The nurse is caring for a client taking vancomycin. The nurse anticipates drawing a peak and trough on this client. Which statement regarding peak and trough levels is correct?
The peak is drawn 1 hour after the infusion, and the trough is drawn right before the next scheduled dose.
The peak is drawn 2 hours after the infusion, and the trough is drawn 1 hour before the next scheduled dose.
The peak should be drawn immediately after infusion, and the trough is drawn right before the next scheduled dose.
The peak should be drawn 30 minutes before the next scheduled dose, and the trough drawn immediately after the infusion.
Number 1 is correct.
Drugs requiring peak and trough levels, such as vancomycin, require precise timing in order to obtain accurate results. The peak dose should be drawn 1 – 2 hours after infusion, when drug levels are at their highest. Troughs are drawn when the drug is at its lowest level, which is right before the next dose is due. Options 2, 3, and 4 reflect inaccurate draw times.
