NPO means

NPO is a common medical term that means the customer can not eat or drink anything, including water or ice chips. A doctor orders a patient to be NPO for situations such as before surgery or certain lab work. If a customer is ill or has a gastrointestinal condition, the doctor may write an order to be NPO until the cause is known. The nurse aide can provide mouth care for a customer who is NPO. Placing a “NPO” sign over the customer’s bed will remind all staff members not to give the customer anything to eat or drink.