Postdischarge nausea and vomiting: management strategies and outcomes over 7 days

The purpose of this study is to determine patient management strategies and outcomes for self-care of postdischarge nausea and vomiting (PDNV).

Prospective, comparative, descriptive, and longitudinal study.

The sample consisted of 248 patients aged 18 years or older undergoing a procedure requiring general anesthesia. Patients recorded incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting, the impact of symptoms, and actions taken to alleviate symptoms for 7 days postdischarge.

The prevalence of PDNV was 56.9%. The methods used to relieve symptoms included antiemetic use by a minority and nonpharmacologic techniques of self-management by some. The effect of nausea on QOL, patient functioning, and patient satisfaction was significantly worse for those who experienced postdischarge nausea on all days.

Patients with PDNV use minor self-care strategies to manage symptoms. The presence of PDNV affects overall quality of life, patient functioning, and patient satisfaction.