Vasovagal during procedure

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I know there are a lot of stories about nurses passing out, but how common is it to also vomit? :facepalm:

I'm not in the OR, but posting here because I think I'll get better response. The MD I work for does minor procedures in his office. I was observing a 20-30 minute procedure, he was just closing up, and with barely any warning I passed out and began vomiting. I was mortified!

If I had only passed out, I think I would be ok, but seriously, vomiting out of control too? Does that happen? I had a headache and was a bit queasy the rest of the day and night, but I don't believe I was ill or anything.

I have observed full blown surgeries before, and never really had a problem other than getting warm (which I frequently am). I'm so scared this will happen again. Is there any way I can determine what a trigger might be for me? I had eaten prior, I don't believe I was locking my knees, I wasn't too warm. How do I prevent this again if I don't know what caused it? When (if) I ever do start assisting with these procedures, I will be the only person besides the patient and the MD, so I can't exactly leave if I start feeling bad. I need to figure this out!

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What an embarrassing mess. You have touched on all the basics of the likely causes and usual treatments. I repeat what a mess.

Do you or can you sit on a stool, one with arm rests? Maybe if any procedure will likely last more than 15 minutes then every few minutes, stretch, shrug your shoulders, move your ankles in circles, etc.

Can you have water nearby. Maybe a cup with a straw you can sip some water without breaking "sterility"? Wave an alcohol pad under your nose or get quease-ease or something similar?

You do work with a MD, ask him if he has any ideas?

As you said it came on so suddenly...that makes it really tough to pinpoint what you could have done to nip it in the bud.

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Gastric/bowel and brain stem ischemia from acute and severe hypotension activating chemoreceptor trigger zone = vomiting.

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I tried again, and made it through. I did start feeling a little flushed around the same time, but was able to hold it together. Got a little confidence back, but I'll be on my toes from now on trying to catch it before something happens!

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Specializes in OR.

Keep your hands busy and your eyes averted. Focus on the task you're supposed to be doing. If you have no task, create one. Fold towels, scrub spots on the wall, write a research paper...lol

It gets better with time

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Thank you!

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