A school-age child diagnosed with leukemia experienced severe nausea and vomiting when receiving chemotherapy for the first time. Which is the most appropriate nursing action to prevent or minimize these reactions with subsequent treatments?
Administer an antiemetic at least 30 minutes before chemotherapy begins.
Encourage child to take nothing by mouth (remain NPO) until nausea and vomiting subside.
Encourage drinking large amounts of favorite fluids.
Administer an antiemetic as soon as child has nausea.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Administering an antiemetic at least 30 minutes before chemotherapy begins is correct because prevention is more effective than treatment after symptoms appear. Administering antiemetics prophylactically helps reduce the severity and incidence of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, improving patient comfort and adherence to treatment.
B. Encouraging the child to remain NPO until nausea subsides is incorrect because prolonged fasting does not prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and may contribute to dehydration and nutritional deficits, especially important in children undergoing cancer treatment.
C. Encouraging drinking large amounts of fluids is incorrect because forcing large volumes may worsen nausea or vomiting. Fluid intake should be adequate but balanced to prevent discomfort.
D. Administering an antiemetic after the child has nausea is incorrect because reactive treatment is less effective than prophylactic administration. Once severe nausea and vomiting have occurred, they are harder to control and can impact hydration, nutrition, and overall treatment tolerance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Expression of bedtime fears is common is correct because toddlers commonly experience fears related to separation, darkness, or unfamiliar situations. These fears are a normal part of emotional and cognitive development and should be addressed with reassurance and consistent routines.
B. Importance of annual screenings for phenylketonuria is incorrect because PKU screening is performed at birth through newborn screening. Routine annual screening is not part of anticipatory guidance for toddlers.
C. Develop food habits that will prevent dental caries is correct because toddlers are at increased risk for dental caries. Guidance should include limiting sugary foods and drinks, avoiding bedtime bottles with milk or juice, and promoting good oral hygiene habits.
D. Significance of potty training by 18 months is incorrect because readiness for toilet training varies widely. Most toddlers are not developmentally ready until 18–24 months or later, and forcing early training can lead to frustration and setbacks.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Recommending a significant increase in caloric intake is incorrect because forced or excessive caloric intake can lead to unhealthy weight gain and does not appropriately address normal developmental growth patterns. Preschool growth slows naturally compared to infancy, and nutritional changes should only be made if growth is outside expected ranges.
B. Advising that a child’s growth should exactly match peers is incorrect because normal growth varies among children. Genetics, body type, and overall health influence growth, and children do not grow at identical rates. Comparing strictly to peers can cause unnecessary anxiety for parents.
C. Suggesting delaying further growth assessments is incorrect because regular monitoring of growth is essential during all developmental stages. Preschool growth patterns are well understood and can be accurately evaluated using standardized growth charts.
D. Explaining that preschool growth is typically steady but slower compared to infancy is correct because preschool-aged children usually gain about 4 to 5 pounds and grow 2 to 3 inches per year. The child’s growth of 2.5 inches and 5 pounds falls squarely within expected norms, making this a reassuring and educational response that supports parental understanding.
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