The client asks the nurse the purpose of having medications (Demerol and Vistaril) given before surgery. The nurse should inform the client that these particular medications:

Question

1. Reduce preoperative fear
2. Promote emptying of the stomach
3. Reduce body secretions
4. Ease the induction of the anesthesia

Answer 1

ANS: 4
Preoperative medications such as Demerol and Vistaril help reduce the client's anxiety, the amount of general anesthesia required, the risk for nausea and vomiting and resulting aspiration, and the amount of respiratory secretions. They may also help the client feel drowsy and lessen his or her anxiety associated with fear. Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate) is often given to control nau-sea and vomiting by suppressing the central nervous system (CNS). Vistaril will have an anticho-linergic effect, reducing body secretions. These medications given together will ease the induc-tion of anesthesia.