What is NPO for patient?

Nil per os (NPO), a Latin term, that means “nothing by mouth” is used in medicine to describe the instruction to withhold fluids and solid foods from a person.

Why is patient NPO after surgery?

Ordering NPO after midnight has been a common practice to lower the risk of aspiration of gastric contents during general anesthesia, which is due in part to suppression of laryngeal reflexes from anesthesia.

Why do doctors order NPO?

Purpose. The typical reason for NPO instructions is the prevention of aspiration pneumonia, e.g. in those who will undergo general anesthesia, or those with weak swallowing musculature, or in case of gastrointestinal bleeding, gastrointestinal blockage, or acute pancreatitis.

What can you eat on NPO?

Clear, see-through liquids include:

  • Water.
  • Clear fruit juices such as apple juice and white cranberry juice.
  • Plain tea or black coffee (NO milk or creamer)
  • Clear, electrolyte-replenishing drinks such as Pedialyte, Gatorade, or Powerade (NOT yogurt or pulp-containing “smoothies”)

How long can a patient remain NPO?

In general, procedures requiring anesthesia/sedation require fasting from clear liquids for two hours, fasting from a light meal/milk for six hours, or fasting from fried/fatty meal for eight hours, to avoid aspiration risk per the guidelines of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).

How do NPO patients eat?

Nothing by mouth is a medical instruction meaning to withhold food and fluids. It is also known as nil per os (npo or NPO), a Latin phrase that translates to English as “nothing through the mouth”. Variants include nil by mouth (NBM), nihil/non/nulla per os, or complete bowel rest.

Can I drink water if NPO?

Clear liquids – NOT milk or dairy products – are actively encouraged until 2 hours before the time the patient is scheduled to arrive at the hospital or surgery center. Clear, see-through liquids include: Water. Clear fruit juices such as apple juice and white cranberry juice.

How long is NPO in hospital?

Duration. Pre-surgery NPO orders are typically between 6 and 12 hours prior to surgery, through recovery suite discharge, but may be longer if long acting medications or oral post-meds were administered.