Question

*A nurse is caring for a client who has nausea and a prescription

for metoclopramide intermittent IV bolus every 4 hr as needed.
The client asks the nurse how metoclopramide will relieve
her nausea. Which of the following explanations should the nurse provide?*

(A) "The medication relieves nausea by promoting gastric emptying."
(B) "The medication works by decreasing gastric acid secretions."
(C) "The medication relieves nausea by slowing peristalsis."
(D) "The medication works by relaxing gastric muscles."

Answer 1

Metoclopramide relieves nausea by promoting gastric emptying and accelerating the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines. It also increases the lower esophageal sphincter tone and antagonizes dopamine receptors in the brain's chemoreceptor trigger zone.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client is experiencing nausea and has been prescribed metoclopramide for relief, which can be administered via an intravenous (IV) bolus every 4 hours as needed. When the client inquires how metoclopramide will alleviate her nausea, the accurate explanation the nurse should provide is option (A) "The medication relieves nausea by promoting gastric emptying." Metoclopramide works primarily by increasing the contractions in the upper digestive tract, which accelerates the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines.

Metoclopramide also increases the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter, which helps prevent the reflux of stomach contents back into the esophagus. This action may contribute to its effectiveness in relieving nausea. Additionally, it antagonizes dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the brain, which helps to suppress vomiting signals, further contributing to the relief of nausea symptoms. However, it is important to note that metoclopramide is different from medications such as Zofran, which contains ondansetron, as they have different mechanisms of action in relieving nausea and vomiting.