What is a common intervention for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)?

Administering antiemetic medications is a key intervention for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) because these medications specifically target the pathways involved in the vomiting reflex. PONV is a prevalent complication after surgery and can lead to significant discomfort, delays in recovery, and prolonged hospital stays. Antiemetics work by blocking various receptors in the brain that trigger nausea and vomiting, thereby effectively reducing the incidence of PONV.

While increased fluid intake, application of cold compresses, and deep breathing exercises may offer some general comfort or aid in recovery, they do not directly address the physiological mechanisms that cause nausea and vomiting in the postoperative period. Thus, they are not considered primary interventions for PONV prevention. In contrast, the use of antiemetic medications is a focused and established approach to mitigate these symptoms following surgery.