Question

Metoclopramide may be given as a preoperative medication in order to ?

1) Relieve apprehension
2) Reduce risk of aspiration
3) Relieve discomfort
4) To control secretions

Answer 1

Metoclopramide is administered preoperatively to reduce the risk of aspiration by accelerating gastric emptying and increasing the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter.

Step-by-step explanation:

Metoclopramide may be given as a preoperative medication primarily to reduce the risk of aspiration. When patients undergo surgery, there is a risk of stomach contents being regurgitated and then aspirated into the lungs, which can lead to serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Metoclopramide works by increasing the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter and speeding up gastric emptying, thus reducing the chance of vomitus reaching the oropharynx and being inhaled into the lungs.