NPO
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Nil per os (nothing by mouth) |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Medical, Organizations & Companies |
NPO has two meanings. It stands for Nil per os (nothing by mouth) (nursing) or Nonprofit organization (nonprofit).
Meanings of NPO at a glance
| # | NPO stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nil per os (nothing by mouth) | Medical › Nursing |
| 2 | Nonprofit organization | Organizations & Companies › Nonprofit |
1. Nil per os (nothing by mouth)
Medical · Nursing Abbreviations
Order forbidding all oral intake, including food, fluids, gum and usually water, most often before surgery, sedation or anesthesia, or when aspiration risk, bowel obstruction or a swallowing problem makes eating unsafe. Current anesthesia fasting guidance generally allows clear liquids until two hours before a procedure.
Example: NPO after midnight for 0730 laparoscopic cholecystectomy; may have sips with morning meds.
From Latin "nil per os", literally "nothing through the mouth"; also written n.p.o. Orders should state exceptions such as "NPO except meds" or "ice chips only", since prolonged unnecessary fasting causes dehydration, hypoglycemia and missed medications. Outside medicine the same letters mean a nonprofit organization, which has no connection to this nursing order.
2. Nonprofit organization
Organizations & Companies · Nonprofit Abbreviations
Organization that uses its revenue to pursue its mission rather than distributing profits to owners or shareholders. Nonprofits can earn income and pay staff, but any surplus is reinvested in their purpose.
Example: The grant is open to any registered NPO serving the county.
In the United States most nonprofits are incorporated under state law and seek federal tax exemption under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. "Not-for-profit" is a common variant, sometimes used for groups such as clubs that serve members rather than the public. Japan created a specific legal form for NPOs in 1998.
Related abbreviations
More nursing abbreviations
- NKA – No known allergies
- NKDA – No known drug allergies
- NKFA – No known food allergies
- NOC – Nursing Outcomes Classification
- NPWT – Negative pressure wound therapy
- OASIS – Outcome and Assessment Information Set
- OGT – Orogastric tube
- OOB – Out of bed
See all 90 nursing abbreviations →
More nonprofit abbreviations
- NARAL – NARAL Pro-Choice America
- NCMEC – National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
- NGO – Nongovernmental organization
- NOW – National Organization for Women
- NRA – National Rifle Association
- NRDC – Natural Resources Defense Council
- NRLC – National Right to Life Committee
- NSPCC – National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
See all 91 nonprofit abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.