Nausea and vomiting are common yet distressing symptoms encountered across various patient populations. As a nurse, accurately identifying the underlying causes and formulating appropriate nursing diagnoses are crucial for effective patient care. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of nursing diagnoses related to nausea and vomiting, enhancing your understanding and ability to deliver optimal care.
Nausea, characterized by an unpleasant sensation in the throat, epigastric region, or abdomen, often precedes vomiting but may occur independently. Vomiting, or emesis, is the forceful expulsion of gastric contents. These symptoms can arise from a multitude of factors, ranging from gastrointestinal disorders and medication side effects to pregnancy and motion sickness. Prolonged nausea and vomiting can lead to significant complications, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies, underscoring the importance of prompt and effective nursing interventions.
Effective management of nausea and vomiting necessitates a holistic approach, starting with a thorough assessment to pinpoint the etiological factors. Nurses play a pivotal role in anticipating nausea, particularly in patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, and implementing preemptive strategies to mitigate discomfort. Educating patients on both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions is equally essential in empowering them to manage these symptoms effectively.
Nursing care plans, grounded in accurate nursing diagnoses, serve as roadmaps for prioritizing assessments and interventions. They facilitate the establishment of both short-term and long-term goals, ensuring comprehensive and patient-centered care. The following sections will explore specific nursing diagnoses associated with nausea and vomiting, providing detailed insights into related factors, defining characteristics, expected outcomes, and targeted nursing interventions.
Dysfunctional Gastrointestinal Motility
Dysfunctional gastrointestinal motility, whether characterized by increased or decreased movement, can manifest with a spectrum of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, bloating, abdominal cramps, distension, and early satiety.
Nursing Diagnosis: Dysfunctional Gastrointestinal Motility
Related Factors:
- Disease processes affecting the gastrointestinal system
- Psychological factors such as anxiety and stress
- Alterations in dietary habits
- Malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies
- Exposure to unpleasant sensory stimuli
- Enteral feedings and their administration
- Unsanitary food preparation practices
As Evidenced By:
- Food aversion and changes in appetite
- Increased salivation and oral secretions
- Gagging sensation and retching
- Increased swallowing frequency
- Reports of a sour taste in the mouth
- Abdominal cramping and discomfort
- Abdominal pain and tenderness
- Acceleration or deceleration of gastric emptying
- Abdominal distension and bloating
- Regurgitation of gastric contents
- Altered bowel sounds (hyperactive or hypoactive)
- Nausea and vomiting episodes
Expected Outcomes:
- The patient will demonstrate bowel sounds within normal limits upon auscultation.
- The patient will exhibit normal eating habits without experiencing nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, dyspepsia, bloating, or early satiety.
Assessment:
1. Investigate causative factors contributing to the patient’s nausea and vomiting experience.
Understanding the underlying cause is paramount for effective intervention. Factors such as gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., gastritis, gastroenteritis, bowel obstruction), food allergies or intolerances, chronic indigestion, pregnancy-related nausea, central nervous system issues (e.g., migraines, increased intracranial pressure), eating disorders, cancer and cancer treatments, medication side effects, and other medical conditions can all disrupt gastrointestinal motility and induce nausea and vomiting. Identifying these triggers guides appropriate treatment strategies.
2. Evaluate the patient’s dietary intake and eating patterns.
Food itself can be a direct trigger for nausea and vomiting. A detailed assessment should identify specific foods ingested prior to symptom onset, the patient’s history with these foods, and whether others consuming the same food experienced similar symptoms. This helps differentiate between food poisoning, food allergies, and other dietary-related causes.
3. Characterize the patient’s emesis (vomitus).
The characteristics of vomitus provide valuable diagnostic clues. Emesis containing undigested or partially digested food may suggest gastric outlet obstruction or delayed gastric emptying. The presence of bile, indicated by a greenish-yellow color, can suggest vomiting originating below the stomach. A fecal odor in prolonged vomiting may indicate intestinal obstruction distal to the pylorus. The color of emesis, particularly if it’s coffee-ground or bright red, can signal gastrointestinal bleeding, requiring immediate attention.
