The nurse is setting up an intravenous infusion pump to administer a dose of vancomycin [Vancocin] to a patient. What is the fastest rate at which the drug may be infused?

A. 8:00 AM: This time is too early to draw a trough level for a medication administered at 10:00 AM. The trough level should be drawn just before the next dose is given to get the lowest concentration in the bloodstream.

B. 11:00 AM: This time is after the scheduled dose of vancomycin at 10:00 AM. Waiting until 11:00 AM would not provide an accurate trough level because the patient has already received the medication.

C. 9:00 AM: This is the correct time to obtain the patient's blood sample. It is one hour before the scheduled dose of vancomycin at 10:00 AM. Drawing the trough level at this time ensures it reflects the lowest concentration of the drug in the bloodstream.

D. 12:00 noon: This time is after the scheduled dose of vancomycin at 10:00 AM. Waiting until noon would not provide an accurate trough level because the patient has already received the medication.

A. Seizures: Some antibiotics, especially cephalosporins, can lower the seizure threshold, increasing the risk of seizures, especially in individuals prone to seizures or those with a history of epilepsy.

B. Nephrotoxicity: Both cephalosporins and aminoglycosides have the potential to harm the kidneys. When used together, their nephrotoxic effects can be additive, increasing the risk of kidney problems in patients.

C. Hearing Loss: Aminoglycosides, a class of antibiotics that includes drugs like gentamicin, are well-known for their potential to cause hearing loss, especially when used in high doses or for prolonged periods. This effect is due to their toxic impact on the hair cells in the inner ear.

D. Hepatotoxicity: Hepatotoxicity refers to liver damage caused by medications. Some antibiotics, including certain cephalosporins, can have hepatotoxic effects, potentially harming the liver. Monitoring liver function is important when these drugs are used.