A HIV-positive patient is being treated with didanosine. Which symptom should the nurse monitor for and report?

Didanosine, an antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV, is known to be associated with several adverse effects, one of which is peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy manifests as symptoms such as tingling, numbness, pain, or weakness in the extremities, which can severely impact a patient's quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.

Monitoring for peripheral neuropathy is crucial in patients receiving didanosine because early detection can lead to timely intervention, such as dosage adjustment or switching to a different medication. This side effect results from the drug's neurotoxic properties, which can affect nerve tissues, particularly in susceptible individuals or with prolonged usage.

While headaches, taste alterations, and excoriation may occur in patients on various medications, they are not specifically associated with didanosine to the same extent as peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, the emphasis on monitoring for peripheral neuropathy reflects its significance as a potential complication of didanosine therapy that requires prompt attention.