Interventions:
1. Maintain the patient on NPO (nothing per oral) status as prescribed.
Withholding oral intake is often the initial step in managing acute nausea and vomiting. NPO status allows the gastrointestinal tract to rest, reducing stimulation and facilitating the correction of motility issues. This is crucial until a definitive diagnosis is established and the acute phase subsides.
2. Implement nasogastric (NG) tube insertion and securement, as indicated.
For patients experiencing persistent and severe nausea and vomiting, particularly when bowel obstruction or paralytic ileus is suspected, NG tube insertion is often necessary. NG tubes facilitate gastric decompression by removing stomach contents, relieving pressure and reducing nausea. Proper securement is critical to prevent tube movement, which can stimulate gagging and further exacerbate nausea and vomiting. Regular assessment of tube patency and drainage is essential.
3. Administer intravenous (IV) fluids and electrolyte replacement therapy as ordered.
Protracted nausea and vomiting inevitably lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Fluid loss reduces circulating volume, potentially slowing gastrointestinal motility further and exacerbating symptoms. IV fluid administration restores hydration, while electrolyte replacement corrects imbalances (e.g., sodium, potassium, chloride), crucial for maintaining physiological function and supporting gastrointestinal recovery. Monitor electrolyte levels regularly and adjust replacement therapy accordingly.
4. Educate and encourage the patient to avoid gastric irritants in food and beverages.
Once oral intake is resumed, dietary modifications are essential. Advise patients to avoid known gastric irritants that can worsen dysfunctional motility and perpetuate nausea and vomiting. Common culprits include spicy foods, fried and fatty foods, highly acidic foods (e.g., citrus fruits, tomatoes), caffeine, and alcohol. Bland, easily digestible foods are generally better tolerated initially.
5. Consult with a registered dietitian for nutritional guidance.
A dietitian consultation is invaluable for developing a tailored dietary plan, particularly when gastrointestinal motility is compromised long-term. Dietitians can provide expert recommendations based on whether motility is delayed or accelerated, ensuring adequate nutritional intake while minimizing symptom exacerbation. They can also guide patients on dietary strategies to manage specific conditions contributing to nausea and vomiting, such as gastroparesis or irritable bowel syndrome.
Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements
Nausea significantly impacts nutritional status by diminishing appetite and inducing food aversion. This reduced oral intake, coupled with potential vomiting, can lead to inadequate fluid and nutrient consumption, increasing the risk of dehydration and malnutrition.
Nursing Diagnosis: Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements
Related Factors:
- Altered taste perception and changes in taste preferences
- Food aversion and avoidance of certain foods
- Lack of interest in food and decreased appetite
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) due to nausea or other conditions
As Evidenced By:
- Reported food intake consistently below recommended daily allowances (RDA)
- Presence of nausea and vomiting
- Body weight below the ideal range for age, gender, and body composition
- Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels)
- Lethargy and fatigue due to inadequate caloric intake
- Pale mucous membranes indicative of potential anemia or nutritional deficiencies
- Abdominal discomfort and gastrointestinal upset
- Hyperactive bowel sounds potentially indicating rapid transit and malabsorption
- Abnormal nutritional laboratory values (e.g., low albumin, prealbumin, electrolyte imbalances)
Expected Outcomes:
- The patient will exhibit balanced nutrition, evidenced by the absence of malnutrition indicators.
- The patient will regain and maintain adequate body weight appropriate for their age and gender.
Assessment:
1. Regularly assess and monitor the patient’s weight trends.
Weight monitoring is a critical indicator of nutritional status, especially in patients experiencing nausea and vomiting. Unintentional and sudden weight loss is a significant concern. Sustained vomiting leads to loss of essential nutrients and fluids, contributing to rapid weight reduction. Document weight changes consistently and compare to baseline and ideal body weight.
2. Systematically assess for signs and symptoms of malnutrition.
Patients with persistent nausea are at high risk for malnutrition due to reduced food intake and potential malabsorption. Be vigilant for signs of malnutrition, including rapid unintentional weight loss, generalized fatigue and weakness, impaired concentration and cognitive function, brittle hair and nails, dry skin, muscle wasting, edema, and decreased immune function (increased susceptibility to infections). Utilize nutritional screening tools to formally assess malnutrition risk.
