What should be evaluated after administering Mr. Duncan's antiemetic medication?

Evaluating the effectiveness of the medication is crucial after administering antiemetics because the primary goal of these medications is to reduce or eliminate nausea and vomiting. A successful outcome would generally be assessed by the patient's report of symptom relief or observation of reduced emesis (vomiting). This evaluation helps determine whether the medication is working as intended, which is essential for making any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan, such as increasing the dosage or switching to a different antiemetic if needed.

While other assessments, such as the patient's willingness to eat, vital sign stability, and routine assessment of bowel movements, may also be relevant in understanding the patient's overall condition and response to treatment, they are not the immediate priority directly linked to the purpose of the antiemetic medication. Assessing effectiveness provides direct feedback on the medication's impact and informs further nursing interventions.