A patient undergoing chemotherapy with cisplatin has severe nausea. Which of the following would be the drug to use in this patient
**Core Concept**
The underlying principle being tested is the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) using antiemetic drugs. **5-HT3 receptor antagonists** are a class of drugs commonly used for this purpose.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is likely an option that includes a **5-HT3 receptor antagonist**, such as ondansetron, which is effective in preventing and treating CINV, especially when caused by highly emetogenic chemotherapy agents like cisplatin.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it is not specified, but typically, other classes of antiemetics like antihistamines or anticholinergics are less effective for CINV.
**Option B:** Similarly, without specification, this could be a drug from another class that is not as effective for acute CINV.
**Option C:** This option would be incorrect if it represents a drug not typically used for CINV or not effective against cisplatin-induced nausea.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A crucial point to remember is that **cisplatin** is a highly emetogenic chemotherapy agent, and **5-HT3 receptor antagonists** are a first-line treatment for preventing the associated nausea and vomiting.
**Correct Answer:** D. Ondansetron.