Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

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What does the abbreviation NPO stand for?

Nothing pureed only
Not prepared on-site
Nothing by mouth
Note preferences only

The correct answer is: Nothing by mouth

The abbreviation NPO stands for "nothing by mouth," which is a crucial term in medical and nursing practice. It is used to indicate that a patient should not consume any food or fluids orally. This instruction might be given for various reasons, including before surgery, certain medical procedures, or in preparation for diagnostic tests, where having an empty stomach can be necessary for safety or accuracy. Understanding the meaning of NPO is essential for nursing assistants and other healthcare providers because it impacts patient care. If a patient is designated as NPO, the nursing assistant must ensure that the patient receives no oral intake, including water, and may also need to monitor the patient for any signs of dehydration or discomfort due to lack of food and fluids. Furthermore, communicating this information clearly to the patient and other team members is vital to ensure compliance and proper management of the patient's care plan.