Education on Ginger and Peppermint as Interventions for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Registered Nurses

Abstract

By Rosanna Bartlett, Nursing; Lillian Restle, Nursing; Sarah Keller, Nursing; Elizabeth Carl , Nursing; Kaylee Clemens , Nursing

Advisor: Paul Lewis

Presentation ID: 64

Abstract: In the general post-operative stage, 30% of patients vomit and 50 % of patients have nausea. High risk patients may have an increased risk of up to 70-80% for PONV (Koyuncu, O., Urfali, S., Hakimoglu, S., & Tasdogan, A.M. 2020). There are countless complications of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Such complications include aspiration, suture opening, esophageal rupture, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and an extended recovery time. These complications can potentially cause hospital admission of a patient when the surgery itself may not have required one. Current practice proves that finding effective treatments for post-operative nausea and vomiting has been difficult to determine. The purpose of this project is to explore the effectiveness of education in registered nurses on the alternative use of peppermint and ginger to decrease the incidence of PONV. The learning objectives include identifying complications of PONV, ways to incorporate peppermint and ginger into current practice, the contraindications associated with said alternative therapies, and their effects on the body. We provided booklets, pamphlets, and powerpoints as tools to educate the nurses; pre- and post-tests were given to determine their level of knowledge both before and after teaching. Results pending.