A nurse is preparing to administer vancomycin, a glycopeptide antibiotic, to a client with a severe infection caused by Clostridium difficile.
The nurse should select all that apply:

Here is why:

• Choice A:Monitor the client’s serum creatinine level.

This is correct because vancomycin can cause nephrotoxicity (damage to the kidneys) and serum creatinine is a marker of kidney function.A high serum creatinine level indicates impaired kidney function and may require dose adjustment or discontinuation of vancomycin.

• Choice B:Monitor the client’s serum vancomycin level.

This is correct because vancomycin has a narrow therapeutic range, meaning that there is a small difference between the effective dose and the toxic dose.Monitoring the serum vancomycin level can help to ensure that the drug is within the therapeutic range and avoid toxicity or suboptimal efficacy.

• Choice C:Infuse the drug over at least 60 minutes.

This is correct because vancomycin can cause a hypersensitivity reaction called “red man syndrome” or “red neck syndrome”, which is characterized by flushing, itching, rash, hypotension and tachycardia.

This reaction is not an allergy but a result of histamine release due to rapid infusion of vancomycin.Infusing the drug over at least 60 minutes can reduce the risk of this reaction.

• Choice D:Observe the client for signs of ototoxicity.

This is incorrect because vancomycin is not known to cause ototoxicity (damage to the ears) in humans.Ototoxicity has been reported in animal studies and in vitro studies, but not in clinical trials or case reports involving humans.

Therefore, there is no need to monitor for signs of ototoxicity such as hearing loss, tinnitus or vertigo.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.Penicillin is one of the most common causes of anaphylaxis.Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, hives, itching, low blood pressure, and shock.

Choice A is wrong because hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood) is not a common or serious side effect of penicillin therapy.Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, cramps, irregular heartbeat, and fatigue.

Choice B is wrong because hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) is not a common or serious side effect of penicillin therapy.Hyperglycemia can cause thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and headaches.

Choice D is wrong because constipation is not a common or serious side effect of penicillin therapy.Constipation can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and difficulty passing stools.