Ice ok if on NPO?

[phatso]

I've had nurses and CNAs tell me its ok during clinicals.

So apparently it's ok in the real world.

But is that the correct answer on an exam if the choices include

a. no foods or liquids

versus

b. small amounts of ice

[Reese2012]

NPO where I worked means no foods or liquids

[jesskidding, LPN]

NPO - No foods or liquids. That's at my facility. If ice chips are allowed, the sign on the door says NPO and underneath NPO it will say "except for ice chips".

However, if you are not 100% sure...don't give anything!

[phatso]

yeah you would think nothing by mouth means absolutely nothing...

but their rationale was that a small amt of ice is not going to make a difference

similarly, i've been told to give oral care under similar circumstances

but again, i've also been told to give oral care but make sure they don't swallow

so.... i am confused about textbook correct answer, especially since this isn't addressed in any of my textbooks

[jesskidding, LPN]

I've had NPO pts that have been allowed ice chips and others who can't have anything. It really just depends on the dr and what exactly they ordered. Check the chart to make sure.

[phatso]

hmmm ok ill just chalk this up as one of those exam questions where every teacher will have a different correct answer. thats nursing school for you lol

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

I've had NPO pts that have been allowed ice chips and others who can't have anything. It really just depends on the dr and what exactly they ordered. Check the chart to make sure.

Usually they will specify "NPO, hold PO meds" or "NPO, ok to give PO meds" and specify if the patient can ice chips. If you're giving PO meds, you have to give some water with them, too...but I don't give them a whole glassful. Just enough so they can take their pills.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

It usually depends on why they are NPO. Laboring women are usually NPO except for ice chips. Some places include water. It is to reduce vomiting during labor. Someone who is NPO due to vomiting might be allowed ice chips. Someone who is NPO for a surgical procedure will probably not be allowed ice chips.

[jesskidding, LPN]

It usually depends on why they are NPO. Laboring women are usually NPO except for ice chips. Some places include water. It is to reduce vomiting during labor. Someone who is NPO due to vomiting might be allowed ice chips. Someone who is NPO for a surgical procedure will probably not be allowed ice chips.

I agree!

[BBRANRN2013, ASN, RN]

NPO to me means Nothing By Mouth...Ice goes in your mouth! I'm just guessing here though!

[CBsMommy]

Textbook answer means nothing by mouth.

Real life answer: Depends. If a patient has been NPO for 8 hours and their surgery gets pushed back, I will let probably let them wet their mouth with a washrag or get them a couple of ice chips (which will just be absorbed anyway). Have you ever been 8 hours without a drink (except sleep)? It's miserable.

[nowim clean]

For the test NPO = nothing. Once you have passed boards and are working you will see orders npo, npo expect sips with oral medication, npo expect small ice chips, so dont over read or guess on test go with what you know and forget what we rns have told you in clinical. your teachers will not set you up for failure.