Nurse Aide Practice Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In a medical context, NPO stands for "nothing by mouth" which means that a patient is not allowed to have any oral intake, including food, fluids, or medications. This is often required before surgical procedures, certain diagnostic tests, or in specific medical conditions where the digestive system needs to be at rest. The directive ensures that nothing enters the stomach or intestines, which can help prevent complications such as aspiration during anesthesia or facilitate safer medical interventions.

The implications of NPO are crucial because it protects the patient’s well-being and optimizes their care during treatment. For example, if a patient is scheduled for surgery, having any food or drink in their system could pose risks during anesthesia.

Options relating to only food or fluids do not fully capture the complete meaning of NPO, as it encompasses both, along with medications. The mention of physical activity does not align with the definition of NPO at all, as it pertains strictly to dietary restrictions.