What action should a nurse take if a patient shows signs of nephrotoxicity?

When a patient shows signs of nephrotoxicity, promptly notifying the healthcare provider is crucial. Nephrotoxicity indicates potential damage to the kidneys, often due to certain medications or substances. This can lead to serious complications, including acute kidney injury or chronic renal failure. Immediate notification ensures that the healthcare provider can assess the situation, make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan, and intervene as needed, which may involve medication changes, further diagnostic tests, or initiating supportive care.

Although increasing fluid intake can be beneficial in some cases to help flush the kidneys or dilute nephrotoxic substances, it should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider, especially if there are concerns about the patient’s kidney function or fluid status.

Administering analgesics may be appropriate for symptom management, but it does not address the potential underlying kidney damage and can mask more serious issues, delaying necessary care.

Monitoring dietary habits, while potentially helpful for long-term management, does not directly address the immediate concerns related to signs of nephrotoxicity and is not a priority in an acute situation. Thus, the most appropriate action when nephrotoxicity is suspected is to immediately notify the healthcare provider.