What it means
The sick feeling that often comes before vomiting, though a person can have nausea without vomiting. It has many causes: illness of the stomach or bowel, pregnancy, motion, pain, anxiety, anesthesiaan-us-THEE-zhuhLoss of feeling or sensation, often brought on by drugs so that surgery or a procedure can be done without pain.an- withoutesthesi/o feeling, sensation-ia conditionFull entry and many drugs, such as opioids and chemotherapy. Because it is a symptom, the client's own report is what counts.
For the nurse
Ask the client to rate it, and find out what makes it better or worse. Give antiemetic drugs as ordered, offer small sips of clear fluid, keep the room free of strong smells and help with mouth care. Position a client who might vomit on their side to prevent aspirationas-puh-RAY-shunBreathing food, liquid, saliva or stomach contents into the airway and lungs; also, drawing fluid out with suction or a needle.Full entry .
In a chart
"Client reports nausea 6/10 after morning medications; ondansetron given, nausea 2/10 at recheck."
At a glance
| Everyday words | feeling sick to the stomach |
|---|---|
| Spanish | náusea |
| Also written | nauseated, nauseous |
Related terms
aspiration
Breathing food, liquid, saliva or stomach contents into the airway and lungs; also, drawing fluid out with suction or a needle.
gastrointestinal
Having to do with the stomach and intestines, or with the whole digestive tract from the mouth to the anus.