Assessing the risk of post-operative nausea and vomiting

Kevin Hambridge1

  • 1University of Plymouth, Devon. kevin.hambridge@plymouth.ac.uk

Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|February 26, 2013
PubMed

Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication for many surgical patients, causing anxiety and distress. Evidence suggests that nursing practice in this area is inconsistent and that nurses' knowledge needs to improve, to promote better patient outcomes. This article provides a review of the incidence of PONV, associated complications and risk factors. Examples of risk assessment tools that could be used to identify patients at risk of developing PONV are described to ensure timely and appropriate treatment.

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