2007-09-06 16:29:54 · 6 answers · asked by nemosax 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
it depends...some people who are under "strict" npo--can have nothing at all! Usually it is because they are doing a procedure regarding the stomach or perhaps they have a low sodium intake.
Most people who are npo can have ice chips and sips of water
2007-09-06 16:38:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
The ones who are allowed ice chips are usually NPO because they are facing surgery. The doctors want the stomach empty so they don't aspirate. The little bit of water in a few ice chips is not going to fill them up.
2007-09-06 16:39:24 · answer #2 · answered by nursesr4evr 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, for the simple reason that as long as the person is not at risk for aspiration of those ice chips, it keeps the patient's mouth moist. There are numerous reasons for a patient to go NPO, but the reasoning for it is the same, keep the stomach empty and the patient comfortable.
I had a stroke patient who was NPO but allowed popsicles. she couldn't swallow but it gave her something to wet her mouth and a chance to taste some flavor.
2007-09-06 17:42:23 · answer #3 · answered by Troy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some patients are held NPO for the reasons as stated in answers above such as preparation for surgery but others still may be scheduled for a test such as a PET Scan where they are injected with irradiated Glucose and need a fasting-level blood sugar in order to obtain a proper result. While food could affect the absorption rate of the "contrast glucose" water in any form such as ice chips would have no effect.
2007-09-06 17:17:46 · answer #4 · answered by ResQMedic4806 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Nothing By Mouth
2016-09-29 00:18:42 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some patients who have oropharyngeal dysphagia and cannot tolerate thin liquids are unable to manage melted ice chips (i.e., water). Aspiration of water can cause pneumonia in such cases.
2007-09-07 07:35:25 · answer #6 · answered by boogeywoogy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