Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What does NPO status generally indicate for an animal before surgery?

1. The animal should eat a high-fiber diet

2. The animal should not receive any food or water

3. The animal is under observation

4. The animal needs to be fasted for 12 hours

The correct answer is: The animal should not receive any food or water

NPO status, which stands for "nil per os," is a medical term meaning "nothing by mouth." This status is crucial before surgery to ensure that the animal does not have food or water in its system, which can help prevent complications during anesthesia, such as aspiration or vomiting. When an animal is designated as NPO, it is an essential part of pre-operative care that contributes to the safety and effectiveness of the surgical procedure. In contrast, while fasting for a certain period can be a part of the NPO guidelines, it does not specify an exact duration, which can vary based on the type of surgery or the specific protocols of the veterinary facility. Furthermore, an animal being observed does not specifically relate to its intake of food and water, nor does a high-fiber diet address the immediate needs prior to surgery. Therefore, the indication of NPO status directly aligns with the requirement that the animal should not receive any food or water in preparation for a surgical procedure.