Which of the following is NOT listed as a risk factor for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)?

• A. Female
• B. History of PONV
• C. Regular exercise
• D. Longer procedure length

Answer: (C)

PONV risk is driven by factors related to the patient and to the anesthesia/surgery. Classic patient factors include being female and having a history of PONV or motion sickness, which reflect a higher baseline susceptibility of the brain’s vomiting centers and hormonal influences. Longer procedure length increases risk because the patient is exposed longer to emetogenic stimuli, anesthetic agents, and postoperative opioids, all of which raise the likelihood of nausea and vomiting.

Regular exercise is not part of the standard list of risk factors for PONV. It does not increase risk and may be neutral or even protective, depending on the context. Therefore, it is the item that is NOT listed as a risk factor.