Ika Subekti WULANDARI, Anis Laela MEGASARI, Betha Nur RIYADI, Mujahidatul MUSFIROH
Mediterranean Nursing and Midwifery - 2026;6(4):278-287
Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the combination of acupressure wrist band and cold neck wrap in reducing the incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in the operating room, where 62 patients who were undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (acupressure wrist band and cold neck wrap) or a control group (sham acupressure wrist band). The acupressure wrist band was applied to the PC6 (Neiguan) acupoint 30-60 minutes before induction, while the cold neck wrap was applied for 5 minutes immediately post-surgery. The primary outcomes were the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting measured over a 0-2 hours and 2-24-hour postoperative period. Results: A total of 62 patients were enrolled, with 31 in each group. The incidence of PONV was significantly lower in the intervention group (nausea: 16%; vomiting: 3%) compared to the control group (nausea: 48%, vomiting: 35%) within 0-2 hours post-surgery (P < .000). The incidence of PONV was significantly lower in the intervention group (nausea: 3%; vomiting: 0%) compared to the control group (nausea: 10%, vomiting: 6%) within 2-24 hours post-surgery (P < .000). Conclusions: The combination of an acupressure wrist band and cold neck wrap is an effective, safe, and non-invasive intervention for reducing the incidence and severity of PONV.
