What sign indicates a patient is NPO (nothing by mouth)?

What sign indicates a patient is NPO (nothing by mouth)?

• A. NPO
• B. NPOA
• C. NPT
• D. NPA

Answer: (A)

NPO stands for nothing by mouth. This sign is used in healthcare to tell the patient and staff that no food or drink should be taken orally, usually because of a procedure, swallowing concerns, or risk of aspiration. It’s the exact label used on orders and bedside signs to indicate this restriction. The other strings don’t represent standard indications of NPO, so they wouldn’t correctly communicate the same instruction. When a patient is NPO, even water is typically avoided unless a clinician specifies an exception, and medications may be given by alternative routes as directed.

NPO stands for nothing by mouth. This sign is used in healthcare to tell the patient and staff that no food or drink should be taken orally, usually because of a procedure, swallowing concerns, or risk of aspiration. It’s the exact label used on orders and bedside signs to indicate this restriction. The other strings don’t represent standard indications of NPO, so they wouldn’t correctly communicate the same instruction. When a patient is NPO, even water is typically avoided unless a clinician specifies an exception, and medications may be given by alternative routes as directed.