Pre‐procedure

ActionRationale

1. 1.Show
   Introduce yourself to the patient, explain and discuss the procedure with them, and gain their consent to proceed.
   To ensure that the patient feels at ease, understands the procedure and gives their valid consent (NMC [112], C).
2. 2.Show
   Ensure the patient is in a safe place and position to avoid an unnecessary injury or fall.
   To maintain patient safety (NMC [112], C).
3. 3.Show
   Decontaminate hands and apply personal protective equipment.
   To ensure the procedure is as clean as possible (NHS Improvement [105], C).

Procedure

1. 4.Show
   Close the door or draw the curtains around the patient's bed area.
   To maintain privacy and dignity and avoid any unnecessary embarrassment for the patient (NMC [112], C).
2. 5.Show
   Provide the patient with a vomit bowl and tissues.
   To reduce the risk of spillage and cross‐infection (NHS Improvement [105], C).
3. 6.Show
   Remain with the patient.
   To provide reassurance and maintain safety (Kelly and Ward [73], E).
4. 7.Show
   Once the patient has stopped vomiting, remove the used vomit bowl and offer warm water and towels for them to wash their face and hands.
   For infection prevention and control and for patient comfort (Kelly and Ward [73], E).
5. 8.Show
   Assist the patient to find a comfortable position and leave the second, clean vomit bowl with them.
   To ensure comfort following the procedure (Kelly and Ward [73], E).
6. 9.Show
   Take the first vomit bowl to the dirty utility (sluice) room and, where necessary, measure the volume and note the characteristics (colour, consistency and smell) of the vomit.
   The characteristics of the vomit may help to determine the cause (Kelly and Ward [73], E).

Post‐procedure

1. 10.Show
   Dispose of the contents safely and place the vomit bowl in the washer or disposal unit.
   For infection prevention and control (Fraise and Bradley [49], E).
2. 11.Show
   Remove personal protective equipment. Wash hands using soap and water or use an alcohol‐based handrub.
   For infection prevention and control (NHS Improvement [105], C).
3. 12.Show
   Record the volume and any notable characteristics of the vomit in the patient's notes.
   To maintain accurate documentation (NMC [112], C).
4. 13.Show
   Administer any prescribed antiemetics.
   To prevent any further episodes of nausea or vomiting and to help control symptoms (Bennett [11], E).
5. 14.Show
   Return to the patient and assess them at regular intervals, evaluating the effectiveness of any interventions.
   To monitor the patient and maintain their safety and comfort. E