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Category: Medical guidelines

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

Can you have black coffee if you are NPO?

3 min read
According to guidelines from the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), clear liquids like black coffee are generally permitted up to two hours before a procedure requiring anesthesia. The rule of thumb for whether black coffee is permitted when NPO depends on factors such as the type of liquid and the timing relative to the procedure.

Is Black Coffee Considered a Clear Fluid Before Surgery?

3 min read
According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), black coffee is explicitly included in their definition of clear liquids permitted before a medical procedure. The key, however, is that for coffee to be considered a clear fluid before surgery, it must be completely plain—without any milk, cream, or sugar.

What is considered a light breakfast the day before surgery?

3 min read
According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, drinking clear liquids up to two hours before a procedure can be safe for many patients. A light breakfast the day before surgery focuses on easily digestible foods that minimize complications. Understanding these guidelines is essential for patient safety.

Understanding the Recommended Gir for TPN Patients

3 min read
Hyperglycemia is a frequent and potentially serious complication of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Consequently, understanding what is the recommended Gir for TPN patients is critical to ensure patient safety, optimize glucose utilization, and prevent metabolic complications across diverse patient populations.

When to Initiate TPN? Understanding the Guidelines and Patient Selection

4 min read
Malnutrition is alarmingly prevalent in hospitalized patients, affecting a significant portion and complicating recovery. The decision of when to initiate TPN, or Total Parenteral Nutrition, is a complex clinical judgment that requires careful consideration of the patient's condition, nutritional status, and functional capacity of the gastrointestinal tract to provide necessary sustenance.

What is the threshold for iron chelation?

3 min read
The human body lacks a natural mechanism to excrete excess iron, leading to its accumulation in organs like the liver and heart. This systemic iron overload can cause significant organ dysfunction and premature mortality if left untreated. For this reason, understanding the threshold for iron chelation is critical for timely therapeutic intervention and effective patient management.

When to Initiate TPN According to ASPEN Guidelines

1 min read
According to the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), the timing for initiating Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) is not a one-size-fits-all approach and depends heavily on the patient's nutritional status and clinical condition. A clear understanding of these guidelines is critical for optimizing nutritional support and improving patient outcomes.

Understanding When Should Parenteral Nutrition Be Started

3 min read
Malnutrition is highly prevalent in hospitalized patients, affecting 20 to 40% of critically ill individuals. Deciding when should parenteral nutrition be started is a complex clinical judgment call, balancing the risk of starvation with potential complications associated with intravenous feeding.

Understanding How Many ORS Can You Drink Per Day Safely

4 min read
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is a life-saving treatment for dehydration, particularly from diarrhea, significantly reducing mortality rates globally according to the World Health Organization (WHO). However, the effectiveness and safety of ORS depend on using the correct amount, which varies based on individual factors.