A nurse is caring for a client who has prescriptions for furosemide and gentamicin. For which of the following complications should the nurse monitor the client?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Hyperkalemia: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes potassium excretion, which can lead to hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia. Monitoring for low potassium is important, but hyperkalemia is not a primary concern with these medications. B. Hypoglycemia: Neither furosemide nor gentamicin directly affects blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia is not a typical complication of these medications. C. Ototoxicity: Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, and furosemide, a loop diuretic, can both cause ototoxicity, which may result in tinnitus, hearing loss, or balance disturbances. Monitoring for auditory changes is essential when these medications are used concurrently. D. Liver toxicity: These medications are not primarily hepatotoxic. Liver function monitoring is not a routine requirement for furosemide or gentamicin unless there are other predisposing conditions.