AANA journal
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Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), a common problem with complex causes, may result in substantial complications. This Journal course discusses the pathogenesis of PONV and reviews antiemetic pharmacology. ⋯ State-of-the-art anesthetic techniques for prevention of PONV are described. Multimodal therapy with combined low-dose antiemetics affecting multiple receptors is suggested to prevent PONV in high-risk patients such as nonsmokers, females with a previous history of nausea, and patients with high postoperative narcotic requirements.