Nonpharmacologic management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

Abstract

Purpose/objectives: To review the nonpharmacologic interventions indicated to prevent or control chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Data sources: Journal articles.

Data synthesis: Despite improvements in antiemetic drug therapy, as many as 60% of patients with cancer who are treated with antineoplastic agents experience nausea and vomiting. Anticipatory nausea and vomiting are thought to be caused by the behavioral process of classical conditioning. Most nonpharmacologic interventions that are used to prevent or control nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer are classified as behavioral interventions. Behavioral interventions involve the acquisition of adaptive behavioral skills to interrupt the conditioning cycle.

Conclusions: Nonpharmacologic interventions appear to be effective in reducing anticipatory and post-treatment nausea and vomiting.

Implications for nursing practice: These behavioral interventions can be effective in reducing anticipatory and post-treatment nausea and vomiting. Oncology nurses must learn these nonpharmacologic techniques and teach their patients to use them in combination with their prescribed antiemetic therapy.