Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Practice Exam

Which medication might be used in a PACU patient experiencing nausea postoperatively?

1. Ondansetron

2. Metoclopramide

3. Diphenhydramine

4. Hydrochlorothiazide

The correct answer is: Ondansetron

Ondansetron is frequently used in the PACU for patients experiencing nausea after surgery due to its effectiveness as a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. It works by blocking the action of serotonin in the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system, which helps to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting. This mechanism makes it particularly suitable for managing postoperative nausea, as it targets the pathways activated during surgical procedures. In contrast, while metoclopramide can also be used for nausea, it has a different action, primarily enhancing gastric motility and can sometimes lead to heightened side effects, such as sedation. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that can help with nausea but is more commonly used for its sedative properties and to prevent allergic reactions, while hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic and not indicated for treating nausea. This distinction highlights ondansetron's targeted use in postoperative care, reinforcing its role as the preferred choice for nausea management in the PACU setting.