A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a skin infection and a new prescription for gentamicin topical cream. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

A. Wash the affected area with soap and water before applying cream: The skin should be cleaned before applying topical medications like gentamicin to remove dirt or bacteria and ensure better absorption and effectiveness of the cream. B. The medication might cause temporary blurred vision: Gentamicin, when used topically, typically does not cause blurred vision. It is more commonly associated with ototoxicity or nephrotoxicity when used systemically, but these effects are unlikely with topical application. C. Apply the cream to large areas around the infection: Gentamicin topical cream should be applied directly to the infected area, not over large areas of healthy skin. Applying it to areas beyond the infection can increase the risk of side effects, including skin irritation. D. Increase intake of fluids while using this medication: Increasing fluid intake is not necessary for topical gentamicin. Fluid intake is more relevant for medications that affect kidney function, but gentamicin used topically does not require adjustments in hydration.