What does 'NPO' stand for in medical terms?

NPO stands for "Nothing by mouth," which is a medical instruction indicating that a patient should not consume any food or liquids. This is often crucial before surgical procedures or various diagnostic tests to ensure that the stomach is empty, which reduces the risk of aspiration and other complications during anesthesia. Understanding this abbreviation is particularly important for healthcare providers, as it aids in ensuring patient safety and adherence to pre-procedure protocols. The other options do not align with commonly accepted medical terminology, as they do not represent standard practices in patient care or preoperative preparation.