A client has responded poorly to conservative treatment for nausea and vomiting and has subsequently been prescribed dronabinol.
In addition to monitoring the client’s nausea, the nurse should prioritize what assessment after administering the drug?

The nurse would assess these factors to determine the need for therapy. Some possible explanations for the other choices are:

Choice A. Number of times client’s family reports the client is nauseated.

This is not a reliable indicator of the severity or cause of nausea and vomiting.

The nurse should assess the client directly and not rely on the family’s reports.

Choice B. How well the client is eating.

This is not a specific or objective measure of nausea and vomiting.

The client may have other reasons for not eating well, such as loss of appetite, taste changes, or pain.

The nurse should also monitor the client’s weight, hydration status, and electrolyte levels.

Choice D. Client’s nutritional status and fluid balance.

These are important aspects of the client’s overall health, but they are not directly related to nausea and vomiting.

The nurse should assess these factors as part of the comprehensive care plan, but they are not sufficient to determine the need for therapy.

A. A 12-year-old child with obsessive-compulsive disorder is not typically a candidate for misoprostol, as it is not indicated for this condition.

B. A 46-year-old trial lawyer with hypertension might need caution when using misoprostol, as it can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain, which could be problematic.

C. An 83-year-old client with rheumatoid arthritis is the best candidate for misoprostol, particularly if they are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for their condition. Misoprostol is often used to prevent NSAID-induced gastric ulcers in patients at high risk, such as elderly individuals or those with a history of ulcers.

D. A 22-year-old pregnant client should not be given misoprostol unless it is used for specific obstetric indications under close supervision. Misoprostol can induce uterine contractions and is contraindicated in pregnancy unless used for medical reasons like inducing labor or treating postpartum hemorrhage.