Study for ELNEC 4: Symptom Management in Palliative Care Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Hints and explanations included! Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which drug is an example of a serotonin 5-HT3 antagonist used as an antiemetic?

The concept tested is the use of serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists as antiemetics. Ondansetron is a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist that blocks receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and the gut, preventing nausea and vomiting, especially in chemotherapy- or surgery-induced cases. This mechanism is distinct from the others: metoclopramide has antiemetic effects mainly through dopamine D2 blockade (with some 5-HT3 activity) and prokinetic actions; haloperidol is primarily a dopamine D2 antagonist; aprepitant targets the NK1 receptor. Therefore, ondansetron best represents a serotonin 5-HT3 antagonist used for antiemesis.

The concept tested is the use of serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists as antiemetics. Ondansetron is a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist that blocks receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and the gut, preventing nausea and vomiting, especially in chemotherapy- or surgery-induced cases. This mechanism is distinct from the others: metoclopramide has antiemetic effects mainly through dopamine D2 blockade (with some 5-HT3 activity) and prokinetic actions; haloperidol is primarily a dopamine D2 antagonist; aprepitant targets the NK1 receptor. Therefore, ondansetron best represents a serotonin 5-HT3 antagonist used for antiemesis.