Graduation Semester and Year
Summer 2025
Language
English
Document Type
DNP Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Cathy Brown
Second Advisor
Patti Parker
Abstract
This manuscript explores strategies to address postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), a significant complication affecting up to 30% of surgical patients and 80% of those at high risk. Despite its prevalence, appropriate prophylactic administration of antiemetic medications remains suboptimal, with national rates at 67% and certain academic facilities reporting only 32%, far below the 90% recommended threshold. These deficiencies underscore the urgent need for evidence-based interventions to enhance clinical adherence and improve patient care outcomes.
A quality improvement (QI) initiative was implemented to enhance prophylactic treatment and reduce inefficiencies in PONV management. Following a comprehensive literature review, the project employed clinician education, a practice advisory tool, and a revised order set grounded in evidence-based practice. Over an eight-week timeline, the QI project demonstrated substantial improvements, with prophylactic antiemetic administration increasing by 37%, inefficient recovery room treatments decreasing by 27%, and the incidence of PONV reduced by 14%. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions in mitigating the impact of PONV on patients and healthcare systems. By synthesizing best practices and leveraging clinician education, this manuscript offers constructive insights into efficient PONV management, advocating for the broader adoption of quality improvement (QI) initiatives to address care gaps and optimize perioperative outcomes.
Keywords
PONV, Management, Ondansetron, QI, Anesthesia
Disciplines
Other Nursing | Perioperative, Operating Room and Surgical Nursing
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Palko, Peter A., "Efficient Treatment of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Adults Recovering from General Anesthesia" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects. 104.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/nursing_dnpprojects/104
Comments
I would like to acknowledge my project team for all of their help and encouragement:
Lida Shaygan, DO., Kunal Karamchandani, MD., Trent Bryson, MD., Mishal Johny, M.s., and Bailor Hardman, MD