A nurse who works at a nursing home notices that a client's hearing has diminished significantly over the past couple of days.The client has been receiving gentamicin IV for an infection.Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most appropriate action would be to suggest checking the client's peak gentamicin level and immediately report the loss in hearing in the chart and to the health care provider. Gentamicin is known to cause ototoxicity, which is a serious side effect that can lead to permanent hearing loss. Therefore, it is important to monitor the client's peak levels and report any hearing loss immediately to the health care provider to prevent further damage. Continuing gentamicin IV without monitoring and reporting the hearing loss could result in irreversible damage. Adding vancomycin IV does not help with ototoxicity and could potentially lead to additional side effects. Telling the client that she needs a hearing aid is premature and not a priority at this point.

A Nurse Who Works at a Nursing Home Notices That