NPO stands for which phrase?

NPO stands for which phrase?

• A. Nothing by mouth
• B. Not Provided Orally
• C. Not Planned Operation
• D. Not Provided Oral

Answer: (A)

NPO means nothing by mouth. It’s the standard medical order telling a patient not to take anything by mouth, often to reduce the risk of choking or aspiration if anesthesia or certain procedures are needed. The phrase comes from Latin (nil per os), and in practice it means no food or drink, sometimes with exceptions only if specifically permitted by the clinician. The other options aren’t used in medical wording. Not Provided Orally and Not Provided Oral don’t reflect a recognized guidance phrase, and Not Planned Operation isn’t about oral intake at all.

NPO means nothing by mouth. It’s the standard medical order telling a patient not to take anything by mouth, often to reduce the risk of choking or aspiration if anesthesia or certain procedures are needed. The phrase comes from Latin (nil per os), and in practice it means no food or drink, sometimes with exceptions only if specifically permitted by the clinician.

The other options aren’t used in medical wording. Not Provided Orally and Not Provided Oral don’t reflect a recognized guidance phrase, and Not Planned Operation isn’t about oral intake at all.