Question

You receive report from the off-going nurse that the person being cared for just received their fourth dose of IV vancomycin that was administered over 30 minutes. Upon assessment of them, you notice their face and neck are red and they are itching all over. What would you suspect?

Answer 1

The symptoms observed after receiving the fourth dose of IV vancomycin indicate Red Man Syndrome, which is characterized by redness and itching on the face and neck.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms observed in the patient after receiving the fourth dose of IV vancomycin indicate an adverse reaction known as Red Man Syndrome (RMS). RMS is characterized by redness and itching on the face and neck. It is caused by a rapid infusion of vancomycin, which leads to histamine release, resulting in the symptoms observed. Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic commonly used to treat infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. In such cases, it is important to slow down or stop the infusion and administer antihistamines to alleviate the symptoms.