NPO and giving meds

[harley_fan]

When you have a patient that is NPO do you still give their medications? Do you make a decision based on why they are NPO, such as having a CT, MRI, bone marrow bx, or surgery? I had been told from other nurses to give the patient their meds. Any input would be great. Thanks!

[begalli]

Instead of guessing, why not just call your doc and get an order to clarify the NPO.

That'll cover you.

[tommycher]

Oftentimes in the physician orders it will say either NPO except meds, or just NPO. I do not give meds if it does not say except meds, unless I have a pt. NPO with HTN and needs the meds, then I will either call the dept doing the procedure to find out if it is okay, if they say no, I call the doc.

[pokey sn]

The doc usually clarifies. Usually we give anti HTN meds with sip of water and that's it. Colace and things like that are held.

Pokey

[Burnt Out, ASN, RN]

If they are NPO for surgery or a heart cath, our standing orders have NPO except meds. For other things that require them to be NPO, we just wait until they return and are allowed intake (ex. a Bronch or EGD). If they are having a CT of the abd/pelvis and they are hypertensive, we call radiology and ask the techs about their meds: if we don't like their answer, we page the doc.

[KacyLynnRN]

I never give meds if the pt. is NPO unless the Dr. orders NPO except meds. If I am concerned about if a pt. should have a certain med held or not, I will call the MD to clarify the NPO order. Hope this helps.