Journal of post anesthesia nursing
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Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common side effects after surgery and have numerous patient factors and etiologies. Although self-limiting, PONV is not without risks and complications. ⋯ It is believed that ondansetron binds at the serotonin receptor both in the vagal afferents of the gastrointestinal tract and in the chemoreceptor trigger zone. The reported side effects from ondansetron are minor compared with those of the more commonly used antiemetics such as droperidol and metoclopramide and include headache, dizziness, musculoskeletal pain, drowsiness and sedation, and shivers.