Nil By Mouth

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Good morning, my name is and I am a student nurse Is it alright if I take a seat? What is your name? what would you prefer me to call you? I was told by the ward sister to explain to you why you have been put NIL BY MOUTH before your operations. But before I explain/continue, I am going to wash my hands (the six steps) You have been put NIL BY MOUTH prior to your operation later on today by three o’clock. Do you know what nil by mouth means (No) Nil by mouth means: NO FOOD for 4 - 6 hours and NO DRINKS for 2 - 3 hours before the start of your surgery. It is a medical and legal requirement (hospital policy which is a guideline which the staff followed to carry out or manage patient’s care). NBM helps to reduce the risk of vomiting and regurgitation (the food that you have eaten will push up the gastrointestinal tract) and the possible aspiration of gastric contents during anaesthesia. You will be able to continue to take prescribed medicines. What time did you last eat and drink? Now You will stop having solid food now but will have clear fluids (which mean water, tea or coffee with small milk (weak tea or coffee)) for next 30mins since your surgery will start three o’clock. I am going to put the nil by mouth sign outside and top of bed to inform the hostess and other staff. But I will let the hostess to serve you weak tea or coffee or you can drink some water within 30mins, after this time, please do not take any fluids and let the hostess know that you are completely nil by mouth if he or she wants to serve you food or drink. If you eat or drink too near the time of your operation please inform us in order to inform the surgeon whether it may be cancelled or put you last on the lists. If don’t inform us that you have had food and drink, this can be very dangerous and may cause complication under anaesthetic such as nausea and vomiting. And these are
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