When a client taking high doses of acetylsalicylic acid presents with generalized joint pain and fever, what should the nurse assess for?

When a client is taking high doses of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), commonly known as aspirin, one of the notable side effects that can arise is tinnitus, which is often described as ringing in the ears. This symptom is indicative of salicylate toxicity, a condition that can occur at high doses of aspirin, especially in individuals who are on long-term therapy or have renal impairment. The development of generalized joint pain and fever in combination with tinnitus suggests that the body may be reacting adversely to the medication, thus making this assessment particularly relevant.

Among the other options, increased blood pressure can be influenced by various factors and is not a direct indication of acetylsalicylic acid toxicity. Swelling in the legs could correlate with potential renal issues but is not the most specific symptom related to high doses of ASA. Decreased urine output may indicate renal impairment, yet it is less indicative of the direct effects associated with acetylsalicylic acid when compared to the symptom of tinnitus. Therefore, assessing for ringing in the ears is critical for identifying potential complications arising from the use of high-dose aspirin.