A school-age child with leukemia experienced severe nausea and vomiting when receiving chemotherapy for the first time. Which is the most appropriate nursing action to prevent or minimize these reactions with subsequent treatments?
A) Encourage drinking large amounts of favorite fluids.
B) Encourage child to take nothing by mouth (remain NPO) until nausea and vomiting subside.
C) Administer an antiemetic before chemotherapy begins.
D) Administer an antiemetic as soon as child has nausea.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most beneficial regimen to minimize nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy is to administer the antiemetic before the chemotherapy is begun. The goal is to prevent anticipatory symptoms. Drinking fluids will add to the discomfort of the nausea and vomiting. Waiting until nausea and vomiting subside will help with this episode, but the child will have the discomfort and be at risk for dehydration. Administering an antiemetic as soon as the child has nausea does not prevent anticipatory nausea.

A School-Age Child with Leukemia Experienced Severe Nausea and Vomiting