Key result
Preoperative fasting times like the 2-4-6 rule may need revision to ensure high-quality patient care.
Why the study?
National and international preoperative fasting guidelines promote shorter fasting times, but latest evidence suggests these times need revision and implementation is inconsistent.
Current preoperative fasting guidelines may need revision to ensure consistent, high-quality patient care.
Does not support changing fasting protocols yet; leaves open need for prospective trials on optimal times.
Many nurses will still be familiar with the instruction 'nil by mouth from midnight' traditionally given to patients preparing to undergo surgery. National and international guidelines now promote much shorter preoperative fasting times, encapsulated in the '2-4-6 rule' - two hours for clear fluids, four hours for breast milk and six hours for solids. The latest evidence appears to show that these fasting times are in need of revision. Furthermore, there are inconsistencies in how guidelines are implemented. This article explores the guidelines and literature on preoperative fasting in adults and children to determine what the evidence is and what changes could be made to ensure consistent, high-quality patient care.
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Cathy Liddle (2022) conducted a review in Preparing to undergo surgery. Preoperative fasting guidelines was evaluated. Current evidence suggests that preoperative fasting times, including the '2-4-6 rule', may need revision to ensure consistent, high-quality patient care.
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