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Medical Abbreviations
Medical Abbreviations
784
Medical
Undergraduate 1
12/23/2009
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Term
A (in circle)
 Definition
assist
Term
a.
 Definition
artery
Term
a (line above)
 Definition
before
Term
AA
 Definition
Alcoholic's Anonymous
Term
AAA
 Definition
abdominal aortic aneurysm
Term
AAROM
 Definition
active assistive range of motion
Term
Abd
 Definition
abdomen
Term
abd.
 Definition
abduction or abductors
Term
ABG
 Definition
arterial blood gas (pulmonary function re pH, bicarbonate & various gases)
Term
abn.
 Definition
abnormal
Term
ACCU
 Definition
Acute Coronary Care Unit
Term
A.C.L.
 Definition
anterior cruciate ligament
Term
ACTH
 Definition
adrenocorticotropic hormone
Term
ADA
 Definition
American Dietetic Association
Term
add.
 Definition
adduction or adductors
Term
ADH
 Definition
antidiuretic hormone
Term
ADHD
 Definition
attention deficit hyperactivity disease
Term
ADL
 Definition
activities of daily living
Term
ad lib
 Definition
as tolerated
Term
adm.
 Definition
admission
Term
AE
 Definition
above the elbow
Term
Afib
 Definition
atrial fibrillation (arrhythmia, atrium quivers, irregular pulse, no P wave)
Term
AFO
 Definition
ankle foot orthosis
Term
AFP
 Definition
alpha fetoprotein (fetal, plasma protein)
Term
AI
 Definition
aortic insufficiency
Term
AIDS
 Definition
acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Term
A/K
 Definition
above the knee
Term
AKA
 Definition
above the knee amputation
Term
A-line
 Definition
arterial line
Term
Alk
 Definition
alkaline
Term
ALL
 Definition
acute lymphocytic (lymphoblastic) leukemia (excess lymphoblasts)
Term
ALS
 Definition
advanced life support
Term
ALS
 Definition
amyotrophic (muscular atrophy) lateral (motor tracts of lateral columns) sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease)
Term
A.M.
 Definition
morning
Term
AMA
 Definition
against medical advice
Term
amb
 Definition
ambulatory/ambulate
Term
AMNIO
 Definition
amniocentesis
Term
Amp
 Definition
ampule, ampere
Term
amp
 Definition
amputation, amputate
Term
amt
 Definition
amount
Term
Anes.
 Definition
anesthesia
Term
angio
 Definition
angiogram (X-ray of arteries, veins & heart chambers w/contrast agent)
Term
ant.
 Definition
anterior
Term
ANTE
 Definition
antecubital (in front of elbow)
Term
ant. tib.
 Definition
anterior tibialis
Term
A.N.S.
 Definition
autonomic nervous system
Term
AOB
 Definition
alcohol on breath
Term
AOM
 Definition
acute otitis media (inflammation of middle ear)
Term
A & O
 Definition
alert & oriented
Term
A & P
 Definition
anterior & posterior
Term
APA
 Definition
American Psychiatric Association
Term
APAP
 Definition
acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Term
AP & Lat.
 Definition
anterior, posterior & lateral
Term
approx.
 Definition
approximately
Term
appy.
 Definition
appendectomy
Term
ARDS
 Definition
acute respiratory distress syndrome (inflammation of lung leading to compromised gas exchange)
Term
ARF
 Definition
advanced renal failure, also acute respiratory failure
Term
AROM
 Definition
active range of motion
Term
as. tol.
 Definition
as tolerated
Term
ASA
 Definition
acetylsalicylic acid (asprin)
Term
ASAP
 Definition
as soon as possible
Term
ASCVD
 Definition
arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (hardening of arteries)
Term
ASHD
 Definition
arteriosclerotic heart disease
Term
ASU
 Definition
ambulatory surgical unit
Term
ausc
 Definition
auscultation
Term
AV
 Definition
arteriovenous (blood vessels)
Term
AV O2 DiFF
 Definition
arteriovenous O2 difference
Term
AVM
 Definition
arteriovenous malformation (abnormal connection between veins & arteries)
Term
AVN
 Definition
avascular necrosis, also atrioventricular node
Term
AVR
 Definition
aortic valve replacement
Term
Ba
 Definition
barium
Term
bact
 Definition
bacteria
Term
BBB
 Definition
bundle branch block (injury to bundle branch causing cessation of electrical pulse)
Term
BBT
 Definition
basal body temperature
Term
B/E
 Definition
below the elbow
Term
BER
 Definition
brainstem evoked responses (as opposed to spontaneous ones like heart function)
Term
BID
 Definition
twice daily
Term
bilat. or B (in circle)
 Definition
bilateral
Term
bili
 Definition
bilirubin
Term
BIW
 Definition
twice weekly
Term
BK
 Definition
below knee
Term
BKA
 Definition
below the knee amputation
Term
bkf
 Definition
breakfast
Term
blc
 Definition
blood culture
Term
bld.
