Dietary modifications.
Eat and drink slowly.
Eat small, frequent meals.
Drink small amounts of cool liquids such as ginger ale, jello water, etc.
Avoid foods that irritate the gastric mucosa such as spicy foods, citrus foods and juices, and foods with caffeine such as chocolate, coffee, tea, and cola.
Avoid drinking liquids with meals or immediately before or after meals.
Avoid fatty or greasy foods.
Environmental modifications.
Maintain a neat, clean environment.
Eliminate noxious sights and smells.
Serve food attractively.
Comfort modifications.
Change positions slowly.
Sit in an upright position for at least one-half hour after eating.
Perform oral hygiene frequently, especially before meals.
To avoid exhaustion, plan rest periods before meals, and fix easy-to-prepare meals.
Perform deep breathing and swallowing to suppress gag reflex.
Medications.
Take medication as prescribed.
Take an anti-nausea medication one-half hour before meals.
Dehydration (indicated by dry mouth; poor skin turgor; dry flushed skin; decreased urine output; sunken eyes; weak, rapid pulse).
Electrolyte imbalance. (Provide "Electrolyte Imbalance" handout.)