A 64-year-old woman comes to the emergency department due to intractable nausea and vomiting. She has not been able to keep anything down and feels weak and tired. The patient has had no diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with breast cancer 4 weeks ago and received her first cycle of chemotherapy 1 week ago. Vital signs are within normal limits. Mucous membranes are dry. Cardiopulmonary examination is normal. Bowel sounds are normal. Which of the following agents would be most helpful in treating this patient's symptoms?

Question

A 64-year-old woman comes to the emergency department due to intractable nausea and vomiting.  She has not been able to keep anything down and feels weak and tired.  The patient has had no diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain.  She was diagnosed with breast cancer 4 weeks ago and received her first cycle of chemotherapy 1 week ago.  Vital signs are within normal limits.  Mucous membranes are dry.  Cardiopulmonary examination is normal.  Bowel sounds are normal.  Which of the following agents would be most helpful in treating this patient's symptoms?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Ondansetron inhibits serotonin (5-HT₃) receptors and is used primarily to treat nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy. 5-HT₃ receptors are located peripherally in the presynaptic nerve terminals of the vagus nerve in the gastrointestinal tract. These receptors are also present centrally in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and the solitary nucleus and tract.

A 64-Year-Old Woman Comes to the Emergency Department Due to Intractable