The Incidence of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) with Formal Preoperative Assessment and Documentation: A Retrospective Chart Review

Postoperative nausea and vomiting can occur in anywhere from 30-70% of the population. Symptoms of this condition can cause negative side effects to both the patient and the managing institution. There are several drug classes and methodologies for attempted prevention and treatment. A guideline for a formalized preoperative evaluation, resulting in a PONV score with accompanying intervention, was introduced into a New York City hospital in an effort to reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting, and reduce time in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. To assess effectiveness and determine if this new intervention should continue, a quality improvement project via retrospective chart review was conducted, examining 300 total patients before and after the implementation of the new protocol. Results were statistically significant, reducing symptoms of nausea from 70% to 43.3%; vomiting was reduced from 20% to 6%; and time in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit was reduced from 163.51 minutes to 100.23 minutes. As the new guidelines has shown to be effective, the recommendation is to continue with this method of management for this institution.D.N.P., Nursing Practice -- Drexel University, 201