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Discussion

Question from Exam

Quick question about a question that was on our final exam (which we can't review)

Don't know if I got this one right.

As far as a patient resuming oral intake -- safe for oral intake etc..

is it more important that they

a. the patient is alert

b. the return of the gag reflex.

those are the two I was deciding between. I answered the gag reflex, because that is always checked post - op. A pt. could be lethargic and still be able to take oral fluids.

but then LOC is the most important risk for aspiration right?

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    I think you got it right.

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    remember safety is always first. patient can be alert but unable to take oral meds safely. Always assess if they have any problems with swallowing.

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    Gag reflex is most important. You can't give anything by mouth until they have the gag reflex.

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    i had a similar question on a exam and i picked gag reflex.

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    but then LOC is the most important risk for aspiration right?

    Not in the context of this question.

    I would pick the same answer as you. It doesn't matter how alert a patient is if they lack the ability to swallow.

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    Did the question say what kind of procedure they had done? A lot of times I see questions about post-bronchoscopy care, and those kinds of questions are almost always checking to see if you know to assess for the return of gag reflex.

    I (vaguely) remember being given sips of ginger ale while in recovery from an out-patient surgery. So yes, they will give PO fluids even if LOC is not yet back to normal...

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