Understanding Anticipatory Nausea

Purpose/Objectives: To address the concept of anticipatory nausea within the theoretical framework of classical conditioning.

Data Sources: Published articles, book chapters.

Data Synthesis: Although classical conditioning explains much in the development of anticipatory nausea, other factors also are at work. Preventing this phenomenon is necessary because it is difficult to treat and control once it develops.

Conclusions: Nurses are in a position to identify patients at highest risk for developing anticipatory nausea and implement interventional strategies to prevent/minimize it.

Implications for Nursing Practice: Many aspects of anticipatory nausea have not yet been researched well. Nurses must study how anticipatory nausea develops and interventions that can be used to reduce its prevalence.