Before administering a prescribed emetic, which of the following would the nurse need to assess?

Choice A rationale:

Alkylating agents. Alkylating agents are not cell cycle-specific. These agents work by directly binding to DNA and interfering with the cell's ability to replicate and divide. Their action is not limited to a specific phase of the cell cycle, making them non-cell cycle-specific agents. Alkylating agents are often used in cancer chemotherapy to prevent cell division and growth.

Choice C rationale:

Antineoplastic antibiotics. Antineoplastic antibiotics are not cell cycle-specific either. These drugs, such as doxorubicin and bleomycin, work by disrupting DNA and RNA synthesis and are used to treat various types of cancer. However, they do not specifically target cells in a particular phase of the cell cycle.

Choice D rationale:

Retinoids. Retinoids are not cell cycle-specific antineoplastic agents. Retinoids are compounds related to vitamin A and are used for various medical purposes, including some cancer treatments. However, their mechanism of action is not tied to a specific phase of the cell cycle, making them non-cell cycle-specific.

Choice B rationale:

Plant alkaloids. Plant alkaloids, such as vinca alkaloids (vincristine and vinblastine) and taxanes (paclitaxel), are considered cell cycle-specific antineoplastic drugs. These agents interfere with microtubule function, which is critical during mitosis (cell division). By disrupting microtubules, they specifically target rapidly dividing cancer cells during the M phase of the cell cycle. This selectivity for actively dividing cells makes plant alkaloids cell cycle-specific antineoplastic drugs.

Choice B rationale:

Increase fluid intake. Rationale: As mentioned earlier, increasing fluid intake is a general recommendation for clients taking sulfonamide antibiotics to prevent crystalluria. It is essential to stay well-hydrated, but it is not directly related to reducing photosensitivity, which is the focus of this question.

Choice C rationale:

Choice D rationale:

Wear protective footwear. Rationale: Wearing protective footwear is not a standard precaution to reduce photosensitivity effects caused by sulfonamide antibiotics. The focus of photosensitivity precautions is on protecting the skin from sunlight, not the feet. Protective footwear may be relevant in specific situations but is not directly related to reducing the risk of photosensitivity reactions.