231. NPO Guidelines for Pediatric Patients Flashcards
What does NPO stand for?
Nothing by mouth (fasting)
NPO guidelines are directed toward reducing the risk of pulmonary aspiration.
What is the primary purpose of fasting guidelines?
To reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration
Pulmonary aspiration can occur during various phases of anesthesia.
What are the fasting guidelines for clear liquids before surgery?
2 hours
Clear liquids include water, pulp-free juices, coffee or tea, and carbohydrate drinks.
How long before surgery should breast milk be stopped?
4 hours
How long before surgery should infant formula be stopped?
6 hours
What is the fasting guideline for a light meal before surgery?
6 hours
What is the fasting guideline for a large meal or fried fatty foods before surgery?
8 hours
What is the fasting time for nonhuman milk before surgery?
6 hours
Which organization allows pediatric patients to consume clear liquids up to 1 hour prior to surgery?
Canadian Pediatric Anesthesia Society and European Society of Anesthesiology
What should be considered for enteral feeds or tube feeds before surgery?
Discontinued 8 hours prior to surgery
These feeds are considered a large meal due to their content.
Which patient populations may exhibit delayed gastric emptying?
Laboring patients, elderly, diabetics with gastroparesis
What factors can increase gastroparesis?
Endocrine disorders, diseases affecting the nervous system, connective tissue disorders, immune disorders, medications, surgical procedures, infections
Examples include diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and certain medications.
True or False: Chewing gum before surgery is always unsafe.
False
Chewing gum increases stomach liquid volume but does not significantly change pH, making it safe for anesthesia in some cases.
What should be done if a patient swallows gum before surgery?
Wait 6 hours
Swallowed gum is considered a solid.
What important information should be gathered during the preoperative examination?
Patient’s NPO status
