For a patient complaining of nausea after surgery, what is a suitable nursing intervention?

Administering antiemetic medication as ordered is a suitable nursing intervention for a patient experiencing nausea after surgery because it directly addresses the underlying cause of the nausea. Antiemetic medications are designed to help alleviate symptoms of nausea and vomiting by acting on the brain's receptors that trigger these feelings. This provides immediate relief and allows the patient to feel more comfortable, which is particularly important following a surgical procedure when patients may be sensitive to various stimuli.

Using medications as prescribed is a critical practice in nursing to ensure effective symptom management. It also reflects the nursing role in closely monitoring the patient's condition and responding appropriately to any uncomfortable postoperative symptoms. While other options like encouraging small meals or offering ginger ale might provide comfort later, they do not address the acute discomfort that antiemetics can relieve. Thus, administering the ordered antiemetic is the most appropriate and effective choice in this situation.