Author Question: Why does the nurse monitor daily weights prior to the administration of antiemetic medications to ... (Read 11 times)

melina_rosy · **on:** Jul 24, 2018

Why does the nurse monitor daily weights prior to the administration of antiemetic medications to chemotherapy patients?

a. Antiemetics are calculated according to body surface area.
b. Antiemetics are toxic, and the minimal dosage should be administered.
c. Weight loss is a common adverse effect associated with chemotherapy, and dosages may need to be readjusted.
d. Fluid overload is common, and antiemetic dosages are increased as treatment progresses.

Question 2

What is an advantage of using benzodiazepines as an adjunctive treatment for nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy?

a. The long half-life will prolong the effectiveness of other drugs.
b. They increase a sense of euphoria.
c. The patient will not develop tolerance to the medications as quickly.
d. The antianxiety effect helps, in addition to reducing the frequency of nausea and vomiting.

Jmfn03 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 24, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Patients receiving chemotherapy are prone to weight loss resulting from nausea and vomiting. As with any drug therapy, the safe dosage per weight parameters should be assessed daily to avoid potential overmedication when patients are losing significant weight. Antiemetics are not calculated according to body surface area. Antiemetics are not toxic in recommended dosages. Fluid overload is unrelated to antiemetic therapy.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam, midazolam) are effective in reducing not only the frequency of nausea and vomiting but also the anxiety often associated with chemotherapy. Benzodiazepines do not affect the effectiveness of other drugs. Although distraction can be an effective intervention, using benzodiazepines is not a method to achieve this goal. Tolerance to benzodiazepines can develop quickly; they do not affect the development of tolerance to other drugs.