Type of Diet General Description
NPO "Nothing per oral" (NPO)
is a medical abbreviation
indicating that a client
should not consume
anything by mouth. This
instruction is commonly
given before certain
medical procedures,
surgeries, or diagnostic
tests where it's necessary
for the client's stomach to
be empty.
General Liquid A general liquid diet
consists of clear liquids or
liquids that are easily
digestible and leave little
residue in the
gastrointestinal tract. This
type of diet is often
prescribed for various
medical reasons, including
preparation for certain
medical procedures,
recovery from surgery, or
management of
Indication/Purpose Specific Foods Taken
The indication for "nothing
per oral" (NPO) status in
medical practice serves
several crucial purposes
aimed at ensuring client
safety and optimal medical
outcomes. Primarily, NPO
instructions are commonly
given before surgeries to
minimize the risk of
aspiration during
anesthesia. By refraining
from eating or drinking
beforehand, the likelihood
of food or fluids entering
the lungs during the
procedure is significantly
reduced.
The purpose of a liquid diet
is to provide easily
digestible nutrients in a
form that is gentle on the
digestive system, allowing
for adequate hydration and
nourishment while
reducing the risk of
complications such as
aspiration or exacerbation
of underlying conditions. It
can help maintain or
restore electrolyte balance,
Client’s Response Nursing Responsibility
- The client was Prior
able to comply - Check the physician’s
with the doctor’s order.
order regarding - Instruct the client on NPO
the NPO diet. as ordered.
During
- Introduce yourself.
- Verify the client’s identity
- Inform the client to not eat
N/A
and drink.
- Explain the reason and
purpose of the diet to the
client and her family.
After
- Document the client’s
response towards the diet.
March 6, 2024 - The client and her Prior
5 AM family was able - Check the physician’s
to comply with order.
250 mL of Water the doctor’s order - Instruct the client to take
regarding the liquid diet as ordered.
general liquid - Explain the purpose of the
diet. The client diet to the client and her
drank water to family.
sustain her diet. During
- Monitor the client’s liquid
intake. Ensure that the
client is able to receive
adequate nutrition.
 gastrointestinal conditions.
Soft Diet A soft diet, also called a
bland diet, is made up of
foods that are easy to
digest. They are usually
soft in texture and low in
fiber. The idea is to eat
foods that are easy to
swallow and that client
don’t need to chew much.
prevent dehydration, and - Observe the client closely
promote healing. for any indications of
dehydration, electrolyte
imbalances, and other
potential complications
that could result from
prescribed liquid diet.
After
- Document the client’s
intake including the types
and amount of liquid
intake.
- Record the client’s
response towards the diet.
Soft diets help most types March 6, 2024 - The client and her Prior:
of dysphagia by making it 7 AM family was able
easier to move food in the Breakfast to comply with
mouth and esophagus. Soft the doctor's order - Assess the client’s
food also decreases ½ cup of Lugaw regarding the soft nutritional status.
aspiration by reducing the 250 ml of Water diet. They bought
need for separate fluid Lunch lugaw for - Assess the client's
intake, which is a potential breakfast and appetite, food preferences,
source of aspiration. 1 cup of Sopas sopas for lunch to and any food allergies or
As a progression from the 300 ml of Water sustain the client's intolerance.
full liquid diet to a general diet.
diet. The soft diet can also - Ensure that the client’s
be used for a postoperative cultural considerations are
client who is too ill to taken into account.
tolerate a general diet. The
soft diet may also be - Educate the client about
needed for clients who are the importance of
too weak or whose following the ordered diet,
dentition is too poor to the types of food that are
handle all foods on a allowed, and the foods
general diet. that should be avoided.

- Instruct the client to eat

soft food that is easy to
swallow and digest.

During:

- Provide assistance with

feeding if the client
requires it, ensuring that
they are positioned
properly and that the food
is presented in a way that
promotes safe swallowing.

- Monitor the client’s food

intake to ensure that they
are consuming the
recommended amount of
nutrients.

- Monitor the client's

dietary intake and
document any deviations
or difficulties in adhering
to the soft diet.

- Communicate with the

healthcare team about the
client's progress and any
concerns related to the soft
 diet.

After:

- Document the client's

dietary intake, any
difficulties experienced
during meals, and any
changes in nutritional
status.

References:

Uvaradweb. (2022, June 24). NPO, or nothing by mouth: 3 things you need to know. UVA Radiology and Medical Imaging Blog for Patients.

https://blog.radiology.virginia.edu/npo-definition/

Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Clear Liquid Diet. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21764-clear-liquid-diet

WebMD Editorial Contributors. (2023, July 12). What is a soft food diet? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-a-soft-food-diet