Which factor is NOT associated with an increased risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting?

Which factor is NOT associated with an increased risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting?

• A. Smoking
• B. Female gender
• C. History of motion sickness
• D. History of postoperative nausea and vomiting

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is recognizing which factors influence the likelihood of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and identifying the one that does not increase risk. In this context, smoking stands out as not increasing PONV risk—in fact, it is generally considered protective. Multiple studies have shown that smokers have a lower incidence of PONV compared with nonsmokers, for reasons not fully understood but thought to involve tolerance to nauseating stimuli or physiological differences in emetic pathways. In contrast, the other factors listed are well-established risk enhancers. Female gender is consistently linked to higher PONV risk, likely related to hormonal influences on the vomiting center. A history of motion sickness indicates a general susceptibility to nausea, which translates to higher PONV risk after anesthesia. A prior history of PONV strongly predicts future PONV, reflecting individual predisposition to postoperative nausea and vomiting. So, smoking does not fit with the others as a factor that increases risk; it is the one factor not associated with higher PONV risk.

The concept being tested is recognizing which factors influence the likelihood of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and identifying the one that does not increase risk. In this context, smoking stands out as not increasing PONV risk—in fact, it is generally considered protective. Multiple studies have shown that smokers have a lower incidence of PONV compared with nonsmokers, for reasons not fully understood but thought to involve tolerance to nauseating stimuli or physiological differences in emetic pathways.

In contrast, the other factors listed are well-established risk enhancers. Female gender is consistently linked to higher PONV risk, likely related to hormonal influences on the vomiting center. A history of motion sickness indicates a general susceptibility to nausea, which translates to higher PONV risk after anesthesia. A prior history of PONV strongly predicts future PONV, reflecting individual predisposition to postoperative nausea and vomiting.

So, smoking does not fit with the others as a factor that increases risk; it is the one factor not associated with higher PONV risk.