Terminology

N&V refers to Nausea and Vomiting.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a medication used to treat paracetamol OD and to loosen thick mucus in CF and COPD.

NAD means 'no abnormality detected'.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is caused by a build-up of fat in the liver, typically seen in people who are overweight or obese.

NAFLD is a progressive disease: starting from simple fatty liver (steatosis), NAFLD progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), to fibrosis, and ultimately to cirrhosis.

NICE CKS - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

NBM means 'nil by mouth', that is, no food, drink, or medications should be taken orally. 

NBM is typically done pre-operatively to avoid aspiration risk.

Maintenance IV fluids should be prescribed.

A neuroendocrine tumour (NET) is a tumour that develops from cells of the neuroendocrine system. These cells are similar to nerve cells, but make hormones.

NETs can be benign or malignant, and functioning (hormone-producing) or non-functioning.

NETs typically affect the GI system or lungs.

Macmillan Cancer Support - NETs

The National Early Warning Score (NEWS) is a tool that was developed to improve the detection and response to clinical deterioration in adult patients. An updated version (NEWS2) was published in December 2017.

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The National Health Service (NHS) encompasses the four separate and independent public healthcare providers in the United Kingdom: the National Health Service in England, NHS Scotland, NHS Wales, and Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland.

NHS website

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care in the United Kingdom.

NICE website

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) involves ventilatory support without an invasive artificial airway (endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube), using a face or nasal mask or similar device.