What is the Latin phrase for 'nil per os', meaning nothing by mouth?

What is the Latin phrase for 'nil per os', meaning nothing by mouth?

• A. NPO
• B. PO
• C. PRN
• D. STAT

Answer: (A)

The key idea is understanding Latin medical abbreviations for patient intake restrictions. Nil per os means nothing by mouth, with “per os” meaning by mouth and “nil” meaning nothing. The commonly used abbreviation for this directive is NPO, which tells medical staff and the patient not to eat or drink anything. The other terms describe different orders: PO means by mouth, PRN means as needed, and STAT means immediately. So NPO is the correct choice because it directly represents nil per os.

The key idea is understanding Latin medical abbreviations for patient intake restrictions. Nil per os means nothing by mouth, with “per os” meaning by mouth and “nil” meaning nothing. The commonly used abbreviation for this directive is NPO, which tells medical staff and the patient not to eat or drink anything. The other terms describe different orders: PO means by mouth, PRN means as needed, and STAT means immediately. So NPO is the correct choice because it directly represents nil per os.