Colorado CNA Practice Exam

What does the abbreviation NPO on a resident’s diet card mean?

1. No pork allowed

2. Nothing by mouth

3. Only gluten-free food allowed

4. Vegetarian diet

The correct answer is: Nothing by mouth

NPO stands for "nothing by mouth" and pertains to a resident's dietary restrictions. It means that the resident is unable or not allowed to consume any food or liquids by mouth. Option A, "no pork allowed," is incorrect as it specifically refers to one type of food, while NPO refers to all food and beverages. Option C, "only gluten-free food allowed," is incorrect as it also refers to a specific type of food restriction and not the complete restriction of food and liquids. Option D, "vegetarian diet," is incorrect as it also only refers to a specific type of dietary restriction and not the complete restriction of food and liquids. The correct answer is B, as NPO is a more broad and complete restriction on food and liquids.