NPO in the ER

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Specializes in Tele, Cardiac Post Op, ER.

Which tests do patients really need to be NPO in for the ER, granted they are not vomiting, have some underlying GI issue that contraindicates being NPO.

thanks!

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Specializes in Cardiac, ER.

All of our pts are NPO until worked up et ok'd for PO by the doc. Not just for

"tests" but possible dx that may require surgery, angio, swallow screen, sedation etc....

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Specializes in Trauma/ED.

As a policy all pt's are NPO until evaluated by the provider but there are times that the RN will give fluids when it's appropriate.

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Specializes in CEN, CPEN, RN-BC.

The people who are NPO: C/o n/v/d x 4 days, I walk into the room and see an empty bag of doritos stuffed behind their pillow.

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Specializes in ER, IICU, PCU, PACU, EMS.

Our policy is everyone is NPO as soon as they walk through the doors. They have a sign at the entrance stating such. Not that patients obey it.

I had to take a look at it because I thought perhaps it stated "***** Diner", please come in and give your order to your triage nurse.

People who haven't "eaten for days" suddenly grow hungry once in the ED!

Go figure...

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Specializes in CEN, CPEN, RN-BC.
Our policy is everyone is NPO as soon as they walk through the doors. They have a sign at the entrance stating such. Not that patients obey it.

I had to take a look at it because I thought perhaps it stated "***** Diner", please come in and give your order to your triage nurse.

People who haven't "eaten for days" suddenly grow hungry once in the ED!

Go figure...

And those who have had non stop diarrhea for 3 days can't seem to ever give a sample for r/o cdiff

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In my ER, they are not as conspicuous with the Doritos. Usually you walk in on them eating. Then they want a turkey sandwich and some crackers not only for themselves, but for all 3 of their visitors as well.

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Specializes in ED, Ortho, LTC.

I'm convinced there is aerolized THC and Imodium in our department. Every patient who has had diarrhea for days is suddenly unable to provide a specimen and everybody has the munchies.

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Specializes in Transgender Medicine.

This thread reminded me of a funny instance about a week ago in my ER. Call bell went off and the pt called out for the nurse. I went in, and the pt's mother looked at me when I asked if I could do anything for them and said,"Yes, I'd like to order some fries please." It was 3am. God help us all...

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
All of our pts are NPO until worked up et ok'd for PO by the doc. Not just for

"tests" but possible dx that may require surgery, angio, swallow screen, sedation etc....

Ditto...

Although pt's don't always comply with this...I do wish we had the sign someone else mentioned, but I'm pretty sure a lot of our pts would not adhere to it (the "me only" rule...)

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

There's NPO in the ER ...

and then there's consuming several small meals from each fast food restaurant within a short distance from the hospital brought in by each successive visitor who also brings in the odor equivalent of a couple of drags off a cigarette during a 7-hour workup for everything under the sun while being ...

... NPO in the ER.

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Specializes in ER.

Had a man come in by ambulance for abd pain, and as the stretcher rolled by he was sipping a take out coffee, and had a chicken sandwich in his lap. He went straight to triage.

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