3. Evaluate for oral health issues such as tooth decay or thrush.
Nausea and vomiting, especially when chronic, can contribute to oral health problems that further impede nutritional intake. Vomiting exposes teeth to acidic gastric contents, increasing the risk of tooth decay and enamel erosion. Thrush (oral candidiasis), an opportunistic fungal infection, can also develop, causing painful mouth sores and making eating uncomfortable. Assess the oral mucosa for lesions, redness, and signs of infection. Evaluate for complaints of mouth pain or difficulty chewing.
Interventions:
1. Provide calorie-dense foods and nutrient-rich options in small, frequent meals.
For patients with nausea and limited appetites, maximizing caloric and nutrient intake in small portions is crucial. Offer calorie-dense foods that are easy to digest and appealing to the patient’s preferences. Examples include full-fat dairy products (if tolerated), fortified cereals, lean meats, eggs, avocados, and nutritional supplements. Small, frequent meals are generally better tolerated than large meals, preventing gastric distension and minimizing nausea triggers.
2. Create a pleasant and comfortable eating environment conducive to appetite stimulation.
Environmental factors significantly influence appetite and food tolerance, especially in nauseated individuals. Minimize strong or offensive odors that can exacerbate nausea. Ensure a clean, calm, and relaxing mealtime atmosphere. Provide uninterrupted time for eating and avoid rushing the patient. Consider playing soothing music or providing pleasant distractions.
3. Administer antiemetic medications as premedication, particularly for chemotherapy or radiation therapy patients.
For patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, nausea is a common and often predictable side effect. Premedication with antiemetics, as prescribed, is essential to prevent or minimize nausea and vomiting. Administer antiemetics proactively, typically 30-60 minutes before treatment, to optimize their effectiveness. Monitor for effectiveness and potential side effects of antiemetics.
4. Implement enteral or parenteral nutrition as indicated when oral intake is insufficient.
When oral nutrition is inadequate or impossible due to persistent and severe nausea and vomiting, alternative feeding methods are necessary to meet nutritional needs. Enteral nutrition (tube feeding) involves delivering liquid nutrition directly into the stomach or small intestine via a feeding tube. Parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding) provides nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. The choice between enteral and parenteral nutrition depends on the patient’s clinical condition, gastrointestinal function, and anticipated duration of nutritional support.
Impaired Comfort
Nausea is inherently an uncomfortable and distressing sensation, impacting the abdomen, epigastric area, and throat. It causes significant physical and psychological discomfort, often accompanied by the urge to vomit, further diminishing the patient’s overall well-being and comfort.
Nursing Diagnosis: Impaired Comfort
Related Factors:
- Underlying disease processes causing nausea and vomiting
- Sleep disturbances and lack of restful sleep
- Psychological distress, including anxiety and fear
- Insufficient control over nausea and vomiting symptoms
- Exposure to noxious environmental stimuli (e.g., strong odors, unpleasant sights)
As Evidenced By:
- Restlessness and agitation
- Verbal and nonverbal expressions of discomfort
- Expressed psychological distress and emotional upset
- Irritable mood and increased sensitivity
- Reports of altered sleep-wake cycle and insomnia
- Fatigue and decreased energy levels
- Reports of hunger but aversion to eating due to nausea
- Abdominal discomfort and cramping
- Abdominal pain and tenderness
- Nausea and vomiting episodes
Expected Outcomes:
- The patient will verbalize at least two strategies to effectively reduce nausea and improve overall comfort.
- The patient will express improved comfort levels, evidenced by improved sleep patterns and a more positive mood.
Assessment:
1. Evaluate the persistence, frequency, and severity of nausea and vomiting episodes.
Understanding the characteristics of nausea and vomiting is crucial for assessing its impact on patient comfort. Persistent and severe symptoms can cause significant physical and emotional distress, interfering with daily activities, role performance, and overall quality of life. Use validated nausea and vomiting assessment scales to quantify symptom severity and track changes over time.
2. Determine the potential underlying cause(s) of nausea and vomiting.
Nausea and vomiting are symptoms, not diseases themselves. Identifying the root cause is essential for targeted interventions. Explore potential contributing factors such as underlying medical conditions, medication side effects, food allergies or intolerances, eating disorders, psychological stress, pregnancy, or motion sickness. A comprehensive history and physical examination are necessary to pinpoint the etiology.
