Question

The nurse is educating a client receiving chemotherapy about newly prescribed ondansetron regular tablets. What statement by the nurse is appropriate?

"The medication works best if taken before you are nauseous."

"Take the medication with only a sip of water."

"This medication could cause difficulty with sleep."

"You may experience constipation with this medication."

Answer 1

The nurse would properly advise the patient to take ondansetron before they start feeling nauseous to prevent nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. Constipation is a common side effect of ondansetron.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse educating a client receiving chemotherapy about the use of ondansetron regular tablets would likely say, "The medication works best if taken before you are nauseous." This advice is appropriate because ondansetron is used prophylactically to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatments, and taking the medication before symptoms start can help to better manage potential discomfort. Ondansetron functions as a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist and works by blocking the action of serotonin, which is known to trigger nausea and vomiting. While ondansetron is generally well-tolerated, it can have side effects, which commonly include constipation and, in some instances, may affect sleep