NPO guidelines
Also written as: NPO — nil per os
Nil per os (nothing by mouth) protocols specifying preoperative fasting requirements, with pediatric-specific modifications for different age groups and types of intake.
Full Definition
NPO guidelines establish evidence-based fasting requirements before anesthesia to minimize the risk of pulmonary aspiration while avoiding prolonged fasting that can cause hypoglycemia and dehydration in children. Current pediatric guidelines typically allow clear liquids until 2 hours before anesthesia, breast milk until 4 hours, formula until 6 hours, and solid foods until 6-8 hours depending on the child's age. These guidelines differ significantly from historical 'midnight fasting' rules and recognize that pediatric patients have higher metabolic demands and are more susceptible to dehydration and hypoglycemia.
Usage
Usage note: NPO should always be capitalized. The Latin phrase 'nil per os' means 'nothing by mouth'.
In Context
- "The family was instructed to follow pediatric NPO guidelines: clear liquids until 2 hours and solid food until 6 hours before surgery." — Preoperative instructions
- "Updated NPO guidelines have reduced the incidence of preoperative dehydration in pediatric patients." — Quality improvement report