What nursing intervention is crucial when caring for a patient taking levofloxacin?

When caring for a patient taking levofloxacin, assessing kidney function regularly is crucial due to the medication being primarily excreted through the kidneys. Levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, can cause potential nephrotoxicity, particularly in individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions or those taking other nephrotoxic medications.

Monitoring kidney function, typically through serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, allows healthcare providers to identify any deterioration in renal performance early, ensuring timely intervention if needed. Since the dosing of levofloxacin may need adjustment based on renal function to avoid accumulation and reduce the risk of adverse effects, this assessment directly aligns with safe medication management.

In contrast, while monitoring blood glucose levels can be important in certain patient populations, it is not specifically relevant to levofloxacin. Encouraging fluid intake is beneficial to help prevent crystalluria, but it should be guided by individual patient needs and conditions. Advising taking levofloxacin with high-fat meals is not recommended, as it can affect the absorption of the medication.