Question

Mr. Garcia developed a paralytic ileus (absence of intestinal peristalsis) after a color resection. After surgery, the physician's order read "NPO," which means that he was?

1) Not permitted to eat or drink anything by mouth
2) Allowed to eat and drink normally
3) Restricted to a liquid diet
4) Restricted to a soft diet

Answer 1

The physician's order for Mr. Garcia to be "NPO" means he is not permitted to eat or drink anything by mouth.

Step-by-step explanation:

The physician's order for Mr. Garcia to be "NPO" after his color resection surgery means that he is not permitted to eat or drink anything by mouth. NPO stands for "nil per os", which is a Latin phrase that translates to "nothing by mouth". This restriction is necessary to allow the gastrointestinal tract to rest and heal after surgery