Nausea and Vomiting: Applying Research to Bedside Practice

Nausea and vomiting are commonly seen in the critically ill patient. While these symptoms are not often the cause for admission to critical care, they complicate and may extend the length of stay as well as the patient’s feelings about his or her hospitalization. As with all care provided in critical care, we should strive to implement interventions supported by evidence whenever possible. The article includes definitions, a general description, and the pathophysiology of nausea and vomiting. As well, an evidence-based plan of care for the assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation of the patient with nausea and vomiting is outlined, using levels of recommendation based on the strength of available evidence. A case study is presented to allow for clinical application: case study commentary reviews the salient points of care.