special treatment

[mustanglover]

Every time I have had a surgical procedure and was under Anesthesia I am always offered some thing to drink and eat after the surgery. I am usually offered a muffin or toast and water or soda.

Also on several occasions while in the ER I have been offered soda.

Are the nurses giving me special treatment because I don't complain and don't bother them with the call bell?

[mustanglover]

I can see after surgery why food and drink is offered, but in the ER I am a little baffled by it. I only ask this question because I recently saw a blog written by a nurse where the nurse claims she was asked for a diet soda. The nurse compared the request with working in fast food, the nurse thought the patient was clearly confused and must of thought they were in a restaurant.

I can see where the patients confusion may of came from, if the patient was offered soda in another emergency department.

The time I was offered soda I remember their was a patient in the room next to me, the patient asked for a soda and the nurse told him no but he could have water. I suppose the patient next to me could of had a restriction of clear liquids only.

[Maevish, ASN, RN]

If there is soda on the floor (or any other type of nourishment), then pts can have them if they're not NPO for any reason. I don't see special treatment here.

[Anonymous865]

It is common to offer a patient something like crackers and something to drink following surgery.

There are several reasons for it,

1. By the time surgery is over, the patient hasn't had anything to eat or drink for 10 or more hours and they are hungry and thirsty. It is a kindness to address that.

2. If you are having outpatient surgery, it gives the nurse a chance to see if you are going to have trouble with n/v before they send you home. They wouldn't like for you to end up in the ED 8 hours later for intractable n/v.

3. The anesthesia provider often gives the patient a med to dry up oral and gastric secretions during surgery to help prevent the patient aspirating. You wake up with an extremely dry mouth. Again something to drink is appreciated.

It isn't safe to give every patient something to eat or drink immediately following surgery. The Dr may order that the patient be NPO. The nurse may decide that the patient isn't awake enough to swallow without aspirating.

Regarding the ED - It varies from patient to patient. If there is a possibility that the patient will need surgery, then they won't allow the patient to eat or drink until they have determined the patient won't need surgery. The tests they have planned for the patient might determine whether the patient can have something.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

No, you're not getting special treatment. Patients who are not NPO are routinely offered food or drink.

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

You're not special, OP. This is standard practice. You seem to be a frequent recipient of medical care, but don't provide any. I'm confused as to why you post here