Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

What is a significant surgery-related risk factor for PONV?

1. General anesthesia

2. Procedures lasting less than 30 minutes

3. ENT surgeries and laparoscopic surgeries

4. Non-invasive procedures

The correct answer is: ENT surgeries and laparoscopic surgeries

The significance of surgery-related risk factors for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is well established in the field of anesthesia and surgical recovery. The choice of ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) surgeries and laparoscopic surgeries as a significant risk factor for PONV is rooted in the anatomical and physiological disruptions these procedures cause, along with their association with specific anesthetic techniques. ENT surgeries often involve manipulation of structures in the head and neck, which can stimulate the vestibular system or vagus nerve, leading to increased risk of nausea. Laparoscopic surgeries can also contribute to PONV due to the use of carbon dioxide insufflation, which can irritate the diaphragm and affect the vagus nerve, contributing to nausea and vomiting. Moreover, these surgeries typically involve factors such as the duration of anesthesia and the drugs used during sedation, which further elevate the risk of PONV. Understanding these surgical contexts is essential for optimizing patient management and implementing anti-emetic protocols accordingly. This makes the connection between these types of surgeries and the incidence of PONV particularly prominent and clinically relevant.