 Definition
blood
Term
BLE
 Definition
bilateral lower extremities
Term
BLS
 Definition
basic life support
Term
BM
 Definition
bowel movement (bone marrow) (breast milk)
Term
BMR
 Definition
basal metabolic rate
Term
BOS
 Definition
base of support
Term
BP
 Definition
blood pressure
Term
BPH
 Definition
benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate in middle aged men causing obstruction of urethra)
Term
BPM
 Definition
beats per minute
Term
BR
 Definition
bathroom
Term
Bronch.
 Definition
bronchoscopy
Term
BRP
 Definition
bathroom privileges
Term
BS
 Definition
bowel sounds (blood sugar)
Term
BSC
 Definition
bedside commode
Term
BU
 Definition
burn unit
Term
BUE
 Definition
bilateral upper extremities
Term
BUN
 Definition
blood urea nitrogen
Term
b.v.
 Definition
blood vessel
Term
bx
 Definition
biopsy
Term
C
 Definition
centigrade (cervical)
Term
c (with line above)
 Definition
with
Term
Cl
 Definition
chloride
Term
C1-C7
 Definition
1st to 7th cervical segments
Term
Ca
 Definition
cancer or carcinoma (calcium)
Term
CABG
 Definition
coronary artery bypass graft
Term
CAD
 Definition
coronary artery disease
Term
cal.
 Definition
calorie
Term
CAPD
 Definition
continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (permanent abd. tube uses peritoneum as membrane)
Term
card
 Definition
cardiac
Term
cath
 Definition
catheter (catheterization)
Term
CBC
 Definition
complete blood count
Term
CC or cc
 Definition
chief complaint
Term
cc
 Definition
cubic centimeters
Term
CEA
 Definition
carotid endarterectomy (prophylactic surgery to prevent CVA, cleans out atherosclerotic plaque)
Term
cerv
 Definition
cervical
Term
CF
 Definition
cystic fibrosis (genetic defect in chloride transporter protein)
Term
CG
 Definition
contact guard
Term
CHD
 Definition
coronary heart disease
Term
CHF
 Definition
congestive heart failure
Term
CHI
 Definition
closed head injury
Term
Chol
 Definition
cholesterol
Term
chr.
 Definition
chronic
Term
CILD
 Definition
chronic interstitial lung disease (affects interstitium of lungs as opposed to obstructed airway diseases)
Term
circ
 Definition
circulation
Term
Cl
 Definition
chlorine
Term
cldy
 Definition
cloudy
Term
cm
 Definition
centimeter
Term
CMV
 Definition
cytomegalovirus (herpes virus in salivary glands)
Term
CN
 Definition
cranial nerve
Term
CNS
 Definition
central nervous system
Term
CO2
 Definition
carbon dioxide
Term
c/o
 Definition
complains of
Term
CO
 Definition
cardiac output
Term
coag.
 Definition
coagulation
Term
COLD
 Definition
chronic obstructive lung disease (syn. COPD)
Term
com.
 Definition
comminuted (fx in several pieces)
Term
com.
 Definition
comminuted fracture (several pieces)
Term
cond.
 Definition
condition
Term
COPD
 Definition
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Term
CP
 Definition
cerebral palsy (motor areas of brain are damaged in vitro)
Term
CPAP
 Definition
continuous positive airway pressure
Term
CPK
 Definition
creatinine phosphokinase (enzyme that catalyzes ADP + P to ATP)
Term
CPM
 Definition
continuous passive motion
Term
CPR
 Definition
cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
Term
CPT
 Definition
chest PT
Term
CRF
 Definition
chronic renal failure
Term
CRT
 Definition
cathode ray tube (vacuum tube from old TVs)
Term
C & S
 Definition
culture & sensitivity
Term
C-sect
 Definition
ceasarean section
Term
CSF
 Definition
cerebrospinal fluid
Term
C-spine
 Definition
cervical spine
Term
CSW
 Definition
clinical social worker (certified social worker
Term
CT
 Definition
computed tomography
Term
CTLSO
 Definition
cervical thoraco lumbar orthosis
Term
CTR
 Definition
carpel tunnel release
Term
CTS
 Definition
carpal tunnel syndrome
Term
CV
 Definition
cardiovascular
Term
CVA
 Definition
cerebro-vascular accident
Term
CVP
 Definition
central venous pressure (represents the amount of blood returning to heart)
Term
cysto.
 Definition
cystoscopy (inspection of the interior of a bladder by cystoscope.)
Term
D
 Definition
dextrose (divorced, dependent)
Term
DAT
 Definition
diet as tol.
Term
DBP
 Definition
diastolic blood pressure (bottom number)
Term
D & C
 Definition
dilatation & curettage (opening of cervix & removal of uterine contents)
Term
d/c
 Definition
discontinue
Term
dec.
 Definition
decreased
Term
D & E
 Definition
dilation & evacuation (dilation of cervix & evacuation of uterine contents)
Term
def.
 Definition
deficiency
Term
dehyd.
 Definition
dehydration
Term
deg.
