Page 16 - Registrar Orientation Manual 2016

1. Overview 1.1 Purpose:
Procedure
Paediatric Fasting / Nil by mouth Pre-anaesthesia
This procedure applies to paediatrics undergoing surgery. Paediatrics/children are not to be excessively deprived of nourishment or fluids pre-operatively. Discomfort caused by short periods of fasting is usually related to thirst rather than hunger. As such fasting times should be as close as possible to the minimum fasting times listed below. Paediatrics are less distressed and do better peri-operatively if clear fluids with carbohydrates are given as close as possible to 2 hours pre-operatively. This could include specialised pre-operative drinks if available or other clear fluids such as powerade, cordial and juices which will be better that merely water. Every effort should be made to check surgical times and give this clear fluid up till 2 hours pre-operatively.
1.2 Patient / client group:
This procedure applies to paediatric patients undergoing the above.
2. Definitions:
Clear Oral Fluids:
 Water
 Clear juices
 Powerade
 Ice popsicles
 Paedialyte
 Specialised carbohydrate drink
Food:
 Solid food
 Lollies
 Jelly
 Cow’s milk
 Formula
 Milk products
 Juice containing pulp
Breast Milk
Doc ID:
2756
Version:
01
Issue Date:
Aug 2015
Review
Aug 2018
Document Owner:
Consultant Anaesthetist
Department:
Anaesthesia
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