What does 'NPO' indicate regarding patient nutrition?

The abbreviation 'NPO' stands for "nil per os," which is a Latin term meaning "nothing by mouth." This indicates that a patient should not consume any food or drink for a specified period of time. Healthcare providers often use this instruction when a patient is preparing for surgery, medical tests, or if they have certain medical conditions that require their gastrointestinal tract to be empty.

Choosing 'nothing by mouth' accurately represents the critical nature of NPO orders in clinical settings. It's essential for patient safety to prevent complications such as aspiration, especially during procedures requiring anesthesia or sedation. Other dietary options such as normal dietary intake, clear liquids, or full liquid diets do not align with the meaning of NPO, as each of those indicates some level of oral intake, which is not allowed when a patient is designated as NPO.