Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

Which drug is an example of an anticholinergic medication for PONV?

1. Phenergan

2. Scopolamine patch

3. Compazine

4. Dramamine

The correct answer is: Scopolamine patch

The Scopolamine patch is a well-known anticholinergic medication specifically used for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) as well as motion sickness. It works by blocking the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, which helps to reduce the incidence of nausea and vomiting. Scopolamine is particularly effective for managing PONV because it has a central mechanism of action that can modulate the vestibular pathways involved in nausea. Unlike other antiemetic medications that may target different pathways, such as dopamine or serotonin receptors, the anticholinergic properties of scopolamine make it unique for certain patients, especially those who may not respond as effectively to other antiemetics. In contrast, the other medications listed have different pharmacological actions and are not classified as anticholinergics. Phenergan is an antihistamine with antiemetic properties, Compazine is a typical antipsychotic that works as a dopamine antagonist, and Dramamine is primarily used to manage motion sickness through antihistamine effects, but not specifically as an anticholinergic for PONV. Thus, the Scopolamine patch stands out as the correct answer in the context of anticholinergic treatment for P