NPO stands for which directive in preoperative instructions?

NPO stands for which directive in preoperative instructions?

• A. Nil Per Os
• B. Nothing by mouth
• C. No Poisons Ordered
• D. Non-pharmacologic Order

Answer: (B)

Nil per os is the directive reflected by NPO. It’s a Latin phrase meaning nothing by mouth, used in preoperative instructions to tell the patient not to eat or drink anything before anesthesia. This helps keep the stomach empty and reduces the risk of vomiting or aspiration during the procedure. The other options aren’t standard intake directives: one is an English translation, not the Latin term used in orders, and the others refer to unrelated concepts.

Nil per os is the directive reflected by NPO. It’s a Latin phrase meaning nothing by mouth, used in preoperative instructions to tell the patient not to eat or drink anything before anesthesia. This helps keep the stomach empty and reduces the risk of vomiting or aspiration during the procedure. The other options aren’t standard intake directives: one is an English translation, not the Latin term used in orders, and the others refer to unrelated concepts.