NPO-student question:)

[sweetieann]

On one floor I was on for clinical, the Dr. would write "NPO except meds." On the floor I'm at for clinical now, when the Dr. writes NPO, the meds are still given (unless say--it's heparin and the pt is going for an invasive procedure, in which case Heparin would be held). Whats the common practice? If a pt is NPO and they're on DIg or BP meds, I'm assuming these are still given regardless (if the pulse and BP are in correct parameters for administering the meds of course)?

What do you guys do?

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

In every hospital where I've worked, "NPO except for meds" means scheduled meds are to be given (w/ sips of water, of course) at their appointed times, even if the pt. is going for surgery or other procedure that requires NPO status. These meds are usually, but not always, the ones the pt. normally takes for HTN, diabetes etc. as it's important to manage chronic conditions during the perioperative period, e.g., the benefit to the patient outweighs the small risk posed by having something in the stomach prior to anesthesia.

Hope that answers your question.:)

[rntg]

It depends on the reason they are NPO and we usually get that clarified. I work on a med-surg floor and many of our patiens are NPO with NG's so obviously they would be sucked right out, or have had stomach or colon surgeries, or there for ABD pain. We monitor their vital signs and if it is necessary, then we call the doc to be able to either give them their oral meds or something IV. We never give their diabetic oral meds till they are back on their regular diet. Until then we cover them with a regular insulin sliding scale. My advice, always clarify.

[sweetieann]

In every hospital where I've worked, "NPO except for meds" means scheduled meds are to be given (w/ sips of water, of course) at their appointed times, even if the pt. is going for surgery or other procedure that requires NPO status. These meds are usually, but not always, the ones the pt. normally takes for HTN, diabetes etc. as it's important to manage chronic conditions during the perioperative period, e.g., the benefit to the patient outweighs the small risk posed by having something in the stomach prior to anesthesia.

Hope that answers your question.:)

thanks! one more question: if a pt is havign a procedure and is scheduled to be off the floor at say 1:00, (and assumign the procedure takes more than 1 hr)...would you give their 2 o'clock meds at 1:00 or just wait till they come back from the floor?

these probably sound like really obvious questions, but it's these basic things I worry about

[zacarias, ASN, RN]

It depends on the med sometimes. If they are going to be gone awhile then yes I would give it if I thought ahead. Occasionally I might not give it early if it's IV BP med or something that would take a long time to infuse. This is often nursing judgment.