What symptom would lead a nurse to administer ondansetron (Zofran) to a postanesthesia care unit client?

Ondansetron, commonly known by its brand name Zofran, is primarily used as an antiemetic, which means it is effective in preventing and treating nausea and vomiting. Patients recovering from anesthesia are often at high risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting due to the effects of anesthesia and surgical procedures.

When a nurse recognizes symptoms of nausea and vomiting in a postanesthesia care unit client, it is crucial to intervene promptly to provide relief and prevent complications, such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Administering ondansetron in this context is appropriate because it acts on serotonin receptors in the brain to help diminish the sensation of nausea and prevent vomiting, ensuring a more comfortable recovery for the patient.

In contrast, symptoms such as dizziness, pain at the incision site, or an elevated heart rate may require different interventions and are not indications for the use of ondansetron. Dizziness may suggest issues with anesthesia recovery or blood pressure changes, pain at the incision site might require analgesics, and an elevated heart rate could be indicative of a range of issues, including anxiety or possibly hypovolemia. Therefore, recognizing the specific symptom of nausea and vomiting justifies the use of ondansetron in this scenario.