Npo

If we have someone NPO, and they're allowed to have meds by mouth, it has to be written in the physician's order.

Cybercat. Can you please tell me what state you are from?

Same for my hospital. The doc has to write NPO except meds, NPO except ice chips...

Stella 123 rn

Can you tell me what state you live in?

Same thing at my hospital, NPO is without meds, and if they are to have meds it must be written..."NPO except meds"

Mystc this is how I have experienced NPO.

renerian

I am in Wisconsin.

I'm in Maryland.

NPO means exactly that,, unless the doctor has written the order for meds with sips, or ice chips, etc. If a G-tube or Ng tube is in place you may be able to give meds via tubes, but then again it needs to be written as a order by the doctor.

Usually, it means nothing by mouth including meds. THOUGH, it also depends on the reason for being NPO.

If it is for a procedure, let's say, that is going to be in the afternoon, and they are on BP or heart meds (important meds), depending on who the doc is, I give it to them with a small sip of water. (Since I travel, I usually ask staff how they do it there). If it is, oh, let's say, there Nexium, etc. (non critical meds), I do not give it to them.

If they used to be able to take things by mouth, doc just put them NPO, I usually call the doc and let them know that they had oral meds ordered, and do they want them held or changed to IV.

JMHO!

:)

Here where I practice, NPO means NOTHING by mouth unless the order specifies otherwise. If it is critical medication (cardiac/BP/diabetic agents), then I call the MD to verify. Otherwise, nothing. I am in Wyoming by the way.

If someone is NPO (nothing by mouth) there is a bright sign above their bed and a blank space below "NPO" that the nurse write in black marker "except meds" or "icechips" after reading the Dr.'s order.