NBM full form in medical term refers to the phrase “Nothing by mouth” which translates to withhold and abstain from any food or fluids for the time being as advised by the doctor or the medical personnel. It is derived from the Latin phrase “Nil per os” and can also be referred to as nil by mouth or complete bowel rest.
Typically NBM is a scenario that is instructed to be followed during the cases like gastrointestinal bleeding or blockage or even acute pancreatitis. It can also be used for the prevention of aspiration pneumonia or cases of weak swallowing musculature or while undergoing general anesthesia. It is also used before or before any surgery or after surgery as a means of the recovery period.
NBM is an effective part of the pre-operative fasting and medical safety of the patient and helps in facilitating the proper conduct of the medical procedure for best results. Its use helps to prevent any pulmonary aspiration or flowing of the stomach contents out of the mouth when put under anesthesia for medical surgery or cases therein. A doctor may suggest a patient follow NBM or nothing by mouth six or twelve hours before the surgical procedure to prevent any impact of inducing nausea or vomiting.