The nurse is performing a physical assessment on a patient admitted to the hospital for an infection. The patient is taking gentamicin (Garamycin) for the infection. What areas should be the focus of the nurse's assessment? (Select all that apply.)
a. Skin integrity
b. Sense of hearing
c. Blurred vision
d. Fever
e. Renal function
ANS: B, E
The nurse should focus on the patient's sense of hearing and renal function, because aminoglycosides can cause serious toxic effects, especially of the inner ear and kidneys.
Skin integrity, blurred vision, and fever are not signs of adverse effects of gentamicin.
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