Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to D-alanyl-D-alanine terminal of peptidoglycan precursors, preventing cross-linking. It is the drug of choice for serious methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections including bacteremia, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and pneumonia. Vancomycin must be administered intravenously for systemic infections as oral bioavailability is negligible; oral vancomycin is reserved exclusively for Clostridioides difficile colitis. The nurse monitors infusion parameters, observes for adverse reactions, and reports changes to the RN.