Document Type

Undergraduate Project

Date of Publication

5-1-2026

Professor's Name

Lori Dambaugh

Abstract

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication defined as the occurrence of nausea and/or vomiting within the first 24–48 hours following surgery. While nausea represents the subjective urge to vomit, vomiting involves the physical expulsion of gastric contents; both remain among the most distressing postoperative complications, strongly associated with the type of anesthesia administered. According to Timerga and Befkadu (2024), the incidence of PONV ranges from 25% to 30% in the general surgical population and may increase to as high as 80% among high-risk patients. Complications resulting from PONV can further prolong recovery and negatively impact patient outcomes, including dehydration leading to electrolyte imbalances, aspiration of gastric contents, esophageal trauma, wound dehiscence, bleeding, delayed hospital discharge, and overall patient dissatisfaction (Timerga & Befkadu, 2024).

Included in

Nursing Commons

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