The client receives gentamicin (Garamycin) intravenous (IV) in the clinical setting. What is a priority nursing action?

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The priority nursing action when administering gentamicin IV is to monitor the client for hearing loss. Gentamicin can cause ototoxicity, which can manifest as hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client's hearing before and during gentamicin therapy to prevent irreversible hearing damage. Increasing fluids and drawing blood chemistries are important but not the priority action. Isolation precautions are unnecessary unless the client has an infection that requires isolation.

The Client Receives Gentamicin (Garamycin) Intravenous (IV) in the Clinical