NPO is a medical abbreviation meaning 'nothing by mouth.' It is commonly used in healthcare settings to instruct patients not to eat or drink anything for a specific period. This is often required before surgeries, certain medical tests, or procedures to ensure the stomach is empty and reduce the risk of aspiration, where food or liquid enters the lungs instead of the stomach.
Following NPO guidelines is crucial for patient safety. When patients are scheduled for surgery, having an empty stomach helps prevent complications during anesthesia. If food or liquid is present in the stomach, it can lead to vomiting and potential aspiration, which can cause serious health issues. Therefore, healthcare providers carefully monitor and enforce NPO status to protect patients during medical care.
When the body is in an NPO state, it relies on stored energy reserves for function. These reserves include glycogen from the liver and fat stores. The body can still perform essential functions, but it may start to feel weak or fatigued as time passes without food or drink. Healthcare teams often provide fluids through an IV to ensure hydration and support bodily functions while a patient is NPO.
In summary, NPO is an important medical instruction that helps maintain safety during surgical and diagnostic procedures. Patients should follow their healthcare provider's advice regarding NPO status and ask questions if they are unsure about anything related to their care plan.