3. Assess the patient’s usual comfort levels and preferred coping strategies.
Individual perceptions of comfort and coping mechanisms vary widely. Understanding the patient’s baseline comfort level and previous successful strategies for managing discomfort is important for tailoring interventions. Explore the patient’s history of nausea and vomiting, how they have managed it in the past, and what comfort measures they find helpful. Consider cultural and personal preferences in comfort management.
Interventions:
1. Create a calming and relaxing environment to minimize nausea triggers.
Environmental factors can significantly influence nausea perception. Reduce excessive environmental stimuli that can exacerbate nausea. Dim bright lights, ensure a comfortable room temperature (cooler temperatures are often preferred), and minimize noise levels. Pay attention to air quality and eliminate strong or unpleasant odors. Provide fresh air circulation if possible.
2. Encourage the consumption of ginger or peppermint tea to soothe nausea.
Ginger and peppermint are well-known natural remedies for nausea relief. Ginger contains compounds like gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and antioxidant properties. Peppermint tea can also help soothe stomach upset and reduce feelings of nausea due to its antispasmodic and calming effects. Offer ginger ale (real ginger, not just flavoring) or peppermint tea as tolerated.
3. Recommend and provide foods with minimal or no odor to reduce olfactory triggers.
Strong food odors can be potent triggers for nausea and vomiting. Encourage the patient to choose bland foods with little to no aroma. Examples include plain crackers, toast, rice, plain yogurt, and clear broths. Serve foods at room temperature or slightly chilled, as warm foods tend to have stronger odors. Avoid serving highly seasoned or aromatic dishes.
4. Promote alternative comfort measures such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, music therapy, and guided imagery.
Non-pharmacological approaches can be highly effective in managing nausea and enhancing comfort. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, music therapy, and guided imagery promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and divert attention away from nausea sensations. Deep breathing, performed slowly and rhythmically, can help calm the nervous system and ease nausea. Teach and encourage these techniques as adjuncts to other interventions.
5. Suggest and encourage the patient to use over-the-counter (OTC) antiemetic remedies, when appropriate and as directed by a healthcare provider.
For mild to moderate nausea, OTC antiemetics like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine) can be helpful. These medications block histamine receptors and can reduce nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Advise patients to take these medications as directed, preferably before nausea becomes severe. However, always advise patients to consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any new OTC medication, especially if they have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
6. Utilize acupressure techniques, specifically targeting the P6 (Neiguan) point.
Acupressure at the P6 (Neiguan) point, located on the inner wrist (approximately three finger-widths from the wrist crease, between the two tendons), is believed to help alleviate nausea. Motion sickness bands that apply continuous pressure to this point are readily available and can be used as a non-pharmacological intervention for nausea. Teach patients how to locate and apply pressure to the P6 point manually if motion sickness bands are not available.
Nausea
Nausea is frequently identified as a nursing-focused diagnosis because it often arises as a secondary symptom stemming from a primary underlying medical condition or treatment. Addressing the root cause is paramount, while nursing interventions focus on managing the nausea itself and providing symptomatic relief.
Nursing Diagnosis: Nausea
Related Factors:
- Gastrointestinal disorders and infections
- Psychological factors such as anxiety and stress
- Exposure to noxious tastes or smells
- Unpleasant sensory stimuli (e.g., sights, sounds)
- Exposure to toxins or irritants
- Alcohol intoxication and hangover effects
- Medication side effects (e.g., chemotherapy, opioids)
- Medical treatments or procedures (e.g., surgery, radiation therapy)
- Pregnancy-related nausea (morning sickness)
- Motion sickness and travel-related nausea
- Increased intracranial pressure
- Pain and pain-related nausea
As Evidenced By:
- Verbalization of nausea and the urge to vomit
- Objective physiological signs such as increased heart rate and respiratory rate
- Cold, clammy skin due to autonomic nervous system response
- Food aversion and changes in appetite
- Increased swallowing frequency and air swallowing
- Increased salivation and oral secretions
- Reports of a sour or metallic taste in the mouth
- Gagging sensation and retching
Expected Outcomes:
- The patient will verbalize relief from nausea and a reduction in symptom intensity.
- The patient will be able to demonstrate and utilize effective strategies to prevent or manage nausea episodes.
