What does 'NPO' instruct in medical care?

The abbreviation 'NPO' stands for "nil per os," which is a Latin phrase that translates to "nothing by mouth." This instruction is a critical guideline in medical care, indicating that a patient should not ingest any food or liquids orally for a specified period. NPO status is often employed before surgery or certain medical tests to ensure the safety and effectiveness of procedures requiring anesthesia or specific conditions in the digestive system.

Understanding when a patient should be NPO is vital for medication administration, dietary management, and avoiding complications, such as aspiration. For example, if a patient is scheduled for surgery, they may be placed on NPO status to ensure that their stomach is empty, reducing the risk of aspiration during anesthesia.

The other options represent different medical instructions that do not relate to the meaning of NPO. "Both eyes" refers to an instruction for the application of treatment to both eyes, while "take as needed" is commonly used for medications that are administered depending on the patient's requirements. "Intravenously" relates to the manner of delivering medications or fluids directly into the bloodstream. Thus, they do not pertain to the directive given by 'NPO.'