npo question

[julezzz26]

if a pt is npo and wants to chew gum is it ok? thanks.

[RedSox33RN]

I never give anything when NPO either. I even learned the hard way in nursing school, not to give any amount more than a tablespoon of ice chps if those are ordered. I had one that would just let 'em melt and drink them. Luckily my instructor and I caught him doing this on the second round of ice chips, and since then, NPO means "nothing"!

[madwife2002, BSN, RN]

I just recently went for surgery and was specifically told NPO, no ice, no gum no candy. I had never even considered giving my pts anything when they are NPO so this is interesting thread.

[mpccrn, BSN, RN]

i guess i'm from the old school......npo means npo. no gum, candy, ice. i discourage it even when it's ordered. it's been my experience it usually prolongs the ileous and buys the ngt longer post surgery. makes no sense to me to fill a gut when a tube is there emptying it....the possible consequences just don't equal the few minutes of pleasure. i do make swabs available though to moisten the mouth.