A nurse has initiated an intravenous infusion of vancomycin. During the first 10 minutes, the nurse should monitor for which of the following indications of a severe drug reaction?

Explanation

•Intravenous infusion of vancomycin is associated with the development of red man syndrome. Red man syndrome typically consists of flushing, rash of the face, neck, and torso, pruritus, and burning. The patient often becomes dizzy and agitated.

•If symptoms of red man syndrome appear, the infusion should be discontinued immediately and the physician should be notified.

•Bradycardia, hypertension, and apnea are not symptoms of red man syndrome. The reaction can progress to full anaphylaxis, causing hypotension, dypnea, and tachycardia.

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