What is the role of the adjunctive drug lorazepam in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea?

• A. It provides pain relief
• B. It prevents anticipatory nausea
• C. It increases drug absorption
• D. It enhances appetite

Answer: (B)

Lorazepam plays a significant role in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea, particularly in preventing anticipatory nausea, which is a psychological response that some patients experience when they associate certain stimuli, such as the visit to the chemotherapy clinic or the sight of chemotherapy medications, with the feeling of nausea. This anticipatory nausea can lead to a worsening experience of nausea and vomiting before the actual chemotherapy begins.

As a benzodiazepine, lorazepam can help reduce anxiety and create a calming effect, thus breaking the cycle of anxiety and nausea associated with chemotherapy. By alleviating this anxiety, lorazepam helps diminish the chances of anticipatory nausea from occurring, making the overall management of nausea more effective for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary role of lorazepam in this context. For instance, it does not provide pain relief or enhance appetite directly, nor does it increase drug absorption.