What is the most appropriate diet to order for a patient who is post-operative day one after an appendectomy and has not eaten for three days?

A clear-liquid diet is the most appropriate option for a patient who is post-operative day one after an appendectomy and has not eaten for three days. After surgery, especially abdominal surgery like an appendectomy, it’s essential to start with easily digestible foods to allow the gastrointestinal tract to recover and to assess the patient’s tolerance to normal food intake.

A clear-liquid diet typically includes things like broth, gelatin, clear juices, and tea. These options provide necessary hydration and can help minimize the workload on the digestive system while ensuring that the patient receives some form of nutrition and can begin the process of recovery. This diet also helps to prevent complications like nausea, vomiting, or bowel obstruction that may arise from more solid or complex foods immediately following surgery.

As the patient progresses and demonstrates the ability to tolerate clear liquids without issue, they can gradually advance to more substantial diets, such as soft or regular meals.