What does the abbreviation PO mean?

The abbreviation "PO" stands for "Per Os," which is a Latin term that translates to "by mouth." This term is widely used in medical settings to denote the route of administration for medications and other substances. When a medication is prescribed to be taken PO, it indicates that the patient should ingest the medication orally, as opposed to other routes such as intravenous or sublingual.

Understanding this abbreviation is crucial for healthcare providers, as it helps ensure accurate medication administration and patient compliance. The other options do not accurately reflect the established medical terminology; while they may represent other concepts, they are not commonly used meanings for the abbreviation PO in clinical practice.