During preoperative assessment for a 7:30 case, the patient indicates to the nurse that he had a cup ...

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For fatty, fried, and meat sources, the recommended fast is 8 hours. Fasting from intake of a light meal or from nonhuman milk for 6 or more hours, breast milk for 4 or more hours, and clear liquids for 2 to 3 hours before elective procedures requiring general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, or sedation is recommended. A delay in or cancellation of surgery will be in order for this case. Questions regarding components of the coffee (e.g., milk; can determine the length of time for a delay), asking why, and evaluating the preoperative education may all be items to be addressed, especially from a performance improvement perspective, but at this time in caring for this patient, a delay or cancellation is in order.