Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Why should nothing be given by mouth to a patient with acute abdominal pain?

1. The stomach must be empty prior to surgical intervention

2. The patient may have food allergies

3. The patient might choke on the food

4. The patient is not hungry

The correct answer is: The stomach must be empty prior to surgical intervention

When addressing a patient with acute abdominal pain, it is crucial to keep the stomach empty, especially if surgical intervention may be necessary. The primary reason is that if surgery is indicated, having food or liquids in the stomach can lead to a number of complications during the procedure. For example, it increases the risk of aspiration, where stomach contents could enter the lungs during anesthesia, posing a serious risk to the patient’s health. Additionally, if the patient’s condition requires surgery, an empty stomach can facilitate a quicker and more efficient surgical operation, as the surgical team can work without the complications that eating might introduce, such as distended bowels or unexpected reactions to anesthesia. Therefore, ensuring that nothing is given by mouth is a standard protocol to prepare for potential further medical interventions safely.