nil by mouth

English

Phrase

nil by mouth

1. Synonym of nil per os (“nothing may be eaten or drunk”).
   • 1936, Henry [Hamilton] Bailey, Emergency Surgery‎^[1], John Wright, page 109:

     Synopsis of After-treatment in all Cases of Perforated Peptic Ulcer.—After recovery from the post-operative shock, raise gradually into high Fowler's position. 1st 24 Hours.—Nil by mouth. Saline with glucose continuously.

   • 1976, Carl Edmonds, Christopher Lowry, John Pennefather, Diving and Subaquatic Medicine, Diving Medical Centre, →ISBN, page 263:

     With total paralysis, the following regime is needed; intravenous nutrition (nil by mouth), eye toilets and protection, attention to pressure areas.

   • 2022, Rachel Varughese, Anna Mathew, editor, Clinical Guide to Paediatrics, Wiley, →ISBN, page 218:

     Patients suspected of having appendicitis should be kept nil by mouth, to prepare for surgery.

Synonyms

• NBM (initialism)