Question

When talking to a patient about taking vancomycin (Vancocin), the health care professional explains the need to check periodic blood levels of the drug to monitor serum peak and trough. Peak and trough drug levels help monitor for which of the following? (Select all that apply)

A. drug toxicity
B. minimum effective dose
C. constant therapeutic level
D. biotransformation
E. first-pass effect

Answer 1

Peak and trough drug levels help monitor for drug toxicity, constant therapeutic level, and minimum effective dose when taking vancomycin.

Step-by-step explanation:

When talking to a patient about taking vancomycin (Vancocin), it is important to explain the need to check periodic blood levels of the drug to monitor serum peak and trough. Peak and trough drug levels help monitor for drug toxicity, constant therapeutic level, and minimum effective dose.

Peak drug levels represent the highest concentration of the drug in the blood after administration, while trough levels represent the lowest concentration of the drug in the blood before the next dose. By monitoring these levels, healthcare professionals can ensure that the drug is within the effective range without causing toxicity.