A patient asks the nurse to define hypersensitivity reaction. The nurse begins by telling the patient that a hypersensitivity reaction is also called:

A. By assessing the temperature every 4 hours:

Monitoring temperature every 4 hours is a common practice in hospitalized patients to detect fever, which could indicate an infection or an inflammatory response. However, this method does not directly assess the therapeutic blood levels of vancomycin. Fever alone does not provide specific information about the effectiveness or concentration of the antibiotic in the bloodstream.

B. By repeating a culture and sensitivity test on day 3:

Culture and sensitivity tests involve taking a sample from the patient (such as blood, urine, or sputum) and growing the microorganisms in a laboratory to identify the causative organism and determine its susceptibility to antibiotics. While this test is essential for identifying the appropriate antibiotic therapy initially, repeating it on day 3 does not directly monitor therapeutic blood levels of vancomycin. It also doesn't provide real-time information about the concentration of vancomycin in the bloodstream.

C. By obtaining drug peak and trough levels:

This choice involves measuring the highest (peak) and lowest (trough) concentrations of vancomycin in the bloodstream. Peak levels are typically measured about 1 hour after the completion of a vancomycin infusion, while trough levels are measured just before the next dose is administered. These measurements allow healthcare providers to ensure that the drug concentration remains within the therapeutic range to effectively treat the infection while minimizing the risk of toxicity.

D. By assessing for breathlessness:

Assessing for breathlessness is important for monitoring respiratory status, particularly in patients receiving vancomycin, as rare side effects like red-man syndrome or anaphylaxis can cause respiratory distress. However, this method does not directly monitor therapeutic blood levels of vancomycin.

A. Antibiotic dosages below the minimum concentration are prescribed:

This statement is incorrect. When treating MRSA infections, it's essential to prescribe antibiotic dosages that achieve adequate concentrations to effectively combat the resistant bacteria. Suboptimal dosages or inadequate duration of treatment can contribute to treatment failure and the development of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, the nurse should emphasize the importance of prescribing appropriate dosages of antibiotics for MRSA infections.

B. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used whenever possible:

This statement is not accurate. While broad-spectrum antibiotics may be effective against a wide range of bacteria, they are not always the preferred choice for treating MRSA infections. MRSA is resistant to many antibiotics, including those commonly used as broad-spectrum agents. Therefore, the treatment of MRSA typically involves antibiotics that are specifically effective against this resistant strain, such as vancomycin, daptomycin, linezolid, or other agents based on susceptibility testing. Therefore, the nurse should educate the client that specific antibiotics effective against MRSA are used, rather than relying solely on broad-spectrum antibiotics.

C. Antibiotics are prescribed only when a viral infection is present:

This statement is incorrect. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, including those caused by viruses such as influenza or the common cold. MRSA is a bacterial infection, and antibiotics are indicated for its treatment. However, it's essential to use antibiotics judiciously and only when necessary to avoid contributing to antibiotic resistance. The nurse should educate the client that antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections like MRSA, but they are not appropriate for viral infections.

D. Infections become resistant to high doses of antibiotics:

This statement is accurate. Overuse or inappropriate use of antibiotics, including high doses, can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. Bacteria like MRSA can acquire resistance mechanisms that render antibiotics ineffective, even at high doses. Therefore, it's crucial to use antibiotics judiciously, following appropriate dosing guidelines and duration of treatment, to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance. The nurse should include this information in the teaching to emphasize the importance of responsible antibiotic use in the management of MRSA infections.