MN576 Chapter 59: Antiemetic Agents
(Combined A & D)
A nurse is preparing to administer ondansetron to a client with vomiting. A nurse should
be aware of what drug-related information before administering ondansetron? Select all
that apply.
For pediatric clients, ondansetron can be used safely.
No dosage adjustment is necessary for older adult clients.
Constipation is a common adverse effect of the medication.
The medication may decrease mental alertness.
Explanation:
Ondansetron can be used safely with pediatric and older adult clients. Adverse effects of
ondansetron are usually mild to moderate and include decreased mental alertness,
diarrhea, headache, dizziness, constipation, fatigue, and transient elevation of liver
enzymes. St. John's wort and ondansetron should be used cautiously as a significant
drop in blood pressure or loss of consciousness can occur.
We have an expert-written solution to this problem!
A nurse is reviewing the medication record of a client prescribed the antiemetic
promethazine. What is another use of this medication?
Schizophrenia
Explanation:
Promethazine is a first-generation antipsychotic drug that depresses the central nervous
system. It has been used to treat schizophrenia and psychosis as well as vomiting. It is
not used to treat seizures, ADHD, or migraines.
A client prescribed promethazine has an elevated creatinine level. Which action is the
health care provider likely to take considering any possible related risk to this client?
Prescribe administration of a lower dose
Explanation:
, A dose reduction may be necessary in clients with renal impairment to avoid the
possibility of adverse effects, toxicity, or increased sensitivity to phenothiazines. A
change in frequency is less likely.
We have an expert-written solution to this problem!
A 21-year-old female client has been prescribed metoclopramide for treatment of nausea
and vomiting associated with migraines. Which substance should the nurse instruct the
client to avoid?
Alcohol
Explanation:
Metoclopramide increases absorption of alcohol, which increases its effect.
We have an expert-written solution to this problem!
A client has requested an oral antiemetic to control motion sickness on an upcoming
flight. While explaining proper use of the drug, the nurse should recommend that the
client take the drug:
30 minutes prior to the flight.
Explanation:
Antiemetic drugs are more effective in preventing nausea and vomiting than in stopping
them. Therefore, the drugs should be taken 30-60 minutes before a nausea-producing
event when possible.
When reviewing a newly admitted client's previous medication record, the nurse notes
that the client has previously been treated with aprepitant. The nurse is justified in
suspecting that this client's medical history includes which therapy/treatment?
Chemotherapy
Explanation:
Prescribers often order aprepitant as part of combination therapy along with a 5-HT3
receptor antagonist and corticosteroids to treat both acute and delayed nausea and
vomiting associated with chemotherapy. NG tube insertion, radiation therapy, and
endoscopy are not typical indications for the use of aprepitant.
(Combined A & D)
A nurse is preparing to administer ondansetron to a client with vomiting. A nurse should
be aware of what drug-related information before administering ondansetron? Select all
that apply.
For pediatric clients, ondansetron can be used safely.
No dosage adjustment is necessary for older adult clients.
Constipation is a common adverse effect of the medication.
The medication may decrease mental alertness.
Explanation:
Ondansetron can be used safely with pediatric and older adult clients. Adverse effects of
ondansetron are usually mild to moderate and include decreased mental alertness,
diarrhea, headache, dizziness, constipation, fatigue, and transient elevation of liver
enzymes. St. John's wort and ondansetron should be used cautiously as a significant
drop in blood pressure or loss of consciousness can occur.
We have an expert-written solution to this problem!
A nurse is reviewing the medication record of a client prescribed the antiemetic
promethazine. What is another use of this medication?
Schizophrenia
Explanation:
Promethazine is a first-generation antipsychotic drug that depresses the central nervous
system. It has been used to treat schizophrenia and psychosis as well as vomiting. It is
not used to treat seizures, ADHD, or migraines.
A client prescribed promethazine has an elevated creatinine level. Which action is the
health care provider likely to take considering any possible related risk to this client?
Prescribe administration of a lower dose
Explanation:
, A dose reduction may be necessary in clients with renal impairment to avoid the
possibility of adverse effects, toxicity, or increased sensitivity to phenothiazines. A
change in frequency is less likely.
We have an expert-written solution to this problem!
A 21-year-old female client has been prescribed metoclopramide for treatment of nausea
and vomiting associated with migraines. Which substance should the nurse instruct the
client to avoid?
Alcohol
Explanation:
Metoclopramide increases absorption of alcohol, which increases its effect.
We have an expert-written solution to this problem!
A client has requested an oral antiemetic to control motion sickness on an upcoming
flight. While explaining proper use of the drug, the nurse should recommend that the
client take the drug:
30 minutes prior to the flight.
Explanation:
Antiemetic drugs are more effective in preventing nausea and vomiting than in stopping
them. Therefore, the drugs should be taken 30-60 minutes before a nausea-producing
event when possible.
When reviewing a newly admitted client's previous medication record, the nurse notes
that the client has previously been treated with aprepitant. The nurse is justified in
suspecting that this client's medical history includes which therapy/treatment?
Chemotherapy
Explanation:
Prescribers often order aprepitant as part of combination therapy along with a 5-HT3
receptor antagonist and corticosteroids to treat both acute and delayed nausea and
vomiting associated with chemotherapy. NG tube insertion, radiation therapy, and
endoscopy are not typical indications for the use of aprepitant.
