Question

The nurse is teaching a group of new graduates about the safety needs of the client receiving chemotherapy. Before administering chemotherapy, the nurse should: A. Administer a bolus of IV fluid B. Administer pain medication C. Administer an antiemetic D. Allow the patient a chance to eat

Short answer

Answer: C. Administer an antiemetic before administering chemotherapy to the client.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the Options

Let's go through each option and analyze the logic behind each one: A. Administer a bolus of IV fluid: This might help with hydration, but it might not always be necessary for every patient. B. Administer pain medication: This may be needed if the client is already in pain, but administering pain medication is not a general rule before chemotherapy. C. Administer an antiemetic: Chemotherapy often causes nausea and vomiting, so this might be helpful in ensuring the client's comfort during treatment. D. Allow the patient a chance to eat: Eating, in this context, is not directly associated with the safety needs of clients receiving chemotherapy.

Compare and Select the Best Option

We can now compare the options and decide which one is most appropriate for the general safety needs of a client receiving chemotherapy. Administering an antiemetic (Option C) is the most relevant option for ensuring the client's comfort and safety during the chemotherapy process, as it can potentially alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Confirm the Correct Answer

Based on the analysis, it is clear that the nurse should: C. Administer an antiemetic before administering chemotherapy to the client. This ensures that the client's safety needs related to chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting are addressed.

Key concepts

Nursing Education

In the realm of chemotherapy safety, nursing education plays a pivotal role in equipping nurses with the requisite knowledge and skills. Understanding the intricacies of chemotherapy, including drug types, side effects, and patient care protocols, is essential for all healthcare professionals involved in the process. Newly graduated nurses, for instance, must be thoroughly prepared through comprehensive educational programs that focus on both theory and practical application.
Nurse educators should emphasize the importance of pre-treatment assessments, patient education, and the timely administration of supportive therapies like antiemetics. To facilitate this, educational sessions can incorporate

• simulation-based training, which provides realistic practice scenarios,
• problem-based learning, where nurses can discuss and resolve real-life challenges,
• and mentorship programs, which allow new nurses to learn directly from experienced professionals.

Such training methods not only enhance the nurse's competency but also improve patient outcomes by ensuring that nurses are well-prepared to handle chemotherapy treatments safely and effectively.

Patient Safety

Ensuring patient safety is an integral part of chemotherapy administration. The nurse's responsibilities include assessing the patient's current health status, monitoring vital signs, and managing any adverse effects that may arise during treatment. Before administering chemotherapy, it's critical to verify the patient's identity, review the medication order for accuracy, and assess for any potential contraindications or allergies.
Patient safety protocols often require nurses to double-check the calculations involved in drug preparation, to prevent any dosage errors that could lead to serious health complications. Additionally, effective communication between healthcare providers and with the patient is paramount. Nurses should discuss with the patient the potential side effects of chemotherapy, any signs to watch for, and how to report discomfort or adverse reactions promptly.

• Regular monitoring of the patient,
• keeping detailed records of each treatment session,
• and ensuring access to resuscitation equipment,

are essential components to safeguarding patient well-being during chemotherapy treatments.

Antiemetic Administration

The administration of antiemetics is crucial in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, which are some of the most challenging side effects for patients undergoing cancer treatment. By providing antiemetics before chemotherapy sessions, nurses can greatly enhance patient comfort and help prevent further complications like dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Commonly used antiemetics include ondansetron, metoclopramide, and dexamethasone, each working through different mechanisms to control nausea. It is important for healthcare professionals to understand the specific timeframes for administering these medications to maximize their efficacy. For example, antiemetics are usually given 30 to 60 minutes prior to the start of chemotherapy infusion.
Nurses should also be aware of the potential side effects of antiemetics, such as drowsiness or headaches, and counsel patients accordingly. By carefully managing the administration of these medications, healthcare providers can significantly improve the overall treatment experience for patients, allowing them to focus more on recovery and less on the discomfort associated with chemotherapy.