Final answer:
It is important to track the start and end of aminoglycoside antibiotic treatment to prevent antibiotic resistance and manage potential toxic side effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Knowing when an aminoglycoside antibiotic is started and when it is finished is crucial due to the potential for developing antibiotic resistance and the serious side effects associated with aminoglycosides such as nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and ototoxicity. Completing the full course of treatment ensures that the bacterial infection is eradicated and reduces the chances that any resistant bacteria will survive, potentially causing a recurrence of the infection or spreading to others. Monitoring the start and end dates of aminoglycoside treatment also allows healthcare professionals to observe for adverse effects and ensure that treatment is stopped if serious toxicity occurs.