What it means
The two often go together and are charted as N/V. They come with many conditions, such as stomach infections, pregnancy, motion sickness, migraine, anesthesia, opioids and chemotherapy. Ongoing vomiting quickly leads to dehydrationdee-hy-DRAY-shunA state in which the body has lost more water than it has taken in.de- remove, lack ofhydr/o water-ation processFull entry and loss of electrolytes such as potassium.
For the nurse
Give antiemetics as ordered, before chemotherapy or meals when that is the plan. Offer small sips of clear fluids, mouth care and a calm room without strong smells. Measure the emesisEM-uh-sisVomiting, or the material that is vomited.Full entry , check intake and output, and watch for signs of dehydration.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | N/V; PONV (postoperative nausea and vomiting) |
|---|---|
| Everyday words | feeling sick and throwing up |
| Spanish | náuseas y vómitos |
| Also written | N/V |
Related terms
dehydration
A state in which the body has lost more water than it has taken in.
intake and output
The measured record of all fluids a client takes in and all fluids that leave the body over a set time.
nausea
An uneasy feeling in the stomach with the urge to vomit.
emesis
Vomiting, or the material that is vomited.