In a patient with wound evisceration, which feeding precaution is recommended?

In a patient with wound evisceration, which feeding precaution is recommended?

• A. Keep the patient NPO.
• B. Start clear liquids only.
• C. Offer a full meal.
• D. Provide a small snack.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is to protect the airway and avoid complications while a wound evisceration is being managed. Keeping the patient NPO prevents aspiration if vomiting occurs and allows for urgent evaluation or potential reoperation without the risk of food or fluids entering the airway. It also minimizes distention and potential pressure on the compromised abdominal area, supporting safer surgical management and healing. Feeding a clear liquid, full meal, or snack could increase aspiration risk and complicate urgent care, so those options are not appropriate. In this situation, oral intake remains withholding until the surgical team clears the patient.

The key idea is to protect the airway and avoid complications while a wound evisceration is being managed. Keeping the patient NPO prevents aspiration if vomiting occurs and allows for urgent evaluation or potential reoperation without the risk of food or fluids entering the airway. It also minimizes distention and potential pressure on the compromised abdominal area, supporting safer surgical management and healing. Feeding a clear liquid, full meal, or snack could increase aspiration risk and complicate urgent care, so those options are not appropriate. In this situation, oral intake remains withholding until the surgical team clears the patient.