Acupressure in high-risk ambulatory post-operative patients to reduce PONV

Douglas College student research essay submitted as partial requirement for NURS 2217. Faculty sponsor to submit this research essay to DOOR: Navneet Sahota-Bagri.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) have been found to be one of the most prevalent symptoms and complications experienced after surgery (Hofmann et al., 2017). PONV is extremely distressing for patients (Hofmann et al., 2017). It can result in pulmonary aspiration, electrolyte imbalances, suture line tensions, wound dehiscence and delayed discharge (Hofmann et al., 2017). PONV is a complex interaction between the vomiting centre, triggered chemoreceptors, inner ear, vagus nerve, limbic system and cerebral cortex (Lewis et al., 2019). This phenomenon occurs in approximately 30% of all patients who have undergone surgery, and up to 80% of patients who are considered to be high risk (Lewis et al, 2019). The current commonly used treatment for PONV, in developed nations, are antiemetics (Hofmann et al., 2017). There is currently no drug to fully eliminate PONV, however these antiemetics can be used prophylactically and as intervention. Often the antiemetics used are droperidol, ondansetron and metoclopramide (Hofmann et al., 2017).
Acupressure is a Chinese medicine technique (Lewis et al., 2019). Its purpose is to stimulate and strengthen the body’s energy flow to manage symptoms (Lewis et al., 2019). This technique is non-invasive and easy to learn, allowing patient’s and caretakers to perform it themselves. Acupressure has been helpful in reducing pain, dyspnea, insomnia, fatigue, allergies, nausea and vomiting (Miao et al., 2017).
Acupressure is safe, non-invasive and has little to no cost or side effects (Sahin et al., 2018).
This paper will discuss the positive effects of acupressure to reduce post-operative nausea and vomiting. I will examine my PICOT question: Do postoperative high-risk ambulatory surgical patients experience less PONV with the use of P6 acupressure when compared to those receiving only the conventional antiemetic interventions in all three phases of post-op?