Which statement best describes the role of perioperative antiemetic prophylaxis in preventing PONV?

• A. It is a primary strategy, along with optimizing anesthesia technique
• B. It is optional and rarely effective
• C. It should be used only after PONV symptoms occur
• D. It is more important than hygiene and sterile technique

Answer: (A)

Preventing PONV is best achieved by using antiemetic prophylaxis as a standard, proactive part of perioperative care, not waiting for symptoms to appear. This approach works best when it’s combined with optimizing the anesthesia plan to reduce PONV risk—such as using propofol-based techniques, minimizing exposure to volatile agents, limiting opioid use, and ensuring adequate hydration. For patients at higher risk, a multimodal regimen that uses several antiemetics with different mechanisms started at or before induction offers the greatest protection. Treating PONV after it starts is less effective than preventing it in the first place. While hygiene and sterile technique are essential for infection control, they don’t address PONV, so they aren’t the primary strategy for prevention.