Antiemetic therapy in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the currently available antiemetic medications and review their uses in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (NV).


METHODS
Published articles and book chapters.


RESULTS
NV is a common yet potentially serious side effect of chemotherapy. Nurses must understand the physiology of NV, its impact on patients, and the proper use of antiemetic medications to effectively manage this problem. Antiemetic medications vary in mechanism of action, indications for use, and adverse effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses are in a position to identify patients who are at risk for NV and to manage their care using accepted practice guidelines.


CONCLUSIONS
Although practice guidelines have been established, the nurse's role in assessment and implementation of care is critical in the prevention and management of chemotherapy-induced NV.
Marek
Cassandra
C
School of Nursing, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA. cmarekrn@netscape.net
D000932:Antiemetics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004333:Drug Administration Routes; D006801:Humans; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000932:Antiemetics; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents