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Nausea and vomiting are recognized as common complications that can occur after anesthesia, often referred to as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). This condition can arise due to various factors, including the type of anesthetic used, the patient's history of motion sickness, and individual sensitivities. The mechanisms behind PONV are complex and can involve gastrointestinal effects as well as central nervous system pathways affected by anesthesia.

It is essential for nurses and healthcare providers in the perianesthesia setting to be vigilant for signs of nausea and vomiting after surgery, as these can lead to increased discomfort for the patient, extended recovery times, and even complications such as aspiration. Awareness of this complication underscores the importance of implementing prevention strategies and providing appropriate interventions to manage PONV effectively.

In contrast, while excessive drowsiness can occur after anesthesia, it is often transient and usually expected as the effects of anesthesia wear off. Delayed wound healing and infections at the intravenous site are associated more directly with surgical factors rather than anesthesia alone. Thus, nausea and vomiting stand out as particularly common and significant complications to monitor in the postoperative period.