PO Challenge Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the PO challenge?

A response therapy to a patient who is suffering from nausea and/or vomiting.

What is the FIRST step in the PO challenge?

A NPO diet that lasts for 2 hours.

What is the SECOND step in the PO challenge?

Switch to ice chips after 2 hours.

What is the THIRD step in the PO challenge?

Patients start having sips of water. Signup and view all the answers

What is the FOURTH step in the PO challenge?

Introduce clear liquids. Signup and view all the answers

What is the FIFTH step in the PO challenge?

Begin the BRAT diet. Signup and view all the answers

What is the SIXTH step in the PO challenge?

Introduce simple sugars, like a glazed donut. Signup and view all the answers

What is the SEVENTH step in the PO challenge?

Return to a full diet except for dairy, seeds, and acidic beverages. Signup and view all the answers

What is the EIGHTH step in the PO challenge?

Return to a full diet. Signup and view all the answers

If a patient feels nausea or vomits again at any point during this process, what should you do?

Start from the very beginning. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

PO Challenge Overview

The PO (Per Oral) Challenge is a therapeutic response for patients experiencing nausea and/or vomiting.
It is used for patients who are actively nauseous or recovering and have difficulties consuming food.

Steps of the PO Challenge

Step One: NPO Diet
- Begin with a diet of NPO (nothing by mouth) except for medications.
- Allows the patient to take necessary medications with small sips of water.
- Duration of this stage is 2 hours.
Step Two: Ice Chips
- After the NPO stage, introduce ice chips.
- This helps gently introduce liquid into the body.
- Continue this stage for another 2 hours.
Step Three: Sips of Water
- Patients can start taking sips of water.
- This phase lasts for the next 2 hours.
Step Four: Clear Liquids
- Transition to clear liquids including:
  - Water and ice chips
  - Clear juices (e.g., apple juice)
  - Broth
  - Jell-O
  - Clear frozen pops
  - Weak tea (mostly water, with a small amount of tea)
  - Flat soda (ginger ale)
- Continue this clear liquid diet for 2 hours.
Step Five: BRAT Diet
- Begin the BRAT diet, which includes:
  - Bananas
  - Rice
  - Apple Sauce
  - Toast (without butter)
- Maintain this diet for another 2 hours.
Step Six: Simple Sugars
- Introduce simple sugars, like glazed donuts.
- Continue this diet for an additional 2 hours.
Step Seven: Return to Full Diet (with restrictions)
- Resume a full diet but avoid:
  - Dairy products
  - Seeds
  - Acidic beverages
- The patient maintains this for 2 hours.
Step Eight: Full Diet
- The final step is to return to a full unrestricted diet.

Important Note

If the patient experiences nausea or vomiting at any stage, restart the process from the very beginning, regardless of the current step.

Description

Test your understanding of the PO Challenge and its application in therapy. This quiz covers essential definitions and dietary steps for managing nausea and vomiting. Perfect for nursing students or healthcare professionals.