Ondansetron is used to relief of -

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2023

Explanation

Ondansetron is a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, a class of drugs specifically designed as antiemetics.
Its primary indication is the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting.
It is highly effective for nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy (CINV), radiation therapy, and postoperative states (PONV).
The mechanism involves blocking serotonin, a key neurotransmitter that triggers the vomiting reflex, at both peripheral sites (in the gut) and central sites (in the brain).

Option A: Urinary retention is not an indication for Ondansetron. This condition is a potential side effect of other drug classes, such as anticholinergics or opioids.
Option B: Constipation is a common side effect of Ondansetron, not an indication for its use. The drug can slow colonic transit.
Option D: Paralytic ileus is a condition of intestinal paralysis and is not treated with Ondansetron. In fact, drugs that slow gut motility could potentially worsen the condition.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacology: Indication for Ondansetron as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing responsibility is administering Ondansetron proactively, typically 30-60 minutes before an emetogenic event like chemotherapy, to prevent nausea before it starts.
Nurses must monitor for QT interval prolongation, a serious cardiac side effect. This is especially important in patients with pre-existing heart conditions or those taking other QT-prolonging drugs.
Patient education should include common side effects like headache and constipation, and advise them to report any dizziness or palpitations.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the drug mentioned in the question stem: 'Ondansetron'.
Recall the pharmacological class and primary use of this drug. Ondansetron is a well-known antiemetic (anti-nausea/vomiting) medication.
Scan the options to find the one that matches the drug's primary indication.
Option C, 'Nausea and vomiting', directly aligns with the known use of Ondansetron.
Briefly evaluate the other options to confirm they are incorrect. Recognize that constipation is a side effect, while urinary retention and paralytic ileus are unrelated conditions treated with different classes of drugs.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QdMgs1dVPzTc-XrHNQ_XYL

E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 2 p. 342-344

E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 1714-1716

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 3 p. 188-190

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.