If a patient with hypothyroidism is NPO for surgery, what should still be administered?

In the case of a patient with hypothyroidism who is NPO (nothing by mouth) for surgery, it is crucial to administer hormone replacement medication. Patients with hypothyroidism typically require consistent thyroid hormone therapy to maintain metabolic functions and overall physiological stability.

Failure to provide hormone replacement in an NPO situation can lead to complications such as thyroid crisis or worsening of hypothyroid symptoms, which can affect the patient's recovery and overall health. Keeping the thyroid levels stable is particularly important to ensure that the patient's body can effectively respond to the stress of surgery.

Fluid therapy, pain medication, and antibiotics have their specific roles but do not address the critical need for maintaining thyroid hormone levels in a hypothyroid patient. It's vital to ensure that the patient's endocrine needs are met, which is why hormone replacement is the priority intervention in this scenario.