covering a npo pt

ChicagolandRN · Feb 5, 2004

I would just call the doc and ask what he/she wants me to do. From my experience it depends on a lot of things, like what kind of IVF is the pt getting? How long will the be NPO? Any TPN? ETC...

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2004

It would depend on what time the surgery is scheduled for. Our sliding scale requires a call to the doc if sugar is >300 but i would probly call to see if he wanted it given or had any further orders considering the patient is on hold for surgery.

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Feb 6, 2004

Attending should be called for BS>300 w NPO status. Doctor may refer you to anesthesia for coverage. Since patient may receive a IV with glucose, or other meds in pre-op holding area, anesthesia needs to be notified even if attending does not order it. Make sure you chart all measures taken. Diabetics do not heal well, as we all know, in today's suite happy atmosphere, charting is essential.

Burnt Out, ASN, RN · Feb 6, 2004

Our anesthesiologists usually will write orders for SSI for a BS > 250 or so. OR they will write "call with 7am FSBS results."

I would just call the primary doc OR the anesthesiologist.

TinyNurse, RN · Feb 6, 2004

this question was actually in one of my nclex review books.

it said to cover the patient.

since you can do more damage by NOT covering them than by leaving them npo.

This was either kaplan, mosby or sylvia rayfield nclex review book/cd, i don't know which one.

xo

Jen

milicarr · Feb 7, 2004

thanks for the replies.

i have been more actively pursuing to have an endocrinologist to see diabetic patients at the hospital where i work. i have been working in this hospital for 6 months, and since i am a new lvn and an rn student; sometimes my opinions get overlooked. i question policies where i am told "are just done this way". i appreciate the input. i could not find a specific answer to my question in any text book.

:)

hospicemom · Jul 20, 2004

i have a question...
if i have a diabetic on a sliding scale who is npo for surgery, and the 11 am bs is 300. do i cover with insulin? i was under the impresion that you do not cover them. but there is another nurse who said that i should. i have tried looking for the answer in manuals. and every nurse i ask tells me that no, do not cover. who is right? and can i get any refrences so i can show this nurse if she is right or wrong. ty

there are usually guidlines to call the doc if over 250...with a 300 I would call either way....definatly if pt is symptomatic.