Assessment:
1. Investigate potential causes and specific characteristics of the patient’s nausea.
A thorough assessment is crucial to determine the etiology of nausea. Categorize potential causes as treatment-related (e.g., chemotherapy, surgery), physical (e.g., gastrointestinal illness, migraines), or situational (e.g., motion sickness, anxiety). Characterize the nausea in terms of onset, duration, frequency, severity, and associated factors (e.g., triggers, relieving factors). This detailed assessment guides the development of a personalized treatment plan.
2. Evaluate the patient’s hydration status, especially if vomiting is present.
Nausea often leads to decreased oral fluid intake, and when accompanied by vomiting, the risk of dehydration increases significantly. Assess for signs of dehydration, including dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, concentrated urine, decreased urine output, increased thirst, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Monitor vital signs for hypotension and tachycardia, which can indicate fluid volume deficit. Evaluate electrolyte levels if dehydration is suspected.
Interventions:
1. Provide routine oral care as needed to maintain oral hygiene and comfort.
Nausea is often associated with increased salivation and, potentially, vomiting. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to reduce unpleasant tastes and odors in the mouth, which can worsen nausea. Offer frequent oral rinsing with cool water or mouthwash. Provide mouth swabs for patients who are NPO or unable to rinse effectively. Oral care also helps prevent oral complications like mucositis in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
2. Eliminate or minimize offending smells and environmental odors from the patient’s room.
Strong and unpleasant odors can significantly exacerbate nausea. Identify and eliminate potential sources of offensive smells in the patient’s environment, such as food trays, bedpans, drainage bags, and strong perfumes or cleaning products. Ensure adequate room ventilation and air circulation to minimize lingering odors. Use mild, unscented cleaning products if necessary.
3. Offer ginger ale (real ginger) and dry snacks like crackers to help settle the stomach.
Ginger has proven antiemetic properties and can help settle an upset stomach. Ginger ale made with real ginger (not just flavoring) may provide relief. Dry, bland snacks like crackers or plain toast are generally well-tolerated and can help absorb stomach acid, reducing nausea, particularly when nausea is related to an empty stomach. Offer these options in small amounts and assess patient tolerance.
4. Encourage the patient to eat small, frequent meals of easily digestible foods.
Large meals can distend the stomach and worsen nausea. Advise patients to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day instead of three large meals. Suggest easily digestible, bland foods such as the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) or similar options. These foods are gentle on the stomach and less likely to trigger nausea. Avoid greasy, spicy, or heavily seasoned foods.
5. Educate the patient to avoid spicy and greasy foods that can irritate the stomach lining.
Certain foods can directly irritate the stomach mucosa and worsen nausea. Advise patients to avoid spicy foods, fried and fatty foods, highly processed foods, and foods with strong flavors or aromas. These foods are more difficult to digest and can stimulate gastric acid production, potentially exacerbating nausea symptoms. Focus on bland, easily digestible options.
6. Administer antiemetic medications as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
Antiemetic medications are often necessary to effectively manage moderate to severe nausea, particularly when it is treatment-related or persistent. Administer antiemetics as ordered, and monitor for their effectiveness and potential side effects. Common antiemetics include ondansetron (Zofran), promethazine (Phenergan), and metoclopramide (Reglan). Ensure proper timing of administration, especially in relation to meals or nausea triggers.
7. Educate patients not to take medications on an empty stomach if nausea is a known side effect.
Some medications, particularly certain antibiotics, pain relievers, and supplements, can cause nausea when taken on an empty stomach. Educate patients to take such medications with food, if not contraindicated, to minimize gastrointestinal upset and nausea. Provide clear instructions regarding medication administration timing in relation to meals.
Risk for Deficient Fluid Volume
Patients experiencing nausea, especially when accompanied by vomiting, are at significant risk for developing deficient fluid volume. Vomiting leads to direct fluid loss, and nausea often reduces oral fluid intake, creating a fluid volume deficit. This can further lead to electrolyte imbalances, compounding the problem.
Nursing Diagnosis: Risk for Deficient Fluid Volume
Related Factors:
- Nausea and vomiting leading to fluid loss
- Difficulty meeting increased fluid requirements due to nausea and aversion to fluids
- Inadequate knowledge about fluid needs and strategies to maintain hydration
- Insufficient oral fluid intake due to nausea or other factors
As Evidenced By:
A risk nursing diagnosis is characterized by the absence of current signs and symptoms because the problem has not yet occurred. Nursing interventions are proactively directed at preventing the development of deficient fluid volume.
