Patient CareQuestion 31 of 100
A patient's chart states 'NPO after midnight' for a scheduled procedure. In the morning the patient asks for water. What should the technician do?
a.Withhold food and fluids and explain the patient is NPO, then notify the nurse of the request
b.Give a small glass of water since it is only water
c.Offer ice chips freely
d.Provide a full breakfast
Explanation
NPO means nothing by mouth, so the patient must not receive food or fluids, including water and ice chips, until cleared. The technician should explain the reason kindly and inform the nurse of the patient's request. Giving fluids could force cancellation of the procedure or cause aspiration during anesthesia.
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