What should a healthcare provider do for a patient with acute abdominal pain?

In cases of acute abdominal pain, keeping the patient NPO (nil per os, or nothing by mouth) is critical. This is important for a few reasons. First, if the cause of the abdominal pain requires surgical intervention, having an empty stomach prevents complications during the procedure, such as aspiration. Additionally, some conditions that can cause acute abdominal pain may lead to nausea and vomiting; allowing the patient to eat or drink could exacerbate these symptoms or lead to further complications.

In a clinical setting, maintaining NPO status enables healthcare professionals to conduct necessary diagnostic tests, like imaging or scopes, without delay and ensures appropriate management of the patient's care. The other options may incorrectly exacerbate the patient's condition or complicate diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, keeping the patient NPO is the best practice in this scenario.