NPO for 36 hours or more?

Nurses Safety

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Anyway, it's like this.

My cousin was diagnosed with dengue fever.

During the first 5 days of his confinement, his fever would usually range from 39oc - 41oc. he also has black tarry stool which was why the doctor gave a NPO status order on him.

so far, he hasn't been febrile for 24 hours now. however, I'm rather concerned about the NPO status. he hasn't eaten anything for 36 hours and he's getting weaker and weaker.

aside from that, his platelet count has dropped to 80,000 microliter (x 10-6/Liter) of blood.

is it okey for him to continue on NPO for more than 36 hours? will a D5LR be able to sustain him for that long?

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.

There are many patients that are NPO for much longer than 36 hours. As long as they are on adequate IV hydration (preferable w/at least some electrolytes and glucose in the drip), they do okay.

While I am not that familiar with DF, if a patient is having severe diarrhea and/or passing blood in the worst part of the disease, it is better to let the gut "rest" for a while so it can recover from the fevers, disease and heal more easily.

While the platelet count is low, I have plenty of onco/hemo patients walking around with counts of 25-50K. They will monitor for the bleeding, and may transfuse platelets if there is excess bleeding. As I am not that familiar with DF, I do not know if it is an expected side effect of the disease.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/CVICU/ED/HS.

I agree with carolady...36 hours seems like a long time, especially if it is you or a loved one, but, they are usually given a "banana bag" to sustain the metabolism and to rest the gut...DF is a nasty disease and the rest is really needed. The platelets are low, but, I have seen MUCH lower before platelets are given. Hang in there...Will be praying for you both.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm sorry we are unable to provide medical advice at All Nurses. Please ask the doctor your questions. He would be able to answer your questions...take care.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.
emedicine - dengue fever : article by daniel d price, md
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