What does NPO indicate before a surgical procedure?

What does NPO indicate before a surgical procedure?

• A. No physical activity
• B. No prior operations
• C. Not performing operation
• D. Nothing by mouth

Answer: (D)

Nil by mouth, abbreviated NPO, comes from Latin nil per os, meaning nothing by mouth. This preoperative instruction keeps the stomach empty before anesthesia to reduce the risk of aspiration if vomiting occurs while the airway is not fully protected. So, the patient should not eat or drink for a prescribed period before the procedure, with timing varying by policy—commonly no solids for about 6–8 hours and clear liquids up to 2 hours prior. Other options describe activity, prior surgeries, or canceling the operation, which aren’t what NPO indicates.

Nil by mouth, abbreviated NPO, comes from Latin nil per os, meaning nothing by mouth. This preoperative instruction keeps the stomach empty before anesthesia to reduce the risk of aspiration if vomiting occurs while the airway is not fully protected. So, the patient should not eat or drink for a prescribed period before the procedure, with timing varying by policy—commonly no solids for about 6–8 hours and clear liquids up to 2 hours prior. Other options describe activity, prior surgeries, or canceling the operation, which aren’t what NPO indicates.