Expected Outcomes:
- The patient will maintain adequate hydration, evidenced by balanced fluid intake and output, stable vital signs within normal limits, and good skin turgor.
Assessment:
1. Continuously assess the patient’s fluid status for indicators of fluid volume deficit.
Proactive assessment for fluid volume deficit is crucial in patients at risk. Monitor for early signs of dehydration, including non-elastic skin turgor (tenting), dry skin and mucous membranes, sunken appearance of eyes, decreased tearing, and decreased urine output. Assess for more severe signs such as hypotension, tachycardia, dizziness, lightheadedness, and confusion. Document assessment findings regularly.
2. Meticulously monitor the patient’s fluid intake and output (I&O) balance.
Accurate monitoring of fluid intake and output is essential for assessing hydration status. Record all oral intake (liquids, semi-liquids) and intravenous fluids. Measure and record urine output, as well as any fluid losses from vomiting, diarrhea, wound drainage, or other sources. Compare intake and output over 24-hour periods to identify fluid imbalances. A negative fluid balance (output exceeding intake) indicates fluid volume deficit.
3. Regularly assess and monitor vital signs for changes indicative of fluid volume deficit.
Vital signs are sensitive indicators of fluid status. Monitor blood pressure and heart rate regularly. Hypotension (low blood pressure) and tachycardia (increased heart rate) can be compensatory mechanisms in response to decreased circulating fluid volume. Also, monitor for fever, which can contribute to insensible fluid loss and dehydration.
4. Monitor relevant laboratory values that reflect hydration status and electrolyte balance.
Laboratory values provide objective data on hydration and electrolyte balance. Monitor serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, hematocrit, and hemoglobin. Elevated BUN and creatinine, increased hematocrit, and electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hypernatremia, hypokalemia) can indicate dehydration. Track trends in lab values to assess hydration status and guide fluid replacement.
Interventions:
1. Administer intravenous (IV) fluids as prescribed to correct and prevent fluid volume deficit.
When oral fluid intake is insufficient or dehydration is present, IV fluid administration is necessary. Administer IV fluids as ordered by the healthcare provider, based on the patient’s fluid deficit, electrolyte status, and underlying medical condition. Common IV fluids used for rehydration include isotonic solutions like normal saline (0.9% NaCl) or lactated Ringer’s solution. Monitor IV infusion rate and patient response closely.
2. Offer foods with high water content to supplement fluid intake and electrolyte replacement.
In addition to oral fluids, foods with high water content can contribute to hydration and provide electrolytes. Offer options such as soups, broth-based soups, popsicles, fruit (especially watermelon, melons), gelatin, and electrolyte-replacement drinks (e.g., sports drinks, oral rehydration solutions). These options can be more palatable for nauseated patients and provide both fluids and essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium.
3. Administer antiemetic medications as indicated to reduce nausea and vomiting, thus minimizing fluid loss.
Effective management of nausea and vomiting is crucial for preventing fluid volume deficit. Administer antiemetic medications as prescribed to suppress nausea and vomiting. By reducing emesis, fluid losses are minimized, and oral fluid intake is more likely to be tolerated. Choose appropriate antiemetics based on the cause and severity of nausea, and monitor for their effectiveness.
4. Encourage the patient to take small, frequent sips of clear fluids or ice chips to maintain hydration.
Nausea can cause aversion to large volumes of fluids. Encourage patients to take small, frequent sips of clear liquids (water, clear broth, diluted juice, electrolyte solutions) or suck on ice chips throughout the day. Small amounts are often better tolerated than large volumes and can help maintain hydration gradually. Avoid sugary drinks, which can sometimes worsen nausea.
References
- Nursing Diagnosis Guide for Nausea
- Nausea and Vomiting – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- Nausea and Vomiting in Adults: A Diagnostic Approach – American Family Physician
- Nursing Care of Patients Experiencing Nausea and Vomiting – Wolters Kluwer
- Nonpharmacologic interventions for nausea and vomiting in adults – UpToDate
