Certified Nurses Operating Room (CNOR) Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The choice indicating dopamine, acetylcholine, serotonin, and histamine as receptors implicated in postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is correct because these neurotransmitters and their respective receptors play significant roles in the pathways that can trigger nausea and vomiting.

Serotonin specifically is a major player in the regulation of nausea and is particularly targeted by certain antiemetic medications, such as 5-HT3 antagonists, which are commonly used to prevent PONV. Dopamine also contributes to nausea through its activity in the central nervous system, particularly in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) of the medulla. Acetylcholine can influence the vestibular system, which is involved in balance and can also lead to feelings of nausea. Histamine is involved in the allergic response and can have effects on the inner ear as well as in relation to gastric function.

Each of these neurotransmitters has pathways that can be activated during the stress of surgery, anesthesia, or pain, thus leading to PONV. Understanding these receptors and their roles is crucial for effective management and prevention of PONV in patients recovering from anesthesia and surgery.