 Definition
degeneration
Term
dep.
 Definition
dependent
Term
dept.
 Definition
department
Term
detox.
 Definition
detoxification
Term
DF
 Definition
dorsiflexion
Term
dias.
 Definition
diastolic (smaller number, denominator)
Term
dict.
 Definition
dictated
Term
dig.
 Definition
Digoxin (digitalis, heart med for Afib, Aflutter & heart fail)
Term
DIP
 Definition
distal interphalangeal joint (arthritis here=osteoarthritis)
Term
disch.
 Definition
discharge
Term
disloc.
 Definition
dislocation
Term
DJD
 Definition
degenerative joint disease
Term
DLC
 Definition
double lumen catheter (used for hemodialysis, one sends blood & one returns)
Term
DM
 Definition
diabetes mellitus (inability to produce or use insulin)
Term
DME
 Definition
durable medical equipment
Term
DNA
 Definition
deoxyribonucleic acid
Term
DNR
 Definition
do not resuscitate
Term
DOA
 Definition
dead on arrival
Term
D.O.B.
 Definition
date of birth
Term
DOE
 Definition
dyspnea on exertion
Term
DOH
 Definition
Department of Health
Term
dorsi.
 Definition
dorsiflexion
Term
DP
 Definition
dorsalis pedal pulse (artery on dorsal surface of foot)
Term
DPT
 Definition
diptheria, pertussis, tetanus or doctorate in physical therapy
Term
Dr.
 Definition
doctor
Term
drg.
 Definition
drainage
Term
DRGs
 Definition
diagnostic related groups
Term
DSD
 Definition
dry sterile dressings
Term
DST
 Definition
daylight savings time
Term
DT
 Definition
delirium tremons
Term
DTR
 Definition
deep tendon reflex (muscle contracts when tendon is tapped briskly)
Term
duod.
 Definition
duodenum (first part of small intestine post stomach)
Term
DVT
 Definition
deep vein thrombosis
Term
DW
 Definition
dextrose in water
Term
Dx.
 Definition
diagnosis
Term
Dys.
 Definition
dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
Term
ea.
 Definition
each
Term
EBV
 Definition
Epstein-Barr virus (herpes virus, causes mono)
Term
ECF
 Definition
extended care facility
Term
ECHO
 Definition
echocardiogram (US of heart) (enteric cytopathic human orphan virus)
Term
E. coli
 Definition
escherichia coli
Term
ED
 Definition
emergency department
Term
EEG
 Definition
electroencephalogram (electrical activity along scalp from neurons firing)
Term
EENT
 Definition
eyes, ears, nose & throat
Term
EF
 Definition
ejection fraction (blood pumped out of ventricle w/each heart beat)
Term
EFM
 Definition
electronic fetal monitor
Term
EGD
 Definition
esophogastroduodenoscopy
Term
EKG
 Definition
electrocardiogram
Term
EMG
 Definition
electromyogram (detects electric potential generated by muscle cells)
Term
EMS
 Definition
emergency medical systems (electrical muscle stimulator)
Term
EMT
 Definition
emergency medical technician
Term
EOB
 Definition
edge of bed
Term
EOM
 Definition
extraocular movements
Term
EOMI
 Definition
extraocular movements intact
Term
epith
 Definition
epithelium
Term
ER
 Definition
emergency room
Term
E.R.
 Definition
external rotation
Term
ERT
 Definition
estrogen replacement therapy
Term
E-stim
 Definition
electrical stimulation
Term
ET
 Definition
enterostomal therapist (cares for pts w/stomas) (estropia-eye turns inward or endotrachial tube)
Term
etiol.
 Definition
etiology
Term
ETOH
 Definition
ethyl alcohol
Term
ETT
 Definition
endotracheal tube
Term
eval
 Definition
evaluation
Term
evers.
 Definition
eversion
Term
ex.
 Definition
exercise (examination or excision)
Term
ext
 Definition
extension (extremity)
Term
Exp.
 Definition
expired (expectorant)
Term
ex. rot.
 Definition
external rotation
Term
F
 Definition
Fahrenheit (fair muscle strength)
Term
FAS
 Definition
fetal alcohol syndrome
Term
FB
 Definition
foreign body (fingerbreadth)
Term
fb or f/b
 Definition
followed by
Term
FBS
 Definition
fasting blood sugar
Term
Fe
 Definition
iron
Term
fem
 Definition
femoral
Term
fem-pop
 Definition
femoral-popliteal bypass
Term
FES
 Definition
functional electrical stimulation
Term
FEV
 Definition
forced expiration volume
Term
FEV1
 Definition
forced expiration volume 1 s
Term
FHx
 Definition
family history
Term
fib
 Definition
fibrillation (fibrinogen, fibula)
Term
fist
 Definition
fistula (abnormal passageway between body parts)
Term
flex
 Definition
flexion
Term
FOB
 Definition
foot of bed
Term
FSH
 Definition
follicle stimulating hormone
Term
ft
 Definition
foot
Term
FTSG
 Definition
full thickness skin graft
Term
FTT
 Definition
failure to thrive
Term
FUO
 Definition
fever of unknown origin
Term
FUV
 Definition
follow up visit
Term
FVC
 Definition
forced vital capacity
Term
FWB
 Definition
full weight bearing
Term
fx
 Definition
fracture
Term
fxn
 Definition
function
Term
G
 Definition
good muscle strength
Term
gal.
