Pediatric Dentistry · single question
A child presents for sedation. The mother states the child did not eat, but the child says they had a bowl of cereal. What should the dentist do?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Reschedule the appointment
- A. Antiemetics do not mitigate the aspiration risk from solid food ingestion.
- B. Cereal is a solid food — it is NOT a 'light meal' for sedation fasting purposes. NPO requirements apply.
- C. Proceeding with any sedation when fasting status is uncertain is unsafe.
- D. Correct. When there is any uncertainty about a patient's fasting status before sedation, the appointment must be rescheduled. The risk of aspiration under sedation with a full stomach is too great to take any chances.
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