Final answer:
Vancomycin (Vancocin) is a glycopeptide antibiotic used primarily for treating serious gram-positive bacterial infections, including resistant strains such as MRSA, VRE, and VRSA. Nurses must monitor therapeutic levels, kidney function, and potential ototoxicity, manage infusion rates to prevent "red man syndrome", and ensure strict infection control protocols to prevent nosocomial transmission of resistant strains.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nursing Considerations for Vancomycin (Vancocin)
Vancomycin is a powerful antibiotic used to combat gram-positive bacterial infections, often as a last line of defense against resistant pathogens like MRSA, VRE, and VRSA. While very effective, vancomycin requires careful management due to potential resistance development and toxicity. Nursing considerations include monitoring for therapeutic levels, kidney function, and signs of ototoxicity. Infusion-related reactions, commonly known as "red man syndrome", should be carefully watched for, and the rate of infusion may need to be adjusted to prevent this. Appropriate dosing adjustments must be made for patients with renal impairment. Rapid identification and isolation procedures for VRE and VRSA are important to prevent the spread of these resistant bacteria.
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) and Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) are of particular concern in the healthcare setting, as they represent a significant challenge due to alterations in the target sites of the antibiotic, requiring alternative treatment strategies. Nursing considerations would therefore include strict adherence to infection control protocols to prevent nosocomial transmission. Familiarity with synergistic antibiotic combinations, such as those involving ampicillin or gentamicin, may be relevant in the treatment of infections complicated by resistance.