Which laboratory result should a nurse report for a client with an Escherichia coli infection receiving gentamicin?

In a patient receiving gentamicin, monitoring renal function is crucial due to the risk of nephrotoxicity associated with this aminoglycoside antibiotic. Gentamicin can cause damage to the kidneys, leading to elevated serum creatinine levels, which indicate impaired renal function.

A creatinine level of 2.5 mg/dL is significantly above the normal range and suggests a decreased kidney function or acute kidney injury, which requires immediate attention. Reporting this result is necessary for the healthcare team to assess the patient’s renal status and potentially adjust the treatment regimen, including reconsidering the use of gentamicin and implementing appropriate interventions.

The other laboratory results in the options do not indicate immediate concerns requiring urgent reporting in the context of gentamicin therapy. Hemoglobin at 12.0 g/dL may be within a reasonable range for many individuals, especially in an infection scenario where blood loss is not typically a factor. A white blood cell count of 8,000 cells/mm³ is generally considered a normal range, reflecting that the infection is being managed without an overwhelming systemic response at this time. Lastly, a potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L is within the normal limits, indicating no immediate electrolyte imbalance requiring intervention. Thus,