What is the NPO medical abbreviation?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the meaning of the medical abbreviation 'NPO'. It typically refers to a medical instruction for a patient to refrain from eating or drinking before a procedure or surgery.
Answer
nothing by mouth
The final answer is that 'NPO' stands for 'nothing by mouth', from the Latin phrase 'nil per os'.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that 'NPO' stands for 'nothing by mouth', from the Latin phrase 'nil per os'.
More Information
NPO is a commonly used instruction in medical settings to ensure that patients do not consume food or drink prior to certain medical procedures or surgeries. This is important to prevent complications such as aspiration during anesthesia.
Tips
A common mistake is misunderstanding how strict the NPO instruction is; even small amounts of water or medication can sometimes be restricted.
Sources
- NPO (Nothing by Mouth): Why It's Important for Surgery - GoodRx - goodrx.com
- Definition of NPO - NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms - cancer.gov
- What Does 'NPO' Mean? | Acronyms by Dictionary.com - dictionary.com
