When caring for a client receiving gentamicin, which finding should the nurse watch for as a sign of toxicity?

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, and its use carries the risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a classic sign of ototoxicity and can occur as a result of gentamicin treatment. This symptom indicates that the drug has affected the auditory system, which is a serious concern that requires immediate attention. Monitoring for tinnitus, as well as other auditory and vestibular side effects, is essential in managing a patient’s care during gentamicin therapy.

Other potential findings such as hypotension, rash, and fever might occur in various clinical scenarios but are not specific indicators of gentamicin toxicity. Hypotension can have numerous underlying causes, rash may suggest an allergic reaction but does not specifically point to toxicity, and fever can indicate infection or other inflammatory processes unrelated to gentamicin use. Hence, tinnitus stands out as the specific sign that nurses should closely monitor for in patients receiving gentamicin.