeed occur due to various factors including dehydration or nephrotoxic agents, but it is not a direct or common side effect specifically attributed to penicillins. Bone marrow suppression is more commonly associated with certain chemotherapeutic agents or drugs like chloramphenicol, but not typically with penicillins, which do not have significant effects on bone marrow function. Liver toxicity is a known concern with several medications, yet it is not primarily related to penicillin use, making interstitial nephritis the more appropriate and direct answer in this case.