Postoperative nausea and vomiting. 2: Management and treatment

The management and nursing care of patients experiencing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are discussed, together with the various types of pharmacological and complementary approaches to treatment. These treatments are examined in relation to the causes of PONV and a scientific approach to the use of antiemetics which links causation and treatment is suggested. It is argued that by adopting this approach PONV could be minimized, drug bills reduced, patient choice encouraged and postoperative recovery enhanced.