 Definition
gallon
Term
GB
 Definition
gallbladder
Term
GCS
 Definition
Glascow Coma Scale (eye opening + verbal response + motor response)
Term
GERD
 Definition
gastroesophageal reflux disease
Term
GDM
 Definition
gestational diabetes mellitus (during pregnancy)
Term
GI
 Definition
gastrointestinal
Term
glc.
 Definition
glucose
Term
GM
 Definition
grand mal
Term
gm.
 Definition
gram
Term
GN
 Definition
graduate nurse
Term
GP
 Definition
general practitioner
Term
gr
 Definition
grain
Term
GSRH
 Definition
Good Shepherd Home & Rehabilitation Hospital
Term
GSW
 Definition
gunshot wound
Term
GTT
 Definition
glucose tolerance test (r/o diabetes & hypoglycemia, bs rises & falls within 2 hrs.)
Term
GU
 Definition
genitourinary (reproductive organs & urinary system)
Term
gyn
 Definition
gynecology
Term
H2O
 Definition
water
Term
HA
 Definition
headache
Term
hams.
 Definition
hamstrings
Term
Hb
 Definition
hemoglobin
Term
HBP
 Definition
hypertension
Term
H/H H & H
 Definition
hemoglobin and hematocrit (% of RBCs in blood by volume)
Term
HIB
 Definition
hemophilus influenzae type B (bacteria erroneously credited w/causing flu, bacteremia/PNA/meningitis)
Term
HIV
 Definition
human immunodeficiency virus
Term
H & L
 Definition
heart & lung
Term
HOB
 Definition
head of bed
Term
HNP
 Definition
herniated nucleus pulposus
Term
HOH
 Definition
hard of hearing
Term
H & P
 Definition
history & physical
Term
HP
 Definition
hot pack
Term
HPI
 Definition
history of present illness
Term
HPV
 Definition
human papillomavirus (infects epidermis & mucous membranes)
Term
HR
 Definition
heart rate
Term
hs
 Definition
hour of sleep (@ bedtime)
Term
HSV
 Definition
herpes simplex virus (eruption of vesicles on lips or nares, also genitalia)
Term
Ht.
 Definition
height (heart)
Term
HTN
 Definition
hypertension
Term
HVPC
 Definition
high voltage pulsed current (E-stim to salvage diabetic ulcers)
Term
HVPGS
 Definition
high voltage pulsed galvanic stimulation (E-stim to treat chronic pressure ulcers)
Term
Hx.
 Definition
history
Term
Hyperal.
 Definition
hyperalimentation (consumption of nutrients beyond normal amts. to replace nutritional deficiencies)
Term
hyp
 Definition
hypertrophy
Term
hypo
 Definition
hypodermic
Term
hyst, hys
 Definition
hysterectomy
Term
Hz
 Definition
Hertz
Term
I w/a circle
 Definition
independent
Term
IA
 Definition
intra-arterial (intra-aortic)
Term
IABP
 Definition
intra-aortic balloon pump (in descending aorta, helps heart)
Term
IBD
 Definition
inflammatory bowel disease (Chron's & ulcerative colitis)
Term
IBS
 Definition
irritable bowel syndrome (LGI symptoms s pathology, uncoordinated intestinal contractions )
Term
IBW
 Definition
ideal body weight
Term
ICP
 Definition
intracranial pressure
Term
ICU
 Definition
intensive care unit
Term
I & D
 Definition
incision & drainage
Term
ID
 Definition
infectious disease
Term
IEP
 Definition
individual education program
Term
IFC
 Definition
interferential current (interference of 2 polyphasic sine waves to decrease pain sensation)
Term
im
 Definition
intramuscular
Term
imp
 Definition
impression
Term
in.
 Definition
inch
Term
inc.
 Definition
increase
Term
inc spir
 Definition
incentive spirometry
Term
icont
 Definition
incontinent (do definite/none)
Term
ind
 Definition
independent
Term
init
 Definition
initial
Term
inj
 Definition
injury/injection
Term
ins
 Definition
insurance
Term
insp
 Definition
inspiration
Term
insuff
 Definition
insufficiency
Term
int. rot.
