Npo

[Sue McGann]

I have a question that I thought was a no brainer.

At the hospital where I work they are questioning what NPO means. I think it means what it says. Nothing by mouth, NG tube, G tube or any other feeding device. Some people are suggesting that it does not include medications. Meaning if a patient is NPO you can go ahead and give medications with sips of water without a physicians order. I have never hear of this. So I would like to know what your experience is where you work. Please let me know what state you live in. thanks Sue

[Katnip, RN]

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

[Sue McGann]

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

[stella123 rn]

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

[Sue McGann]

Stella 123 rn

Can you tell me what state you live in?

[mystc42]

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

[renerian, BSN, RN]

Mystc this is how I have experienced NPO.

renerian

[stella123 rn]

I am in Wisconsin.

[Katnip, RN]

I'm in Maryland.

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

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.

[rncopper]

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!

:)

[NurseSDP]

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.