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Chapter 3: Problem 157

A client receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer has an order for Zofran (ondansetron) 8mg P0 to be given 30 minutes before induction of the chemotherapy. The purpose of the medication is to: A. Prevent anemia B. Promote relaxation C. Prevent nausea D. Increase neutrophil counts

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: C. Prevent nausea

Step by step solution

01

Read and Understand the Question

Before we start, make sure you understand the question. We need to determine the purpose of Zofran (ondansetron) in a client receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.
02

Identify the Purpose of Zofran

Zofran (ondansetron) is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of serotonin, a natural chemical in the body, that can cause vomiting.
03

Evaluate the Options

Now, let's look at each option and evaluate whether it fits the purpose of Zofran. A. Prevent anemia - This is not the purpose of Zofran. Anemia is a decrease in the number of red blood cells, and Zofran doesn't have any effect on the red blood cell count. B. Promote relaxation - Although some medications might be used to promote relaxation, Zofran's primary purpose is not to induce relaxation. C. Prevent nausea - This is the correct answer. Zofran is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. D. Increase neutrophil counts - Zofran doesn't have any direct effect on increasing the neutrophil count. Some medications that can affect neutrophil counts include chemotherapy, antibodies, and hematopoietic growth factors, but that's not the case for Zofran.
04

Final Answer

The purpose of Zofran (ondansetron) in a client receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer is to: C. Prevent nausea

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Chemotherapy Side Effect Management
When undergoing chemotherapy, patients often face a variety of side effects that can significantly impact their quality of life. Effective side effect management is crucial in cancer care, and healthcare professionals play a vital role in monitoring and easing these effects.

  • Nausea and Vomiting: One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy is nausea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and weight loss. Antiemetic drugs, like the one mentioned in our exercise, Zofran (ondansetron), are prescribed to prevent these distressing symptoms.
  • Fatigue: Another frequent side effect is fatigue, which can be managed by balancing rest and physical activity, proper nutrition, and addressing any underlying issues such as anemia.
  • Neutropenia: A decreased neutrophil count, or neutropenia, increases the risk of infection. Patients are educated on infection-prevention strategies and may be prescribed medications to boost white blood cell counts.
  • Anemia: Lowered red blood cell counts can cause anemia, which is treated with blood transfusions or erythropoietin-stimulating agents when necessary.

Healthcare providers tailor interventions to each patient's specific needs, ensuring they can cope with the challenges of chemotherapy and maintain as much normal function as possible.
Nursing Pharmacology Study Guide
Pharmacology is an essential subject for nurses, as medications are central to patient care. A nursing pharmacology study guide should incorporate the following key areas:

  • Drug Classes: Understanding various classes of drugs, including antiemetics like 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, is fundamental. Knowing the mechanisms, side effects, and nursing interventions associated with each class is critical.
  • Medication Administration: Nurses must be skilled in calculating dosages, administering drugs safely, and monitoring for adverse reactions.
  • Therapeutic Effects: It's important for nurses to understand the desired outcomes of medications and to assess their effectiveness in patients.
  • Drug Interactions: Recognizing how different medications may interact with one another can prevent harmful effects and improves patient safety.

Studying pharmacology through a nursing lens allows for a deeper understanding of how to support patients in achieving the best outcomes from their medication regimen.
Antiemetic Drugs in Cancer Treatment
Antiemetic medications are a cornerstone in the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Effective control of CINV improves patients' quality of life and their ability to continue cancer treatment.

  • Mechanism of Action: Antiemetics, such as ondansetron (Zofran), work by blocking receptors in the brain and gut that trigger the vomiting reflex. Specifically, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists block serotonin receptors, which are stimulated during chemotherapy.
  • Preventative Use: Administration of these drugs is often prophylactic, as in the case of the exercise, where the patient takes Zofran before starting chemotherapy to prevent nausea before it begins.
  • Treatment Protocols: The timing, dosing, and choice of antiemetic drugs are based on the emetogenic potential of the chemotherapy regimen and the patient’s characteristics and preferences.

Ultimately, antiemetics are a key part of supportive care in oncology, allowing patients to tolerate and complete their prescribed chemotherapy regimens.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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