 Definition
internal rotation
Term
inv
 Definition
inversion
Term
I & O
 Definition
intake & output
Term
IPD
 Definition
intermittent peritoneal dialysis (across peritoneum via dialysate solution)
Term
IPPB
 Definition
intermittent positive pressure breathing (controlled mechanical ventilation)
Term
IR
 Definition
internal rotation
Term
irreg
 Definition
irregular
Term
irrig
 Definition
irrigate
Term
ITR
 Definition
interdisciplinary teaching record
Term
IUD
 Definition
intrauterine device (intrauterine death)
Term
IV
 Definition
intravenous
Term
IVF
 Definition
in-vitro fertilization
Term
IVP
 Definition
intravenous pyelogram (X-ray of urinary sys. c contrast material/intravenous push)
Term
JCAHO
 Definition
Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
Term
JRA
 Definition
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Term
jt
 Definition
joint
Term
junct
 Definition
junction
Term
K
 Definition
potassium/thousand
Term
KAFO
 Definition
knee ankle foot orthosis
Term
kg
 Definition
kilogram
Term
KI
 Definition
knee immobilizer
Term
L in circle
 Definition
left
Term
lac
 Definition
laceration
Term
lax
 Definition
laxative
Term
lb.
 Definition
pound
Term
LBBB
 Definition
left bundle branch block
Term
LBP
 Definition
lower back pain/low blood pressure
Term
LBW
 Definition
low birth weight
Term
LCL
 Definition
lateral collateral ligament
Term
LDL
 Definition
low density lipoprotein (bad)
Term
L & D
 Definition
labor & delivery
Term
LE
 Definition
lower extremity
Term
lg
 Definition
large
Term
LH
 Definition
leutinizing hormone
Term
lig
 Definition
ligament
Term
liq
 Definition
liquid
Term
LLB
 Definition
long leg brace
Term
L LE
 Definition
left lower extremity
Term
LLL
 Definition
left lower lobe
Term
LLQ
 Definition
left lower quadrant
Term
L/min
 Definition
liters per minute
Term
LMP
 Definition
last menstrual period
Term
LOA
 Definition
leave of absence/lysis of adhesions
Term
LOB
 Definition
loss of balance
Term
LP
 Definition
lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
Term
LPN
 Definition
licensed practical nurse
Term
LRQ
 Definition
lower right quadrant
Term
LS
 Definition
lumbo-sacral (lumbar spine)
Term
L & S
 Definition
liver spleen scan (liver & spleen)
Term
LSO
 Definition
lumbar sacral orthosis
Term
LTG
 Definition
long term goals
Term
L UE
 Definition
left upper extremity
Term
LUL
 Definition
left upper lobe
Term
LUQ
 Definition
left upper quadrant
Term
LVH
 Definition
Lehigh Valley Hospital
Term
LVTSU
 Definition
Lehigh Valley Transitional Skilled Unit
Term
lymph
 Definition
lymphocytes
Term
lytes
 Definition
electrolytes
Term
m
 Definition
muscle
Term
MAFO
 Definition
molded ankle foot orthosis
Term
manip
 Definition
manipulation
Term
MAP
 Definition
mean arterial pressure (avg. BP, perfusion pressure seen by organs)
Term
mass
 Definition
masaage
Term
MAST
 Definition
military anti-shock trousers (stabilize pelvic fx in field)
Term
mat
 Definition
maternal
Term
max
 Definition
maximum
Term
MCA
 Definition
middle cerebral artery (supplies cerebrum, branch of internal carotid)
Term
MCL
 Definition
medial collateral ligament (fem-tib)
Term
MCP
 Definition
metacarpophalangeal joints (1st knuckles, metacarpal-phalanges, arthritis here=RA)
Term
MD
 Definition
doctor
Term
med
 Definition
medication, medicate
Term
MENS
 Definition
microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulation (small current to stimulate healing)
Term
metab
 Definition
metabolism
Term
Mg
 Definition
magnesium
Term
mg
 Definition
milligram
Term
mg/dl
 Definition
milligram per deciliter
Term
MH/MR
 Definition
mental health/mental retardation
Term
MHP
 Definition
moist heat pack
Term
MHz
 Definition
megahertz
Term
MI
 Definition
myocardial infarction
Term
min
 Definition
minute (mineral, minimal, minor)
Term
ml
 Definition
milliliter
Term
mm
 Definition
millimeter
Term
mmHg
 Definition
millimeters of mercury
Term
MMR
 Definition
measles, mumps & rubella vaccine
Term
MMT
 Definition
manual muscle test (vs. gravity then vs. resistance)
Term
MO
 Definition
months old (morbid obesity)
Term
mo
 Definition
month
Term
MOB
 Definition
medical office building
Term
mob
 Definition
mobilization or mobility
Term
mod
 Definition
moderate
Term
MOM
 Definition
Milk of Magnesia
Term
MP
 Definition
metacarpophalangeal joint (1st knuckles)
Term
MR
 Definition
mental retardation, mitral regurgitation
Term
MRA
 Definition
magnetic resonance angiography (can see moving nuclei vs. standing nuclei)
Term
MRI
 Definition
magnetic resonance imaging (no radiation exposure, protons absorb energy from radiofreq. pulses)
Term
MRSA
 Definition
methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus
Term
MS
 Definition
multiple sclerosis, medical student
Term
MSO4
 Definition
morphine sulphate
Term
mult
 Definition
multiple
Term
musc
 Definition
muscle
Term
MVA
 Definition
motor vehicle accident
Term
MWD
 Definition
microwave diathermy (electromagnetic energy to heat muscles)
Term
ESR
 Definition
erythrocyte sedimentation rate (incr. rates=anemia or inflammation)
Term
EST
 Definition
Eastern Standard Time
Term
HBV
 Definition
hepatitis B virus/vaccine
Term
hCG
 Definition
human chorionic gonadotropin (glycoprotein active in 1st trimester, trigger for pregnancy tests)
Term
Hct
 Definition
hematocrit (% of RBC/blood volume))
Term
HCV
 Definition
hepatitis C virus
Term
HD
 Definition
hemodialysis (cleanse blood via dialysis machine)
Term
HDL
 Definition
high density lipoproteins (good cholesterol)
Term
HEENT
 Definition
head,eyes,ears, nose & throat
Term
HEP
 Definition
home exercise program
Term
Hg
 Definition
Mercury
Term
Hgb
 Definition
hemoglobin
Term
HGH
 Definition
human growth hormone
Term
n.
