Clear Fluid Fasting 1 Hour — FRCA Final MCQ

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EasyPreoperative AssessmentClear Fluid Fasting 1 HourFRCA Final

A 32-year-old woman (ASA I) is having dental extractions under general anaesthesia as a day case. She weighs 60 kg and has no comorbidities. The procedure lasts 15 minutes. According to the AAGBI 2022 updated fasting guidelines, she could have drunk water up to how long before induction?

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Correct answer: A — 1 hour

The Association of Anaesthetists updated fasting guidelines (2022) recommend that healthy adults can drink clear fluids (water, black tea/coffee, apple juice) up to 1 hour before elective anaesthesia. This was reduced from the previous 2-hour guideline. The evidence shows that gastric emptying of clear fluids is rapid (typically <60 minutes) and prolonged fasting causes dehydration, headache, and nausea without improving safety. This 1-hour guideline applies to healthy adults; patients with delayed gastric emptying (diabetes, opioids, pregnancy, bowel obstruction) should follow specific guidance.

Reference: Association of Anaesthetists – 2022 – Pre-operative fasting in adults and children