Tag: Per os

Approximately one kilogram of bacteria and archaea inhabit the human body, an ecosystem critically influenced by what is consumed through the mouth, or *per os*, in medical terminology. In the field of nutrition, understanding what is the meaning of PO is fundamental, as it refers to the oral route for consuming food, fluids, or medication. This seemingly simple term has significant implications for assessing patient health, determining nutritional support, and planning dietary care.

Over 70% of medication orders are administered orally, making the abbreviation PO one of the most frequently used in healthcare. In the context of patient intake, PO specifically refers to anything a patient takes "by mouth" and is a crucial part of documenting medical history and planning ongoing care. Understanding this seemingly simple term is vital for both healthcare professionals and patients to ensure proper communication and treatment.