A patient with metastatic cancer of the colon experiences severe ...

[lidoalex]

A patient with metastatic cancer of the colon experiences severe vomiting following each administration of chemotherapy. Which action, if taken by the nurse, is most appropriate?
 
  a. Have the patient eat large meals when nausea is not present.
  b. Offer dry crackers and carbonated fluids during chemotherapy.
  c. Administer prescribed antiemetics 1 hour before the treatments.
  d. Give the patient two ounces of a citrus fruit beverage during treatments.

Question 2

The nurse administers an IV vesicant chemotherapeutic agent to a patient. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?
 
  a. Infuse the medication over a short period of time.
  b. Stop the infusion if swelling is observed at the site.
  c. Administer the chemotherapy through a small-bore catheter.
  d. Hold the medication unless a central venous line is available.

[Zack0mack0101@yahoo.com]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Treatment with antiemetics before chemotherapy may help prevent nausea. The patient should eat small, frequent meals. Offering food and beverages during chemotherapy is likely to cause nausea. The acidity of citrus fruits may be further irritating to the stomach.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Swelling at the site may indicate extravasation, and the IV should be stopped immediately. The medication generally should be given slowly to avoid irritation of the vein. The size of the catheter is not as important as administration of vesicants into a running IV line to allow dilution of the chemotherapeutic drug. These medications can be given through peripheral lines, although central vascular access devices (CVADs) are preferred.

[lidoalex]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[mjenn52]

Excellent