Antiemetic (before midterm)

Question 1

The nurse has just completed the intravenous administration of a drug to a patient for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. What antiemetic drug has the patient received?
a. granisetron
b. lorazepam
c. dexamethasone d. prochlorperazine

Answer 1

ANS: A
Granisetron hydrochloride (Kytril®), palonosetron (Aloxi®), and ondansetron (Zofran®) are beneficial in preventing nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Lorazepam is an anxiolytic, and dexamethasone is a corticosteroid. Prochlorperazine is an antidopaminergic medication.

Question 2

Which primary anticholinergic medication is used as an antiemetic?
a. Meclizine hydrochloride
b. Prochlorperazine
c. Scopolamine hydrobromide
d. Metoclopramide hydrochloride

Answer 2

ANS: C
Scopolamine hydrobromide injection is the primary anticholinergic drug used as an antiemetic. It has potent effects on the vestibular nuclei, which are within the area of the brain that controls balance.

Question 3

A patient receiving chemotherapy is prescribed ondansetron (Zofran) for treatment of nausea. Which is an adverse effect of this antiemetic drug?
a. Dizziness
b. Headache
c. Dry mouth
d. Blurred vision

Answer 3

ANS: B
Headache is an adverse effect of the serotonin blockers, in addition to diarrhea, rash, bronchospasm, and prolonged QT interval.

Question 4

A patient is experiencing intractable hiccups. Which drug will the nurse expect to administer to this patient? a. metoclopramide
b. prochlorperazine
c. scopolamine
d. granisetron

Answer 4

ANS: B
Prochlorperazine, indications for the use of which include psychotic disorders and intractable hiccups, as well as nausea and vomiting.

Question 5

Which antiemetic drug works by blocking dopamine in the chemoreceptor trigger zone, causing the zone to be desensitized to impulses received from the gastrointestinal tract?
a. ondansetron
b. metoclopramide
c. meclizine
d. prochlorperazine

Answer 5

ANS: B
Prokinetic drugs, particularly metoclopramide, work by blocking dopamine in the chemoreceptor trigger zone, causing the zone to be desensitized to impulses received from the gastrointestinal tract.

Question 6

Which statement is correct regarding the management of nausea and vomiting?
a. Give antiemetics immediately after chemotherapy is administered.
b. Antiemetics are often administered 30 to 60 minutes before a chemotherapy drug
is given.
c. Taking antiemetics at night may cause restlessness and interfere with sleep.
d. Antiemetics may be taken with a glass of wine to help settle the stomach.

Answer 6

ANS: B
Antiemetics should be given before any chemotherapy drug is administered, often 30 to 60 minutes before treatment. Antiemetics are given before, not after chemotherapy is administered. Most antiemetics cause drowsiness, and taking antiemetics with alcohol may increase central nervous system (CNS) depression.

Question 7

Which antiemetic drug is effective in preventing chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting? a. meclizine
b. ondansetron
c. scopolamine
d. diphenhydramine

Answer 7

ANS: B
Serotonin blockers such as ondansetron have proved to be very effective in preventing chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Question 8

A patient with motion sickness is planning a cross-country car trip to attend a family reunion. What medication will the nurse tell the patient prevents motion sickness?
a. scopolamine
b. ondansetron
c. promethazine
d. prochlorperazine

Answer 8

ANS: C
Scopolamine is indicated as prophylaxis for motion sickness.

Question 9

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is an antiemetic used for treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with which situation?
a. Ménière’s disease
b. Motion sickness
c. Chemotherapy treatment
d. Surgical treatment

Answer 9

ANS: C
THC is approved for treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.