Which aboratory value in the patient is monitored by the nurse if a 65-year-old patient with pneumonia is receiving Garamycin (Gentamicin)?

For a patient being treated with gentamycin which is an aminoglycoside, the BUN and the creatinine values are the laboratory values to be monitored by the nurse.

Gentamicin is known to have an adverse effect known as nephrotoxicity (which means toxic to the nephrons of the kidneys).

Hemoglobin and haematocrit will only monitor blood levels which are not necessary in this patient as aminoglycosides do not affect the blood levels.

Clotting time and platelet count are not necessary since aminoglycosides have no known effects on clotting factors.

There is no need to monitor sodium and potassium levels as aminoglycosides do not cause electrolyte imbalance.
Other known adverse effects of aminoglycosides are: ototoxicity and neuromuscular blockade.

1. bun and creatinine. -question: which lab values should you monitor for a patient receiving gentamicin? needed info: gentamicin: broad-spectrum antibiotic. side effects: neuromuscular blockage, ototoxic to the eighth cranial nerve (tinnitus, vertigo, ataxia, nystagmus, hearing loss), nephrotoxic. nursing responsibilities: monitor renal function, force fluids, monitor hearing acuity. draw blood for peak levels 1 hr. after it and 30 min 1 hr. after iv infusion, draw blood for trough just before next dose. -hemoglobin and hematocrit can cause anemia; less common -bun and creatinine correct: nephrotoxic; will see proteinuria, oliguria, hematuria, thirst, increased bun, decreased creatine clearance -platelet count and clotting time do not usually change -sodium and potassium hypokalemia infrequent problem