Clinical journal of oncology nursing
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The ability to provoke emesis is defined by the emetogenic potential of each antineoplastic agent and by individual prognostic factors that determine the risk for each patient. The risk of chemotherapy-induced emesis is increased for females, patients between the ages of 6 and 50, and patients who drink little or no alcohol. ⋯ The 5-HT3 receptor antagonists are the most effective agents against chemotherapy-induced nausea and should become standard antiemetic therapy for high-risk patients. Knowledge of factors affecting emesis and the antiemetic agents available for treating high-risk patients are the keys to successful nursing management of emesis in patients receiving chemotherapy.