The nurse is teaching a group of new graduates about the safety needs of the client receiving chemotherapy. Before administering chemotherapy, the nurse should:

Appeared in: PGIMER Chandigarh NO - 2015

Explanation

Nausea and vomiting are very common and distressing side effects associated with many chemotherapy drugs.
Administering an antiemetic medication prophylactically (before the event) is a standard nursing practice to prevent or minimize these side effects.
This intervention is typically done 30 to 60 minutes before the chemotherapy infusion begins to allow the medication to take effect.
Preventing nausea and vomiting improves patient comfort, promotes better nutrition and hydration, and increases adherence to the treatment plan.

Option A: Administering a bolus of IV fluid is not a routine procedure for all chemotherapy regimens.
Option B: The infusion of chemotherapy is not typically painful. Pain is an abnormal sign.
Option D: Eating a large meal immediately before chemotherapy can increase the likelihood and severity of nausea and vomiting.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Safe nursing care depends on performing Pre-chemotherapy nursing interventions and patient safety in the correct sequence, documenting the action clearly, and monitoring for the expected response.
Effective management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is critical for patient safety and quality of life. Uncontrolled vomiting can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and malnutrition, potentially requiring hospitalization.
As a nurse, anticipating and preventing side effects is a key component of safe chemotherapy administration. It demonstrates proactive care rather than reactive treatment of symptoms.
What if? If the patient is receiving a chemotherapy agent with a very low potential to cause nausea (low emetic risk), the physician might not order a prophylactic antiemetic, or may order a milder one on an as-needed basis.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: What is a crucial safety action a nurse must take before giving chemotherapy?
Recall the most common, immediate, and distressing side effects of chemotherapy. Nausea and vomiting are at the top of this list for many agents.
Evaluate each option based on standard chemotherapy protocols.
Option A (IV bolus) is drug-specific, not universal.
Option B (Pain meds) is for complications, not routine administration.
Option D (Eating) is generally discouraged right before treatment.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 3 p. 92-94

Practise the full PGIMER Chandigarh NO - 2015

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