Question

The healthcare provider prescribes oral vancomycin for a female client who has Clostridium difficile in the stool. Which action should the nurse take before administering the first dose?

a. Assess body temperature.
b. Auscultate bowel sounds.
c. Check serum creatinine.
d. Measure oxygen saturation.

Answer 1

Before administering oral vancomycin to a patient with Clostridium difficile, the nurse should check the patient's serum creatinine to ensure proper kidney function and prevent drug accumulation and potential nephrotoxicity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The healthcare provider prescribes oral vancomycin for a female client who has Clostridium difficile in the stool. Before administering the first dose, the nurse should take action c. Check serum creatinine. This is important because vancomycin is excreted by the kidneys, and its accumulation can lead to nephrotoxicity. Checking serum creatinine levels helps assess kidney function and ensure the drug is cleared properly, preventing potential kidney damage, especially if the patient has a history of kidney issues or other comorbidities that affect kidney function.