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Tag: Medical guidelines

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

Understanding the Fluid Requirements for TPN

4 min read
Determining the precise fluid requirements for TPN is a complex, individualized process that depends on a patient's overall clinical condition, weight, age, and existing fluid balance. Adults typically require a certain range of water per kilogram of body weight per day during parenteral nutrition.

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 Orange Juice a Clear Liquid for Surgery?

3 min read
According to guidelines from major health institutions like the Mayo Clinic and UCLA Health, a liquid is considered 'clear' if you can see through it. Given its cloudy appearance and pulp, is orange juice a clear liquid for surgery, and is it safe to drink before a procedure?

What is a normal tube feed bolus?

4 min read
According to a UK survey, one-third of home enteral feeding patients use bolus feeding. A normal tube feed bolus typically involves delivering 200–400 mL of formula over 10–60 minutes, several times daily. This method mimics a natural meal pattern and provides greater independence for the patient.

How Often Do Feeding Bags Need to Be Changed?

4 min read
According to current clinical guidelines from many institutions, enteral feeding bags and their tubing should be changed at least every 24 hours to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination. The frequency, however, can vary slightly depending on the specific feeding method, formula type, and system being used. Proper and timely replacement is a cornerstone of safe and effective tube feeding management for both patients and caregivers.

Which Vein is Best for TPN and Why?

4 min read
Due to its high concentration and osmolality, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) cannot be administered through a regular peripheral IV and requires central venous access. Choosing which vein is best for TPN is a critical decision that balances the patient's nutritional needs with the potential risks associated with different venous access sites. This choice depends on the anticipated duration of therapy, the patient's condition, and specific complication risks associated with each site.

What Can You Drink While Fasting for Blood Work?

4 min read
According to the Cleveland Clinic, if your healthcare provider tells you to fast for blood work, it means you can't have anything but water for a specific period. Sticking to plain water is crucial for obtaining accurate and reliable results from tests that measure substances like glucose and triglycerides.

Understanding the Guidelines: How high to hang a feeding bag from a pump?

4 min read
Studies have shown that even with an electronic pump, the hang height of an enteral feeding bag can influence the accuracy of formula delivery, with inconsistent heights leading to discrepancies between programmed and delivered volumes. This is a crucial distinction from gravity feeding and underscores the importance of proper setup for optimal patient nutrition.

Is it OK to drink coffee before colonoscopy? Here's What to Know

4 min read
Proper bowel cleansing is the most critical factor for an accurate colonoscopy, and adhering to diet rules is a major part of that preparation. For many, this brings up the pressing question: is it okay to drink coffee before colonoscopy? The answer is more nuanced than a simple 'yes' or 'no', and depends heavily on timing and what you add to it.

Can I have Premier Protein before a colonoscopy? The definitive guide

5 min read
According to the American Cancer Society, a successful colonoscopy depends on a thorough bowel cleansing, which requires strict adherence to dietary guidelines. This preparation often involves a clear liquid diet the day before the procedure, leading many people to question if popular nutritional supplements like Premier Protein shakes are allowed.