I work on a postpartum unit, and you would not believe the number of mothers who have a chief complaint of starving ("Original Research: An Investigation into the Safety of Oral Intake During Labor," March). They beg me to bring them something to eat because they've been laboring for hours without food. Unfortunately, they have to make do with crackers and Jell-O. I'd be willing to bet that if patients were allowed to eat ad lib, they would be much more satisfied with their hospital stays.

This article provides great insight into answering the concerns of being NPO due to the possibility of aspiration in the event of emergent surgery. I look forward to more research into these types of controversial subjects or "sacred cows."

Jeena O., via ajnoffthecharts.com