The nurse is caring for a 70-kg patient who is receiving gentamicin (Garamycin) 85 mg 4 times daily. The patient reports experiencing ringing in the ears. The nurse will contact the provider to discuss which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ringing in the ears is a sign of ototoxicity, which is a potential side effect of gentamicin. Obtaining a serum drug level will help to determine if the patient's dose needs to be adjusted or if the medication needs to be discontinued altogether. Decreasing the dose or changing the dosing schedule may not address the underlying issue and could potentially worsen the ototoxicity. Ordering a hearing test may be indicated eventually, but obtaining a serum drug level should be the priority in this situation.

The Nurse Is Caring for a 70-Kg Patient Who Is