Question

The nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed vancomycin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Obtain serum trough levels.
B. Monitor the client for hepatotoxicity.
C. Monitor the clients serum creatinine levels.
D. Implement seizure precautions while the client is receiving vancomycin.
E. Ensure vancomycin is administered over at least 60 minutes via Infusion pump.

Answer 1

When caring for a client prescribed vancomycin, the nurse should obtain serum trough levels to avoid toxicity, monitor serum creatinine levels due to potential nephrotoxicity, and ensure the medication is administered over at least 60 minutes to prevent infusion-related reactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse caring for a client prescribed vancomycin should take several important actions to ensure the medication is administered safely and effectively. First, it is crucial to obtain serum trough levels of vancomycin to avoid toxicity, as vancomycin has a narrow therapeutic range. The trough levels help to ensure that the drug concentration stays within the safe and effective range.

Secondly, the nurse should monitor the client's serum creatinine levels because vancomycin can cause nephrotoxicity, which is damage to the kidneys. Changes in serum creatinine can indicate impaired kidney function. Lastly, when administering vancomycin via an IV infusion, it is essential to ensure the drug is given over at least 60 minutes using an infusion pump to prevent rapid infusion that can lead to 'red man syndrome' or other infusion-related reactions.