In medical terms, what does "PO" stand for?

In medical terminology, "PO" stands for "by mouth." This abbreviation is commonly used to indicate that a medication, treatment, or any form of nutrition or fluid is to be administered orally. When healthcare professionals prescribe medication or recommend dietary intake, the term "PO" helps clarify that the patient should take the substance through their mouth, ensuring it enters the gastrointestinal tract for absorption.

Understanding the abbreviation is essential for proper communication in healthcare settings, as it directly influences medication administration routes and patient compliance. Other options, while they may seem plausible, do not accurately represent the accepted medical terminology associated with "PO." For example, "post-operative" refers specifically to the period after surgery rather than indicating a route of administration, and "provably oral" and "peripheral observation" are not recognized standard medical terms. Thus, the primary and accurate definition associated with "PO" remains "by mouth."