PONV
Pronunciation: PONV (pawn-vee)
Also written as: PONV — Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting
Common complication following anesthesia and surgery characterized by nausea and vomiting in the recovery period.
Full Definition
Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) is one of the most frequent complications following surgery and anesthesia, affecting up to 30% of patients. In surgical critical care, PONV can lead to serious complications including aspiration, electrolyte imbalances, wound dehiscence from retching, and delayed recovery. Risk factors include female gender, history of motion sickness, non-smoking status, and certain anesthetic agents. Prevention and treatment involve multimodal approaches including antiemetics, regional anesthesia techniques, and proper hydration.
Usage
Usage note: Pronounced pawn-vee, commonly used in spoken communication.
In Context
- "The patient developed severe PONV requiring antiemetic therapy and IV hydration." — Recovery room note
- "PONV prophylaxis was administered given the patient's high-risk profile." — Anesthesia record