Question

Why was Stan NPO in the scenario?

A) To prevent aspiration in case of surgery
B) To decrease stomach acid production
C) To prevent infection
D) To promote wound healing

Answer 1

Stan was likely NPO to prevent aspiration in the case of surgery, as this is a standard precaution to avoid the complications such as pneumonia that can occur if stomach contents are aspirated into the lungs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question relates to why a patient named Stan was NPO in a given scenario. The term NPO stands for 'nil per os' or 'nothing by mouth,' which is a medical instruction meaning to withhold all food and fluids. It is likely that Stan was NPO to prevent aspiration in the case of surgery. When a patient is under anesthesia, the body's reflexes are relaxed, and the risk of stomach contents being aspirated into the lungs is higher, which could lead to pneumonia or other serious complications. Therefore, keeping Stan NPO is a precautionary measure to minimize this risk.