 Definition
nerve
Term
N
 Definition
normal muscle strength
Term
Na
 Definition
Sodium
Term
N2
 Definition
nitrogen
Term
N2O
 Definition
nitrous oxide
Term
N/A
 Definition
not applicable
Term
NAD
 Definition
no acute distress
Term
NBQC
 Definition
narrow base quad cane
Term
n.c.
 Definition
nasal cannula/non-contributory/no change
Term
NCB
 Definition
no code blue
Term
NCV
 Definition
nerve conduction velocity
Term
neg.
 Definition
negative
Term
ner.
 Definition
nervous
Term
neuro
 Definition
neurologic
Term
neut
 Definition
neutrophils
Term
NG
 Definition
nasogastric
Term
NGT
 Definition
nasogastric tube
Term
N.H.
 Definition
nursing home
Term
NH4
 Definition
ammonia
Term
NICU
 Definition
neonatal intensive care unit
Term
NKA
 Definition
no known allergies
Term
NKDA
 Definition
no known drug allergies
Term
nl
 Definition
normal
Term
NMES
 Definition
neuromuscular electrical stimulator
Term
noct.
 Definition
at night
Term
NPO
 Definition
nothing by mouth
Term
NR
 Definition
non-reactive
Term
NS (ns)
 Definition
nervous system
Term
NSAID
 Definition
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
Term
NSG
 Definition
nursing
Term
NSR
 Definition
normal sinus rhythm
Term
NSS
 Definition
normal saline solution
Term
NT
 Definition
nasotracheal tube/not tested
Term
NTG
 Definition
nitroglycerine
Term
N & V
 Definition
nausea and vomiting
Term
NV
 Definition
neuro-vascular
Term
NWB
 Definition
non-weight bearing
Term
O
 Definition
objective
Term
O2
 Definition
oxygen
Term
O2sat
 Definition
oxygen saturation
Term
OB
 Definition
obstetrics
Term
OB/GYN
 Definition
obstetrics & gynecology
Term
obl.
 Definition
oblique
Term
OBS
 Definition
organic brain syndrome (group of behavioral symptoms caused by brain dysfunction)
Term
obstr
 Definition
obstructive/obstruction
Term
occ.
 Definition
occasionally
Term
OD
 Definition
overdose
Term
OHU
 Definition
open heart unit
Term
oint.
 Definition
ointment
Term
OJ
 Definition
orange juice
Term
OM
 Definition
otitis media
Term
OOB
 Definition
out of bed
Term
OP
 Definition
outpatient
Term
OPD
 Definition
outpatient department
Term
OPG
 Definition
ocular pneumoplethysomograph
Term
ophth.
 Definition
ophthalmology
Term
OPT
 Definition
outpatient
Term
OR
 Definition
operating room
Term
ORIF
 Definition
open reduction internal fixation
Term
ortho
 Definition
orthopedics
Term
OT
 Definition
occupational therapy
Term
OVR
 Definition
office of vocational rehabilitation
Term
oz.
