Program Objectives

At the conclusion of this program, attendees should be able to:

• List risk factors for the development of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).
• Identify procedures (e.g., facelifts, head and neck surgeries) in which the development of PONV would be catastrophic.
• Explain how factors, such as type of surgery, patient descriptors, and anesthetic drug or technique, affect the occurrence of PONV.
• Explain ways in which pharmacists can intervene in the prevention of PONV.
• Compare antiemetic drugs with respect to their efficacy and adverse effect profiles.
• Describe the mechanisms of action of the various classes of antiemetic drugs used in the management of PONV.
• List specific drug options and dosages that may be used in the prevention and treatment of PONV in the acute-care setting.
• Describe strategies for successful implementation of risk prevention tools or risk stratification formulas that can be used to prevent PONV in the practice setting.