A patient is receiving a glucocorticoid medication to treat an exacerbation of COPD and the provider has ordered a slow taper in order to discontinue this medication. The nurse explains to the patient that this is done to prevent which condition?

Explanation:

A. Administer phenergan (Promethazine) 12.5 mg IVP at the first complaint of nausea.

This option suggests waiting until the patient complains of nausea before administering the antiemetic. It is not a proactive approach and may not effectively prevent nausea associated with chemotherapy.

B. Administer ondansetron (Zofran) 4mg IV Push after Ms. Samuels complains of nausea.

Similar to option A, this choice involves waiting for the patient to experience nausea before administering the medication. Again, it is not a proactive strategy for preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

C. Administer ondansetron (Zofran) 4mg IV push sometime between 1300-1330.

This option is the most appropriate among the given choices. It suggests administering the antiemetic (ondansetron) before the scheduled chemotherapy session. Ondansetron is commonly used as a prophylactic measure to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.

D. Administer phenergan (Promethazine) 25 mg PO at 1345.

This choice involves administering the antiemetic (phenergan) orally just 15 minutes before the scheduled chemotherapy session. While it is better than waiting for symptoms to appear, oral medications may take some time to be absorbed, and it might not provide as rapid relief as an intravenous (IV) medication.

A. "My provider will prescribe prophylactic antibiotics."

While antibiotics may be prescribed if there is a bacterial infection or exacerbation, they are not typically used prophylactically in all cases of mild emphysema.

B. "My condition is reversible with proper medications."

Emphysema is a chronic and typically irreversible condition. While medications can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, they do not generally reverse the damage caused by emphysema.

C. "I should use albuterol (Proventil) when my symptoms worsen."

Albuterol (Proventil) is a short-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator, and it is commonly used as a rescue inhaler to provide quick relief of symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing in patients with conditions like emphysema. Using albuterol as needed during symptom exacerbations aligns with appropriate management of mild emphysema.

D. "I will need to take oral prednisone on a daily basis."

Daily use of oral prednisone is not a standard treatment for mild emphysema. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that may be used in certain situations, such as during exacerbations, but its long-term use carries potential risks and is generally avoided unless necessary.