When should you avoid giving food or drink to a patient?

The provision of food or drink to a patient should be avoided when the patient is unconscious or has an altered mental status. In these situations, there is a significant risk of aspiration, which occurs when food or liquid enters the airway instead of the esophagus. This can lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia, both of which can have serious consequences for the patient.

Additionally, if a patient's mental status is altered, they may not be able to protect their airway or may not swallow safely, making it unsafe to provide any oral intake. Medical guidelines emphasize prioritizing patient safety, thus highlighting that the risks associated with feeding or hydrating patients in these states outweigh any potential benefits.

In contrast, providing food or drink to conscious and coherent patients is generally safe, provided they do not have any medical conditions that contraindicate oral intake. Similarly, a normal appetite indicates no immediate concerns about feeding. Although stress can affect a patient's willingness to eat or drink, it does not inherently pose the same risk as altered consciousness or unconsciousness regarding aspiration or safe swallowing.