 Definition
ounce
Term
p w/line over it
 Definition
after,post
Term
P
 Definition
poor muscle strength
Term
PAC
 Definition
premature atrial contraction (early heart beat initiated in atrium, not by SA)
Term
PaCO2
 Definition
partial pressure of CO2 in arterial blood
Term
PACU
 Definition
post anesthesia care unit
Term
PaO2
 Definition
partial pressure of O2 in arterial blood
Term
PAP
 Definition
pulmonary artery pressure/positive airway pressure/mean airway pressure
Term
para
 Definition
number of pregnancies
Term
PAT
 Definition
paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (recurrent, sudden tachycardia)
Term
PAT
 Definition
pre-admission testing
Term
path
 Definition
pathology
Term
Pb
 Definition
lead
Term
P-bars or ll bars
 Definition
parallel bars
Term
pc
 Definition
after meals (post cibum)
Term
PCA
 Definition
patient controlled analgesia (painful stimuli are modified)
Term
PCCU
 Definition
progressive coronary care unit
Term
PCL
 Definition
posterior cruciate ligament
Term
pCO2
 Definition
partial pressure of carbon dioxide
Term
PCP
 Definition
pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (opportunistic fungus present normally in lungs)
Term
PD
 Definition
peritoneal dialysis
Term
PE
 Definition
physical examination/pulmonary edema/pulmonary embolism
Term
pecs
 Definition
pectoralis muscles
Term
PEDS
 Definition
pediatrics
Term
PEEP
 Definition
positive end expiratory pressure (mechanical impedance creates high airway pressure on exhale)
Term
PEG
 Definition
percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (tube in stomach for feeding & meds)
Term
PEJ
 Definition
percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (J-tube, tube in jejunum for feeding & meds)
Term
pen
 Definition
penicillin
Term
per
 Definition
by
Term
PERI
 Definition
perineal (area between thighs & below pelvic diaphragm)
Term
PERIPH
 Definition
peripheral
Term
PERLA
 Definition
pupils equal, react to light and accommodation
Term
PERLA
 Definition
pupils equal, react to light and accommodation
Term
PERRLA
 Definition
pupils equal, round, regular, react to light
Term
PF
 Definition
plantar flexion
Term
PFT
 Definition
pulmonary function test
Term
pH
 Definition
measures hydrogen ion concentration
Term
phos.
 Definition
phosphorus
Term
phys
 Definition
physical
Term
Phys Rx or Phys. Ther.
 Definition
physical therapy
Term
PICC
 Definition
peripherally inserted central catheter
Term
PID
 Definition
pelvic inflammatory disease (inflammation 2* infection, freq post op)
Term
PIP
 Definition
proximal interphalangeal joint
Term
PIT
 Definition
Pitocin (brand name for synthetic oxytocin)
Term
PKU
 Definition
phenylketonuria (congenital deficiency of hepatic enzyme)
Term
plantar
 Definition
plantar flexion
Term
PLT
 Definition
platelets
Term
PM
 Definition
afternoon & evening
Term
PMH
 Definition
past medical history
Term
PMR
 Definition
polymyalgia rheumatica (pain in many muscles, worst in AM, freq c temporal arteritis)
Term
PMS
 Definition
pre-menstrual syndrome
Term
PNF
 Definition
proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (stretching & resistance before athletic performance)
Term
PNI
 Definition
peripheral nerve injury
Term
po
 Definition
by mouth
Term
POA
 Definition
power of attorney
Term
POC
 Definition
plan of care
Term
POD
 Definition
postoperative day
Term
pos
 Definition
positive
Term
post
 Definition
posterior
Term
postop
 Definition
postoperative
Term
PP
 Definition
post partum
Term
PPB
 Definition
positive pressure breathing (air pushed into trachea)
Term
PPD
 Definition
purified protein derivative (TB skin test)
Term
PRBC
 Definition
packed red blood cells
Term
PRE
 Definition
progressive resistive exercise (overloading muscles to cause hypertrophy)
Term
precip
 Definition
precipitate
Term
preop
 Definition
preoperative
Term
orep
 Definition
prepare
Term
prev
 Definition
previous
Term
PRN
 Definition
as necessary
Term
prog
 Definition
prognosis
Term
PROM
 Definition
passive range of motion
Term
prox
 Definition
proximal
Term
PSI
 Definition
pounds per sq. in.
Term
PSY
 Definition
psychiatry
Term
pt
 Definition
patient
Term
PTA
 Definition
prior to admission
Term
PTCA
 Definition
percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (enlarge vascular lumen c balloon)
Term
PT/OT
 Definition
physical therapy/occupational therapy
Term
PT
 Definition
prothrombin time (clotting time reference)
Term
PTT
 Definition
partial thromboplastin time (clotting time reference to evaluate intrinsic clotting system)
Term
PUD
 Definition
peptic ulcer disease/pulmonary disease
Term
PVC
 Definition
premature ventricular contraction
Term
PWB
 Definition
partial weight bearing
Term
Px
 Definition
prescription
Term
q
 Definition
every
Term
qd
 Definition
every day
Term
qh
 Definition
every __ hrs.
