One of the things a nurse has taught to a patient during preoperative teaching is to have nothing by mouth for the specified time before surgery. The patient asks the nurse why this is important. What is the most appropriate response for the patient?

Question

A) "You will need to have food and fluid restricted before surgery so you are not at risk for choking."
B) "The restriction of food or fluid will prevent the development of pneumonia related to decreased lung capacity."
C) "The presence of food in the stomach interferes with the absorption of anesthetic agents."
D) "By withholding food for 8 hours before surgery, you will not develop constipation in the postoperative period."

Answer 1

Ans: A
Feedback:
The major purpose of withholding food and fluid before surgery is to prevent aspiration. There is no scientific basis for withholding food and the development of pneumonia or interference with absorption of anesthetic agents. Constipation in patients in the postoperative period is related to the anesthesia, not from withholding food or fluid in the hours before surgery.