What is the primary nursing intervention for a client taking vancomycin for MRSA infection?

The primary nursing intervention for a client taking vancomycin for a MRSA infection is to verify BUN and creatinine levels. This is crucial because vancomycin is known to have potential nephrotoxic effects, which means it can adversely affect kidney function. Monitoring blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine helps assess renal function and ensures that the kidneys can safely process the medication.

This intervention is particularly important because vancomycin is often used to treat serious infections, and maintaining the safety of the patient’s renal health while on the medication is essential. If BUN and creatinine levels are elevated, it may indicate impaired kidney function, and the healthcare provider may need to adjust the dosage of vancomycin or consider alternative treatments.

While the other options may also be relevant in specific contexts, they do not address the immediate and critical need to monitor kidney function in patients receiving vancomycin therapy, which is the primary concern. Providing food with medication is generally not crucial for vancomycin; administering an antiemetic may be beneficial if the patient experiences nausea but is not a primary intervention; and requesting placement of a PICC line, while pertinent for long-term treatment, does not pertain directly