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Alternative Ways to Prevent PONV
All-natural therapies and products can
lower the risk of the common complication all patients dread.
P
ost-operative nausea and vomiting is the last thing
patients who've just had surgery need to deal with.
Whether PONV is caused by anxiety, a bad reaction to
anesthesia or both, it's easier to prevent than it is to
treat. Common medications used to combat PONV,
however, have side effects of their own. Thankfully, there are several
simple and effective remedies you can use to stop that queasy feeling
before it starts.
• Mindful relaxation. Patients aren't always nauseous post-opera-
tively because they're having a physical reaction to the anesthesia or
are re-awakening to the anxiety they're feeling because of the surgery.
Mary Jo Corley, RN, BSN, MAC, RAC, DIP | Media, Pa.
• UNDER PRESSURE
Manipulating an acupoint
near the wrist is an
effective way to control
post-operative nausea
and vomiting.