Question

1. Explain two ways that antiemetics reduce the hyperactivity of the vomiting center.

2. What is the antiemetic of choice for children? Why is this drug the best choice? What nursing considerations are essential when giving antiemetics to children? Include the rationale for all nursing considerations.

3. What safety measures are needed when giving antiemetics to adult and older adults? Why are these safety measures necessary?

4. You are caring for a39-year-old patient who returned from an appendectomy 4 hours ago. The patient has an older for ondansetron (Zofran) IV PRN for nausea and vomiting. What nursing considerations are important for this patient? What teaching needs to be done? Include rationale for all nursing considerations and teaching.

Answer 1

Explain two ways that antiemetics reduce the hyperactivity of the vomiting center.

1. Antiemetics locally decreases the response to the stimuli that are sent to the vomiting center present in the medulla oblongata.

2. By centrally, it blocks the chemoreceptor trigger zone present in the area of Postrema to suppress the vomiting.

What is the antiemetic of choice for children? Why is this drug the best choice?

Ondansetron is the best antiemetic choice in children because it is safe to use and effective in children.

What nursing considerations are essential when giving antiemetics to children? Include the rationale for all nursing considerations.

Nursing considerations:

• Assess for any allergies and hypersensitivity to the drugs.
• Assess for any side effects such as renal impairment, CNS depression, and GI effects.
• Perform lab tests to adjust the dose according to the needs.
• Administer medication as per the therapeutic effects of the drug.
• Provide comfort and safety to the child.
• Educate the parents about the medication action and side effects.
• Evaluate the child responses to the medication.

What safety measures are needed when giving antiemetics to adult and older adults? Why are these safety measures necessary?

• Ensure that the drug effect on the CNS should not interfere with the daily activities of the patient.
• Drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Administer the medication before half an hour to the meal.
• Monitor the vital signs.
• Avoid intake during pregnancy and lactation.
• Avoid exposure to sunlight and UV rays to avoid serious effects on the skin.
• Educate the patient about the side effects of the antiemetic drug and to report immediately.
• The medication should be stopped if no longer needs.

Safety measures are necessary to increase the benefit and to minimize the risk. Following safety measures will avoid adverse reactions and secondary complications.

What nursing considerations are important for this patient? What teaching needs to be done? Include rationale for all nursing considerations and teaching.

Nursing consideration and patient's teaching:

• Asses for any hyperactivity or allergic to the medication.
• Assess for any GI effect of the drug to prevent complication
• Check the serum bilirubin, AST, and ALT levels because the drug may alter the liver enzymes.
• Monitor the activities of the patient.
• Assess the mental status and any signs of renal and CNS depression to avoid postoperative complications.
• Instruct the patient to inform of any headache, weakness to avoid reactions.
• Teach about the drug and food interaction with the medication.