NPO

What is the opposite of NPO? Here is what we hold, with its meaning and related words.

Abbreviation — Nothing by mouth; an instruction that a patient must not eat or drink, usually before surgery or a procedure, or because swallowing is unsafe.

Synonyms by Meaning

1. abbreviation medical

Nothing by mouth; an instruction that a patient must not eat or drink, usually before surgery or a procedure, or because swallowing is unsafe.

“Keep the patient NPO from midnight before the operation.”

nil by mouth NBM

2. abbreviation

Non-profit organisation; a body that operates for a social, charitable or public purpose rather than to distribute profit to owners.

“The shelter is run by a local NPO with three paid staff.”

non-profit not-for-profit NGO

How to use NPO

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

keep NPO NPO after midnight NPO status NPO except medications

The medical sense is standard in American hospital charting; the non-profit sense is common in accounting and grant writing.

Etymology

In the medical sense, an initialism of Latin nil per os, 'nothing through the mouth'.

Full origin of NPO →

Frequently asked questions

What does NPO stand for in medical terms?

Nil per os, Latin for 'nothing through the mouth'. It means the patient must not take food, drink or oral medication until the order is lifted.

What is the difference between NPO and nil by mouth?

Nothing. NPO is the standard American abbreviation and nil by mouth, often shortened to NBM, is the British equivalent. Both mean the same restriction.

Can an NPO patient take medication?

Not by mouth unless a clinician specifically permits it. Essential drugs are usually given intravenously or the order is written to allow sips of water with medication.

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