In my days of working in a hospital as a nurse, I have been a recipient of the hospital diets as well.
NPO (non per orem/nothing by mouth) : it’s when every minute you are busy that you forgot to eat. It usually occurs when your duty-mate have called sick for the day and you are left alone with more than 50 patients to cater to; 10 of which are critical, others require assistance in feeding, going to bathroom, or even breathing. It also happens when you can’t take the nerve to eat when your patient dies or has pooped just as you are about to start your meal. It also happens when your salary gets delayed and you don’t have enough money left.
Clear Liquid Diet: happens when all you got is a tumbler full of water for the shift. Instead of eating, drinking water cheats your stomach and your brain thinks its full. You can quickly progress from NPO to this diet if you have mineral water available for drinking. Or if you’re desperate, try the IV Fluids.
Full Liquid Diet: in addition to water, other colored beverages are available, but no decent meal still. You survive the 8-hour shift by sipping coffee or cola or juice or milk. Though still mimicking the effect of water, this diet is much more refreshing to the taste buds. However, water should still be taken in ample amounts.
Soft diet: this is when cereals are handy. or pouridge or a soup on the go in a cup. it’s better for breakfast or night shifts and is very satisfying for the lost appetite from meal skipping.
Bland diet: this ones when you can’t taste anything. from getting sick of a cold or something like that. Everything seems to lack salt, pepper, and seasonings. Just plain. Happens when you are in a sullen and melodramatic mood; like after a breakup, or having been called to explain and make an incident report.
Diet As Tolerated (DAT): A full blast of anything at hand. Like going to an eat-all-you-can restaurant. But, be sure your stomach can handle everything or else vomiting or LBM might kick in, all the food will be wasted. The technique is to take it slow. Don’t binge. Party!
Diet for Age: to a young newbie nurse like me, I prefer more protein and high calorie foods. The lifestyle and the after-duty parties and strolling just wont be sacrificed. For the aged supervisors and superiors, more of the calcium for their bones, and a dose of the chill pill to relax their temper.
Other Special Diets:
NCCF (No Choco Colored Food)- for those to suspected/prone to have digestive tract bleeding, so as not to alter the stool exam results. Also good for those who don’t want their stools to be dark. Just that.
LSLF (Low Salt, Low Fat)- for those prone to or already has hypertension, kidney disorders, and those who don’t want to get fat. This also means your meal is almost as bland as a chewed chewing gum sticking under a chair.
EBF (Exclusive Breast Feeding)- only for babies. ONLY. not recommended for minors or unmarried or those not legal to give any consent. 😉 if you know what I mean.
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