Prevention and Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: A Look at Complementary Techniques

Complementary modalities, used alone or in combination with pharmacologic therapies, play an important role in the prevention and management of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and post discharge nausea and vomiting (PDNV). This article will review the evidence for the effective use of complementary modalities: acupuncture and related techniques, aromatherapy, and music therapy that may be integrated in the perianesthesia nurse's plan of care to prevent or manage PONV.     

Identification of Risk Factors for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in the Perianesthesia Adult Patient

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common and potentially debilitating complication of surgery. The preoperative assessment of PONV using established risk assessment tools enables the identification of patients at risk and potentially decreases the incidence of PONV in adult surgical patients. The identification of risk factors associated with PONV and the factors that are independent predictors of PONV preoperatively can facilitate the effective prophylactic treatment and management of PONV in adult surgical patients.     

Perianesthesia challenges in geriatric pain management

The perianesthesia nurse is continually challenged to provide safe and effective pain management. This task becomes more difficult when working with an aging population. Success begins with understanding the challenges in controlling surgical pain and in communicating information regarding pain management prior to the surgery. Sharing of information between the patient, nurse, and other members of the health care team is essential. To provide quality pain care for geriatric patients, who are at greater risk for developing potentially life-threatening side effects of commonly used analgesics, the perianesthesia nurse must be knowledgeable about factors that affect pain management in this population. Common factors affecting pain control in the older adult patient include misconceptions regarding use and effects of analgesics, preexisting cognitive impairment, impaired communication, cultural differences between the nurse and the patient, and physiologic changes in aging that affect how drugs are metabolized.