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NTI

Concurrent C60M383

Breaking the Fast: Rethinking NPO After Midnight

Facilitator(s): Sherry A Allen, DNP, RN, CCRN, TCRN; Tricia Barriero

Contact Hours 1.00
CERP A 1.00
San Diego Conference
Date Wednesday 5/20/2026
Time 4:30PM - 5:30PM PT

Session Summary

Despite current evidence and guidelines, outdated NPO-after-midnight orders remain common in critical care. Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols present unique challenges in trauma due to unpredictable procedures. Attendees learn the history behind a preoperative diet order with carb-loading to reduce prolonged fasting, the evidence supporting change and strategies to overcome barriers within large systems.

Objectives

  • Explain the physiological impact of nutrition and fasting on postoperative recovery and outcomes.
  • Summarize evidence and guidelines supporting updated preprocedural nutrition practices, including oral carbohydrate-loading.
  • Identify strategies to implement an evidence-based initiative in a large, complex healthcare system.
Topics Gastrointestinal
Population Adult
Role Staff

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Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Successful Completion

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation to be awarded contact hours AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for 1.00 contact hours.

Disclosure

Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content will be identified by the Nurse Planner within the activity. Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content has been mitigated.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN, ANCC, or CBRN approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity.

Activities with pharmacology hours are to assist the APRN in fulfilling the pharmacotherapeutic education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Activities meet the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your own state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting your certificate of completion. 

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.