dumb nbm question

Nurses Medications

Published

just wondering for pts who are nbm have oral medications?

i rmb someone told me they can't but some said its ok..

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

What's nbm? What's rbm?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

nbm? = nothing by mouth?? Maybe??

The correct abbreviation is NPO...Latin for "nothing by mouth"

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Nil per os

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rehab, Ortho-Spine, Med-Surg, & Psych.

For those who are NPO before surgery... usually it's ok to take medications with a little bit of water. However, if they are having GI problems, you would most likely administer them via IV (but you need an order). When in doubt, ask your charge nurse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rehab, Ortho-Spine, Med-Surg, & Psych.

I think she means "I remember" when writing "i rmb".

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It depends on the situation. Some docs write the order, "NPO except for meds." Some just write straight up NPO, and if you are unsure, you should call the provider and get it clarified. Some want meds held, some want them given.

I know, clear as mud. Sorry. :/

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Mental Health, Gerontology, Palliative.
nbm? = nothing by mouth?? Maybe??

The correct abbreviation is NPO...Latin for "nothing by mouth"

Depends on the country. We use NBM; nil by mouth

Up Vote Up Vote ×

sorry folks, i meant NPO (here in oz they call nbm, lol)

so now i assume for pts who do not have gi issues, preop pain relief like nurofen and paracetamol or oral antibiotics are acceptable?

cheers!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
sorry folks, i meant NPO (here in oz they call nbm, lol)

so now i assume for pts who do not have gi issues, preop pain relief like nurofen and paracetamol or oral antibiotics are acceptable?

cheers!

As long as they are tolerated on empty stomachs...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Depends why they're NPO.

If it's ordered after a possible aspiration episode or mental status changes, then I don't give oral meds and and will call the doc to see if they should be switched to IV. If it's before certain GI scans, I usually clarify with radiology. Before stress tests, there are certain cardiac meds to be held. Lately, my facility has been really good about saying which classes of medications need to be held for which tests/procedures, but it wasn't always like that so I am forever vigilant.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Moved to the Nursing & Patient Medications forum.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment