Does a patient need to be nil per os (NPO) for thoracentesis?

From the Research

Thoracentesis and NPO Requirements

• There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that specifically addresses the need for nil per os (NPO) for thoracentesis.
• However, the studies suggest that NPO orders are often overused and may not be necessary for many medical procedures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
• The evidence indicates that prolonged fasting can reduce patient cooperation and satisfaction, and may contribute to a higher rate of complications 1.
• Some studies recommend a more targeted approach to NPO, reserving it only for patients at high risk of aspiration 2, 3, 4.
• The use of clear liquids up to two hours before elective procedures is now encouraged, and NPO guidelines have become increasingly permissive 3, 4.

Implications for Thoracentesis

• While there is no direct evidence on NPO for thoracentesis, the trend in the provided studies suggests that NPO may not be necessary for this procedure.
• The decision to require NPO for thoracentesis should be based on individual patient risk factors and the specific procedure being performed 2, 3, 4.
• Further research is needed to determine the optimal approach to NPO for thoracentesis and other medical procedures.