The instruction indicating that a patient should receive nothing orally no food, fluids, or medication by mouth is a critical directive in medical practice. This order is typically issued before or after surgery, during specific medical procedures, or when a patient’s condition prevents them from safely swallowing. For example, a person scheduled for an abdominal surgery might be placed on this restriction several hours beforehand.
Adhering to this directive is paramount for patient safety. It reduces the risk of aspiration (inhaling fluids or food into the lungs), minimizes complications during anesthesia, and allows the gastrointestinal tract to rest and heal. Historically, the recognition of aspiration risk and the need to prepare patients for procedures led to the widespread adoption of this practice.
