After administering ondansetron before chemotherapy, how should the practical nurse (PN) measure the medication's effectiveness?

The effectiveness of ondansetron, a medication commonly used as an antiemetic to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, is best measured by monitoring the client for nausea and vomiting following the treatment. This approach allows the practical nurse to evaluate how well the medication is working in preventing the specific symptoms it was administered to address. Since ondansetron primarily targets nausea and vomiting, observing these parameters provides direct evidence of its therapeutic impact.

While monitoring fluid intake is important in overall patient management, it does not directly reflect the effectiveness of the ondansetron in controlling nausea and vomiting. Assessing for headaches can also be relevant, as headaches can be a side effect of the medication, but they do not indicate its effectiveness in preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea. Checking for allergic reactions is crucial for patient safety but is not a measure of how well the antiemetic is working. Thus, focusing on the presence or absence of nausea and vomiting offers the clearest insight into the medication's success.