Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Practice Exam

What is the most effective nursing intervention for a patient with a history of postoperative nausea and vomiting?

1. Providing ice chips

2. Administering ranitidine

3. Prevention

4. Avoiding administration of analgesics

The correct answer is: Prevention

The most effective nursing intervention for a patient with a history of postoperative nausea and vomiting is prevention. This approach focuses on identifying high-risk patients and implementing strategies to minimize the likelihood of nausea and vomiting before they occur. This can include administering antiemetic medications preoperatively, considering the selection of anesthetic agents, and employing non-pharmacological methods such as maintaining a calm environment. Ensuring that the patient is adequately hydrated prior to the procedure and managing postoperative pain effectively can also contribute to preventing these symptoms. By taking proactive measures, nurses can significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, leading to a more comfortable recovery and enhancing patient satisfaction. Other interventions, such as providing ice chips, administering ranitidine, and avoiding analgesics, may be part of the overall care plan. However, they are more reactive approaches that may not address the issue until it has already begun, whereas prevention directly targets the cause before it arises. This proactive strategy is essential in managing patients with a known history of these complications effectively.