The patient is nauseated, has been vomiting for several hours, and needs to receive an antiemetic medication. The nurse recognizes that which of the following statements is true about this medication?

Question

a. An enteric-coated medication should be given.
b. Medication will not be absorbed as easily because of the nausea.
c. A parenteral route is the route of choice.
d. A rectal suppository must be administered.

Answer 1

C

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A An enteric-coated medication is given orally. Because the patient is vomiting, the oral route should not be used.
B Nausea does not affect the rate of absorption.
C The parenteral route provides a means of administration when oral medications are contraindicated. Onset of action is quicker, and there is less cause for embarrassment than with a rectal suppository.
D It is inaccurate to state that a rectal suppository must be administered. A rectal suppository is one option, but there is the disadvantage that insertion often causes embarrassment for the patient. It is contraindicated if rectal bleeding is present or if the patient had rectal surgery. Stool in the rectum can impair absorption.