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What Does “NPO” Stand For? Nothing By Mouth Medical Meaning and Usage Examples

In medical terminology, “NPO” is an abbreviation derived from the Latin phrase “Nil Per Os,” which translates to “nothing by mouth.” It is used to indicate that a patient should abstain from eating or drinking for a specified period, typically before a medical procedure, surgery, or in certain medical conditions where oral intake is restricted.

Usage Examples:

  1. Preoperative Instructions:
    • “The patient is instructed to remain NPO after midnight before the surgery tomorrow morning.”
  2. Diagnostic Tests:
    • “The patient needs to be NPO for at least eight hours before the scheduled CT scan to ensure accurate results.”
  3. Postoperative Recovery:
    • “After the procedure, the patient will be kept NPO until they are fully awake and able to swallow safely.”
  4. Medical Emergencies:
    • “In cases of severe gastrointestinal bleeding, patients may be kept NPO to prevent further irritation to the digestive tract.”
  5. Pregnancy Complications:
    • “Women with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness, may require hospitalization and be kept NPO to prevent dehydration.”
  6. Before Anesthesia:
    • “Patients undergoing general anesthesia are typically advised to be NPO for several hours before the procedure to reduce the risk of aspiration.”
  7. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Care:
    • “Critically ill patients in the ICU may be kept NPO initially to monitor their condition and determine the appropriate timing for resuming oral intake.”
  8. Treatment of Digestive Disorders:
    • “Individuals with certain gastrointestinal conditions, such as bowel obstruction, may need to be NPO until the obstruction resolves or surgical intervention is performed.”

In these examples, NPO is used to convey the temporary restriction of oral intake for various medical reasons, ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes in clinical settings.

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