Which option correctly identifies the meaning of NPO?

Which option correctly identifies the meaning of NPO?

• A. Nephrons Preserve Output
• B. No Performance Order
• C. Nothing by mouth
• D. Neural Pathway Obstruction

Answer: (C)

NPO means nothing by mouth. It’s a medical order telling a patient not to take anything by mouth—no food or drink—often to protect the airway during anesthesia or when the stomach needs to be empty for a procedure or test. That exact phrase is what the acronym conveys, so it’s the correct choice. The other options describe terms that aren’t standard medical shorthand for NPO and don’t match the meaning.

NPO means nothing by mouth. It’s a medical order telling a patient not to take anything by mouth—no food or drink—often to protect the airway during anesthesia or when the stomach needs to be empty for a procedure or test. That exact phrase is what the acronym conveys, so it’s the correct choice. The other options describe terms that aren’t standard medical shorthand for NPO and don’t match the meaning.