Why do doctors give "ice chips" to medical patients instead of just water? What's the difference?

Answer 1

Ice is a way to control, how fast a person ingests water. It's also soothing because of temprature and texture.

Answer 2

I'm being pedantic here but doctors seldom give any patient ice chips. They place the order and leave the work to the nurses.

Answer 3

The first answer is correct. It's to limit the stomach contents of the patient. If any surgery is needed, it is important to have the least amount of contents in the stomach to avoid aspiration if vomiting occurs.

Answer 4

Very often when you end up in the hospital you are in shock or near shock so your mouth feels dry but drinking is contraindicated. It can make you nauseous. Ice chips melt slowly to make you feel less thirsty but won't make you nauseous.

Answer 5

You can't gulp ice chips. It is to limit stomach contents.

Answer 6

because ice chips are solid they are easier to keep on the lips while water u ned to sit the paitent up

Answer 7

i think because ice absorbes latent heat in the form of energy so it is more effective than justwater