Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Prevention: Screening and Interventions
Abstract
Background: The risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), up to 80%, can be identified in the preoperative anesthetic evaluation. PONV increases facility cost through staffing, recovery room time, as well as possible admission to the hospital. Customer satisfaction is drastically affected by the occurrence of PONV. Currently, at Naval Hospital Jacksonville, there is not a standardized PONV risk assessment tool or treatment guidelines. With the utilization of the Apfel Simplified Score and suggested evidence-based prophylaxis guidelines, a patient's PONV risk can be dramatically reduced. Purpose: To standardize PONV risk assessment and recommended prophylactic interventions. Project Design: The project was designed to collect data on PONV rates before and after implementation of the Apfel score and suggested evidenced based prophylaxis guidelines. Anesthesia providers and Postanesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nurses were educated on the importance and use of the Apfel score and corresponding prophylaxis guidelines. A knowledge exam was administered to anesthesia providers and PACU staff pre and post education. Results: This project created standardized guidelines for PONV risk assessment and prophylaxis. Organizational Impact/Implications for Practice: The standardization and utilization of the Apfel score and suggested prophylaxis guidelines to decrease PONV rates while improving patient comfort and satisfaction. This can lead to cost savings and increase medical readiness for the medical treatment facility.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1127781
Entities
People
- Rusty H. Bledsoe
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences