Literal Meaning

Nothing by mouth

Actual Meaning

Don't eat or drink ANYTHING - usually before surgery or a test.

Context

Used when providing medical instructions regarding pre-procedure fasting.

Examples

• "During a pre-op briefing, they mentioned I would be NPO for 8 hours before my procedure."
• "Make sure to remind the patient that they need to be NPO after midnight."
• "The doctor just told me I'm NPO until my surgery tomorrow."

Tips

• It's important to know that being NPO usually applies to specific medical procedures and can vary by individual situation, so feel free to ask healthcare professionals for clarification.
• If you hear someone say 'NPO,' it often means they cannot eat or drink for a certain period, which is crucial for their treatment or surgery.
• Understanding that NPO is a medical term can help clarify when it is used in hospital settings or during consultations.