Updated Fasting Guidelines Clear Fluids — FRCA Final MCQ

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EasyPreoperative AssessmentUpdated Fasting Guidelines Clear FluidsFRCA Final

A 48-year-old man (ASA II, 90 kg) with known OSA is scheduled for a septoplasty. The ENT surgeon wants nasal intubation. The current fasting status is 8 hours for solids and 3 hours for clear fluids. He is on CPAP at home. What is the AAGBI-recommended preoperative fasting period for clear fluids in adults?

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Correct answer: A — 1 hour

The Association of Anaesthetists updated fasting guidelines (2022) recommend: clear fluids up to 1 hour before induction of anaesthesia (reduced from the previous 2-hour recommendation). This is based on evidence that gastric emptying of clear fluids occurs within 30-60 minutes, and prolonged fasting causes dehydration, hypoglycaemia, and patient discomfort without improving safety. Solids remain at 6 hours. Chewing gum is treated as clear fluid. These guidelines apply to healthy adults without delayed gastric emptying.

Reference: Association of Anaesthetists – 2022 – Pre-operative fasting guidelines; RCOA – 2023 – Perioperative care