Relieving nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer: a treatment algorithm.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a treatment algorithm for the choice of antiemetic therapy for the patient receiving chemotherapy.


METHODS
Published literature, data collected on an inpatient oncology unit.


RESULTS
Because little information is available to systematically guide clinicians in choosing the best antiemetic for an individual patient who is receiving a particular chemotherapy protocol, a treatment algorithm was developed. The four main variables include emetogenicity of the protocol, patient's age, previous adverse reaction to antiemetics, and failure of previous antiemetics. Other factors to consider include alcohol use, anticipatory nausea, patient health status, nausea history not related to chemotherapy, and type and availability of IV access.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of this algorithm resulted in appropriate choice of antiemetics and improved patient outcomes associated with reduced incidence of nausea and vomiting.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses can have a significant impact on a patient's experience with chemotherapy treatment by improving symptom management of nausea and vomiting.
Johnson
M H
MH
Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Moroney
C E
CE
Gay
C F
CF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D000932:Antiemetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing
D000932:Antiemetics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents