Ask patient reasons for nausea or inability to eat and document explanation in patient's own words to plan interventions.- Observe patient's fluid and food intake and document the findings to assess nutrient consumption and the need for supplements.
Encourage patient to eat dry, bland foods (such as dry toast or crackers) during periods of nausea to make it possible for patient to eat.- Suggest that patient avoid offensive foods and food odors, shorten food preparation time, and eat and drink slowly. These measures may help to prevent nausea from getting worse.
- Administer antinausea medications as prescribed to provide relief from nausea and allow patient to eat.
- Teach relaxation techniques and help patient use such techniques during mealtime to reduce stress and divert attention from nausea, thereby helping patient eat and drink.
- Provide distractions when patient is feeling nauseated; for example, play favorite music, television programs, audiobooks, and so on. Distraction helps to divert patient's attention from the unpleasant feeling of nausea.
- Encourage patient to make a list of best-tolerated and least-tolerated foods to help patient choose foods wisely when nausea abates.
Suggested NIC Interventions