Nothing by mouth

Nothing by mouth is a medical instruction meaning to withhold food and fluids from a patient for various reasons. It is also known as nil per os (npo or NPO), a Latin phrase that translates literally to "nothing through the mouth". Variants of the phrase include nil by mouth (NBM), nil orally (NO), and nil per oral (NPO).

Indications

Nothing by mouth is used in situations where the gastrointestinal tract needs to be empty, such as before surgery or some forms of medical imaging. It can also be used to allow the gastrointestinal tract to rest when it is diseased or injured, and to prevent aspiration pneumonia.

Risks

While the instruction is generally safe, it can lead to dehydration or malnutrition if not properly managed. In some cases, it may be necessary to provide intravenous therapy or enteral nutrition to maintain hydration and nutrition levels.

Variations

The instruction can be modified to allow certain types of food or drink, such as clear liquids, to be consumed up to a few hours before surgery. This is known as a "clear liquid diet" and is often used in preparation for medical procedures that require an empty stomach.

See also

• Fasting
• Clear liquid diet
• Intravenous therapy
• Enteral nutrition

Resources

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Nothing by mouth for any updates.

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