The nurse is caring for a patient who has unexplained, recurrent vomiting and who is unable to keep anything down. Until the cause of the vomiting is determined, the nurse will anticipate administering which medications?
a. Antibiotics and antiemetics
b. Intravenous fluids and electrolytes
c. Non-prescription antiemetics
d. Prescription antiemetics
ANS: B
Antiemetics can mask the underlying cause of vomiting and should not be used until the cause is determined unless vomiting is so severe that dehydration and electrolyte imbalance occurs. Nonpharmacologic measures, such as fluid and electrolyte replacement, should be used. Antibiotics are only used if an infectious cause is determined.
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