Assistive Medication Administration Personnel (AMAP) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The abbreviation "n.p.o." stands for "nothing by mouth," which is a medical directive indicating that a patient should not ingest any food or fluids orally. This instruction is often applied prior to surgery or certain medical tests to ensure that the stomach is empty. The use of "n.p.o." is critical in preventing complications such as aspiration, which can occur if a patient has food or liquid in their stomach during anesthesia or certain procedures.

The other options, while they may sound plausible, do not accurately describe the meaning of "n.p.o." The phrase related to "not prescribed orally" doesn't convey the directive about withholding all oral intake, nor does "non-prescriptive operation" or "normal physical observation" reflect the focus on dietary intake. Understanding "n.p.o." is essential for safe patient care, particularly in settings where adherence to this guideline is crucial for the patient's well-being.