What symptom should the nurse include when educating a client about aspirin toxicity?

When educating a client about aspirin toxicity, disturbances in hearing, often referred to as tinnitus, are a key symptom to emphasize. Aspirin is known to have ototoxic effects, meaning that at elevated levels, it can affect the auditory system, leading to symptoms like ringing in the ears or a feeling of fullness in the ears. This is particularly important to monitor because it can be an early sign of toxicity that might not be immediately associated with other, more severe symptoms.

While the other symptoms listed, such as headache, excessive fatigue, and dry skin, can occur in various illnesses or conditions, they are not specifically indicative of aspirin toxicity. For instance, headaches may be common for various reasons beyond the effects of aspirin. Excessive fatigue can also result from numerous other factors, and dry skin is similarly unspecific. Therefore, when it comes to the unique side effects of aspirin and its toxic implications, disturbances in hearing are a hallmark symptom that healthcare professionals should watch for and communicate effectively to clients.