Nil By Mouth Apr 2026

: Long-term NPO status can be deeply traumatic for patients, leading to a sense of "identity amputation" due to the loss of the social connection, ritual, and pleasure associated with eating. 2. The Film: Nil by Mouth (1997)

In healthcare, "Nil by Mouth" (often abbreviated as or NPO , from the Latin nil per os ) is a directive that a patient must not consume any food, beverages, or oral medications. Nil by Mouth

: It is most commonly used as a safety precaution before surgery or medical imaging. Fasting ensures the stomach is empty, which prevents aspiration —the accidental inhalation of stomach contents into the lungs—while under anesthesia. : Long-term NPO status can be deeply traumatic

: It is also used to allow the digestive system to rest during conditions like bowel obstructions or acute pancreatitis, and to ensure clear views during diagnostic tests like endoscopies. : It is most commonly used as a

"Nil by Mouth" refers primarily to two distinct subjects: a standard medical instruction to withhold food and fluids, and a critically acclaimed 1997 film directed by Gary Oldman that uses this medical term as a metaphor for emotional neglect. 1. Medical Status: Nil per Os (NPO)