When administering vancomycin intravenously to a patient, the nurse understands that which of the following are potential side effects?

Explanation

• Vancomycin can cause nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, and Red man syndrome.

• Nephrotoxicity is characterized by changes in urination frequency or amount, nausea, vomiting, and increased thirst.

• Ototoxicity is characterized by hearing loss.

• Red man syndrome (from rapid IV infusion) is characterized by fever, chills, tachycardia, rash, nausea, and redness of the face, back, neck, and arms.

• Retinal toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and neurotoxicity are not side effects of vancomycin. 

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