Which infection control actions would the nurse include in the use of standard precautions?

Choice A reason:

Offering peppermint aromatherapy during and after chemotherapy can be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Aromatherapy with peppermint oil has been shown to reduce nausea and improve comfort in patients undergoing chemotherapy. The scent of peppermint can have a calming effect on the gastrointestinal system, helping to alleviate nausea. This intervention is easy to implement and can be used alongside other treatments to enhance patient comfort.

Choice B reason:

Administering antiemetics before chemotherapy is a standard practice for preventing CINV. Antiemetics, such as 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (e.g., ondansetron), NK1 receptor antagonists (e.g., aprepitant), and corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone), are commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. These medications are most effective when given prophylactically, before the onset of symptoms. Administering antiemetics before chemotherapy helps to block the pathways that trigger nausea and vomiting, providing better control over these symptoms.

Choice C reason:

Keeping Ms. Anderson NPO (nothing by mouth) for the duration of the chemotherapy is not recommended for managing CINV. Keeping patients NPO can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, which can worsen their overall condition. Instead, patients should be encouraged to eat small, frequent meals and stay hydrated to maintain their strength and well-being. Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for supporting the body’s ability to tolerate chemotherapy and recover from its side effects.

Choice D reason:

Encouraging the patient to eat and drink when not nauseated is an important strategy for managing CINV. Eating small, frequent meals and staying hydrated can help maintain energy levels and prevent dehydration. Patients should be advised to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods and avoid foods that are greasy, spicy, or have strong odors, as these can exacerbate nausea. Encouraging patients to eat and drink when they feel well can help them maintain their nutritional status and improve their overall tolerance to chemotherapy.

Choice E reason:

Offering small sips of ginger ale can help manage nausea. Ginger has natural antiemetic properties and can be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting. Ginger ale, ginger tea, or ginger candies can be soothing and help settle the stomach. This simple intervention can be easily incorporated into the patient’s routine and can provide relief from mild to moderate nausea.

Choice F reason:

Encouraging Ms. Anderson to eat a high-protein meal prior to the chemotherapy infusion is not typically recommended for managing CINV. High-protein meals can be harder to digest and may increase the risk of nausea. Instead, patients should be advised to eat light, bland meals before chemotherapy to minimize the risk of nausea and vomiting. Light meals are easier on the stomach and less likely to trigger gastrointestinal discomfort.

The correct answer is A. Gather information on the patient’s current medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. To ensure accuracy, nurses verify the medication list with the patient, family, caregivers, or community pharmacies and document the information in the patient’s EMR.

Choice A: Gather information on the patient’s current medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. To ensure accuracy, nurses verify the medication list with the patient, family, caregivers, or community pharmacies and document the information in the patient’s EMR.
This choice accurately describes the comprehensive process of medication reconciliation. Nurses play a crucial role in gathering detailed information about all medications a patient is currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins. This information is then verified with various sources such as the patient, their family, caregivers, or community pharmacies to ensure its accuracy. Finally, the verified information is documented in the patient’s Electronic Medical Record (EMR). This process helps prevent medication errors, ensures continuity of care, and enhances patient safety.
Choice B: Review the patient’s medication list to verify its accuracy and completeness. They also compare the list of current medications with new orders or prescriptions to detect any discrepancies or potential issues.
While this choice describes an important aspect of medication reconciliation, it is not as comprehensive as Choice A. Verifying the accuracy and completeness of the medication list and comparing it with new orders or prescriptions is a critical step in identifying discrepancies or potential issues. However, it does not encompass the initial gathering of information from various sources or the documentation process, which are essential components of medication reconciliation.
Choice C: Review the medication history provided by the patient and make changes in the medications based on the patient’s current health status. They communicate any medication changes to the patient and the healthcare team.
This choice focuses on reviewing the medication history and making changes based on the patient’s current health status. While this is an important aspect of patient care, it does not fully capture the scope of medication reconciliation. Medication reconciliation involves not only reviewing and updating medications but also gathering comprehensive information from multiple sources and ensuring accurate documentation. This choice lacks the emphasis on verification and documentation that is central to the medication reconciliation process.