How to Assist a Loved One or Patient Who is Vomiting.

It is a difficult time for a loved one and/or patient when he or she is experiencing an episode of vomiting. As a care giver there are many things that can be done to assist the nauseated person to make him or her feel more comfortable before, during and after the harsh episode. The nauseated loved one or patient may become weak or disoriented during the vomiting episode. Attend to the person's safety, also, while following these steps. As always, my prayer for you and your loved ones is to remain healthy and safe, become wealthy, and grow wiser.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Two small pails
• Water supply
• Wash cloth
• Tissues
• Radio
• Privacy
• Caring attitude
• Patience
• Gentle touch

1. The first step is to be ready for an episode of vomiting. Two small pails at the bedside specifically for the purpose of depositing vomit can save the care giver a lot of time in clean up and help the patient feel more secure.
   
   1. Position the small pail before the patient when signs of vomiting begins.
   
   2. Immerse a small wash cloth in cool water and pat the patient's forehead and neck. Periodically re-immerse the wash cloth in cool water to keep cool and clean.
   
   3. Use another wash cloth to wipe patient's mouth during the episode.
   
   4. If time permits substitute another pail quickly and empty the first pail. This will help prevent the patient from having to look at previous vomit which may trigger more vomiting.
   
   5. Provide tissue for the patient to blow nose as needed.
   
   6. Once the episode is over, freshen up the patient with a change of clothing, if needed, washing of the face and hands, and providing mouth care.
   
   7. Offer ice chips to help settle the stomach.
2. 1. Provide only comforting words such as: Yes, I know, poor baby, it's
   alright, etc.
   
   2. Remove any foods or other items that may present an odor or smell of any type. Scents can cause more pronounced nausea once nausea begins.
   
   4. Immediately remove all signs of the episode, clean up the area, and containers. Dispose of the vomit appropriately, removing all traces from the patient’s presence, sense of vision and smell.
3. 1. Be ready for other episodes.
   
   2. Alert the patient to communicate when he or she feels the urge to vomit.
4. Diminish triggers to vomiting episodes.
   
   1. Remove any scents or sights that may cause the patient to become nauseated.
   
   2. Seek input from the patient as to what may help during vomiting episodes.
   
   3. Ask the physician to intervene in the patient’s care in this regard by obtaining a prescription to help prevent nausea and reoccurring episodes of vomiting. A technique used during chemotherapy by some doctors is to administer medications to prevent nausea prior or during the administration of the chemotherapy.

Tips & Warnings

• The use of soft background music to the patient’s liking can serve as a distraction and comfort.
• Closing the blinds and lowering the lights to decrease visual stimuli is helpful.
• Turning on a fan to circulate the air can be helpful.
• The fan can be turned directly on the patient's face for short periods of time to help cool the patient.
• Turn off the phones and other distractions. Devote your undivided attention.
• Reframe from talking to the patient during the episodes.
• Apple a cool wet cloth to the back of the patient’s neck
• Remove blankets and free up the space around the patient. Remove extra pillows or personal items.
• Turn off the television completely. A vomiting person is usually easily agitated.
• Once the episode is over ask the patient one time if he or she feels better. If he or she indicates 'yes', don’t ask the patient again. Don’t acknowledge the episode in anyway.
• Bring up a pleasant subject. Converse for a few seconds, then leave the patient to rest in quietness.
• Once the episode is over, don’t speak of the episode again.
• Check out side effects of medications taken by the patient. Some medications may cause vomiting. If so, consult with physician about side affects and possible alternatives.
• Never leave the patient until vomiting has ended.
• Reframe from offering solid foods for a few hours, unless the patient's insists.