When is it typically indicated for a patient to be NPO?

Being NPO, or "nil per os," which means nothing by mouth, is typically indicated before a surgical procedure. This practice is essential to prevent complications during anesthesia and surgery. When a patient is under general anesthesia, the risk of aspiration increases if there is food or liquid in the stomach. If the patient ingests food or drink before the procedure, it could lead to choking or aspiration into the lungs, which could cause serious respiratory complications. Thus, to ensure the safety of the patient during the surgical process, medical guidelines recommend fasting for a specific period before most surgical procedures.

Other scenarios, while significant in their own right, do not typically necessitate an NPO status. For example, eating after a meal, experiencing respiratory distress, or engaging in physical therapy do not require abstaining from all oral intake as a standard precaution.