Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

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What is the minimum fasting duration for food before anesthesia?

2 hours
6 hours
8 hours
12 hours

The correct answer is: 6 hours

The minimum fasting duration before anesthesia typically recommended is six hours for solid food. This time frame is based on guidelines aimed at reducing the risk of aspiration during induction of anesthesia. When a patient eats solid food, the stomach takes longer to empty than it does for clear liquids. Hence, fasting for six hours allows enough time for the stomach contents to reduce, minimizing the chance of aspiration. For clear liquids, the recommendation is usually shorter, often around two hours. However, the six-hour rule serves as a standard for most solid foods and is in place to ensure patient safety. This guideline supports the body’s physiological processes in preparation for surgery and helps in a smooth anesthetic induction without complications.