Ace the Pitt Medical Terminology Challenge 2026 – Master the Lingo, Rev Up Your Med Career!

NPO means nothing by mouth. It’s a fasting instruction used before procedures or surgeries that involve anesthesia to keep the stomach empty and lower the risk of aspiration if swallowing reflexes are reduced. So no food or drink is allowed until the clinician says it’s safe to resume. Choices suggesting eating, drinking, or normal intake don’t meet this safety directive.