NPO means nil per os; what is the meaning?

Prepare for the NREMT AEMT Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam now!

Multiple Choice

NPO means nil per os; what is the meaning?

Explanation:
Nil per os is Latin for nothing by mouth. It means the patient should not take anything by mouth—no food or fluids—usually before procedures or anesthesia to keep the stomach empty and reduce the risk of aspiration. The exact term used in orders and charts is the Latin phrase, which is why that option is the best answer. In practice, some protocols allow very small sips for essential medications with a clinician’s guidance, but the general idea remains: nothing by mouth.

Nil per os is Latin for nothing by mouth. It means the patient should not take anything by mouth—no food or fluids—usually before procedures or anesthesia to keep the stomach empty and reduce the risk of aspiration. The exact term used in orders and charts is the Latin phrase, which is why that option is the best answer. In practice, some protocols allow very small sips for essential medications with a clinician’s guidance, but the general idea remains: nothing by mouth.

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