South Dakota Medication Aide Practice Test

Vancomycin, commonly marketed as Vancocin, is an antibiotic that is primarily used to treat serious bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Gram-positive bacteria. While it is effective, it can also lead to some significant side effects.

The choice highlighting hearing damage, kidney toxicity, and thrush correctly identifies severe potential adverse reactions associated with vancomycin. Hearing damage, or ototoxicity, is a serious concern, especially with prolonged use or higher doses. It can lead to permanent hearing loss if not monitored closely. Kidney toxicity is another critical consideration, as vancomycin can affect renal function, necessitating regular kidney function assessments during treatment. Lastly, thrush, or oral candidiasis, can occur as an opportunistic infection due to the alteration of normal flora caused by antibiotics, including vancomycin.

Understanding these severe side effects is crucial in a clinical setting, as early recognition and management can prevent lasting damage to the patient’s hearing and kidney function, and address opportunistic infections effectively. Monitoring and patient education about potential side effects are essential components of medication administration practices.