Question

Intravenous Vancocin (vancomycin) has been ordered for a client with peritonitis. To prevent "red man" syndrome, the nurse should: A. Protect the medication from light B. Flush the line with saline before infusing C. Administer the medication slowly D. Administer acetaminophen before the infusion

Short answer

Answer: Administer the medication slowly.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the options

For a better understanding of each option, let's analyze them: A. Protect the medication from light: This might be helpful, but it doesn't directly prevent "red man" syndrome. B. Flush the line with saline before infusing: Flushing the line with saline can help if the previous medication could interact negatively with Vancocin. However, it is not directly related to preventing "red man" syndrome. C. Administer the medication slowly: "Red man" syndrome occurs when Vancocin is administered too quickly, leading to histamine release. Administering the medication slowly can help prevent this side effect. D. Administer acetaminophen before the infusion: Acetaminophen can help reduce fever and pain, but it does not prevent "red man" syndrome.

Choose the correct option

Based on the analysis, Option C (Administer the medication slowly) is the best choice for preventing "red man" syndrome when giving intravenous Vancocin to a client with peritonitis. This is because "red man" syndrome is caused by a rapid infusion of Vancocin, and administering the medication slowly can help mitigate this side effect.

Key concepts

Intravenous Medication Administration

Administering medication intravenously (IV) is a common practice in nursing, as it allows for quick absorption directly into the bloodstream. This is particularly useful for medications that need to act quickly or those that cannot be adequately absorbed through other routes. Nurses need to be skilled in this technique to ensure safe and effective therapy.
When administering IV medication, precision is key:

• Compliance with aseptic technique to prevent infections.
• Accurate dosing to avoid underdosing or overdosing.
• Monitoring the infusion rate to avoid complications like "red man" syndrome, especially important for drugs like vancomycin.

Administering medication too rapidly can cause adverse reactions or decreased efficacy. Therefore, adhering to prescribed rates and knowing how different medications should be administered remains critical for nursing practice.

Adverse Drug Reactions

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are an important consideration in medication administration. They are unwanted or harmful effects experienced after the administration of a drug or combination of drugs at normal doses. Nurses play a vital role in minimizing these effects by understanding each medication's potential ADRs and monitoring patients closely.
Some steps to take include:

• Reviewing the patient's history for allergies or previous drug reactions.
• Educating patients about possible side effects to watch for.
• Promptly recognizing and responding to any signs of allergic reactions or side effects.

By understanding the potential for ADRs, nurses can provide preventative care and intervene swiftly if adverse reactions occur, ensuring client safety and treatment efficacy.

Patient Safety

Ensuring patient safety is a fundamental responsibility for nurses, especially when administrating medication intravenously. Patient safety encompasses practices designed to prevent harm to patients during care. It's crucial when dealing with IV medication to minimize the risk of complications.
These safety measures include:

• Accurate patient assessment before administration, including vital signs and allergy history.
• Following the "five rights" of medication administration: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time.
• Monitoring during and after the infusion for any signs of adverse reactions or complications.

By systematically applying these principles, nurses can significantly contribute to enhancing the safety and quality of patient care.

NCLEX-RN Exam Prep

Preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam is a significant challenge, but understanding core concepts like drug administration and patient safety can make this journey easier. The exam tests potential registered nurses on their clinical knowledge and judgment in various scenarios.
To succeed in NCLEX-RN prep:

• Focus on understanding pharmacology, including safe medication administration practices.
• Use practice questions to familiarize yourself with the types of scenarios you might encounter.
• Review patient safety protocols and the nurse's role in preventing and responding to adverse drug events.

Critical thinking and sound judgment are at the heart of the NCLEX-RN, and solid preparation in these areas can help you pass the exam and ensure you are ready for real-world nursing challenges.