Term
QA
 Definition
quality assessment
Term
qid
 Definition
four times a day
Term
qod
 Definition
every other day
Term
qt
 Definition
quart
Term
qty
 Definition
quantity
Term
quads
 Definition
quadriceps
Term
R in a circle
 Definition
right
Term
RA
 Definition
rheumatoid arthritis
Term
RBBB
 Definition
right bundle branch block
Term
RBC
 Definition
red blood cell
Term
RD
 Definition
radial deviation (movement of wrist toward radius)
Term
RDS
 Definition
respiratory distress syndrome (newborns s sufficient surfactant)
Term
RE:
 Definition
regarding
Term
regurg
 Definition
regurgitated
Term
rehab
 Definition
rehabilitation
Term
REM
 Definition
rapid eye movement
Term
reps
 Definition
repititions
Term
resp
 Definition
respiration
Term
RF
 Definition
rheumatoid factor (autoimmune antibody unique to RA)/rheumatic fever(infection to aortic & mitral valves)
Term
Rh
 Definition
Rhesus factor
Term
RHD
 Definition
rheumatic heart disease (infection to aortic & mitral valves)
Term
R LE
 Definition
right lower extremity
Term
RLL
 Definition
right lower lobe
Term
RLQ
 Definition
right lower quadrant
Term
RML
 Definition
right middle lobe
Term
RN
 Definition
registered nurse
Term
r/o
 Definition
rule out
Term
ROM
 Definition
range of motion
Term
ROS
 Definition
review of symptoms (process of gathering pt data regardless of apparent relevance)
Term
R Ph
 Definition
registered pharmacist
Term
RR
 Definition
respiratory rate (breaths per min.)/recovery room
Term
RRR
 Definition
regular rate rhythm (standard pulse)
Term
RRT
 Definition
registered respiratory therapist
Term
RSD
 Definition
reflex sympathetic dystrophy (spontaneous pain & hypersensitivity p trauma or surgery)
Term
RROM
 Definition
resisted range of motion
Term
RT
 Definition
radiation therapy
Term
RTC
 Definition
rotator cuff
Term
R UE
 Definition
right upper extremity
Term
RUL
 Definition
right upper lobe
Term
RUQ
 Definition
right upper quadrant
Term
RW
 Definition
rolling walker
Term
Rx
 Definition
therapy/treatment
Term
S1-S5
 Definition
first to fifth sacral nerves
Term
S with circle
 Definition
supervision/subjective
Term
s with line over
 Definition
without
Term
SACH
 Definition
single axis cushion heel
Term
SAH
 Definition
subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleed in space between brain & middle membrane covering brain)
Term
SAID
 Definition
steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (prednisone, suppresses immune system)
Term
SaO2
 Definition
oxygen saturation of Hgb
Term
SAQ
 Definition
short arc quad
Term
sat
 Definition
saturated
Term
SBE
 Definition
subacute bacterial endocarditis (congenital or acquired abnormalities in heart valves)
Term
SBO
 Definition
small bowel obstruction
Term
SBP
 Definition
systolic blood pressure
Term
sc
 Definition
spinal cord
Term
SCI
 Definition
spinal cord injury
Term
schiz
 Definition
schizophrenia (psychosis, withdrawal into one's own mind)
Term
SCU
 Definition
special care unit
Term
sed rate
 Definition
sedimentation rate (RBC, higher rate = more inflammation due to incr fibrinogen)
Term
SER
 Definition
somatosensory evoked responses (recognize objects by touching them)
Term
SGC
 Definition
Swan Ganz Catheter (pulmonary artery catheter c balloon)
Term
SH
 Definition
social history
Term
SHH
 Definition
Sacred Heart Hospital
Term
SIADH
 Definition
syndrome of inappropriate section of antidiuretic hormone (excess ADH--> H2O retention)
Term
SIDS
 Definition
sudden infant death syndrome
Term
SLB
 Definition
short leg brace
Term
SLE
 Definition
systemic lupus erythematosus (inflammatory connective tissue disease)
Term
SLH
 Definition
St. Luke's Hospital
Term
SLR
 Definition
straight leg raise
Term
sm
 Definition
small
Term
SNF
 Definition
skilled nursing facility
Term
SO4
 Definition
sulfate
Term
SOAP
 Definition
subjective-objective-assessment-plan
Term
SOB
 Definition
shortness of breath
Term
sol
 Definition
solution
Term
s/p
 Definition
status post
Term
spec
 Definition
specimen
Term
spont
 Definition
spontaneous
Term
SPT
 Definition
stand-pivot-transfer
Term
SPU
 Definition
short procedure unit
Term
S/S
 Definition
signs & symptoms
Term
SSEP
 Definition
somato-sensory evoked potentials
Term
STAPH
 Definition
staphylococcus
Term
STAT
 Definition
immediately (statim is Latin for immediately)
Term
STD
 Definition
sexually transmitted disease
Term
std. walker
 Definition
standard walker
Term
STG
 Definition
short term goals
Term
strep
 Definition
streptococcus
Term
STSG
 Definition
split thickness skin graft (portions of skin used)
Term
subq
 Definition
subcutaneous
Term
sup
 Definition
superior
Term
surg
 Definition
surgery
Term
SWD
 Definition
short wave diathermy
Term
Sx
 Definition
symptoms
Term
sz
 Definition
seizure
Term
T/temp
 Definition
temperature
Term
T1-T12
 Definition
first to twelfth thoracic vertebrae
Term
T & A
 Definition
tonsillectomy & adenoidectomy
Term
tab
 Definition
tablet
Term
Tb
 Definition
mycobacterium tubercolosis
Term
TBI
 Definition
traumatic brain injury
Term
tbsp
 Definition
tablespoon
Term
TDWB
 Definition
touch down weight bearing
Term
temp
 Definition
temperature
Term
TENS
 Definition
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Term
TF
 Definition
tube feeding
Term
THA
 Definition
total hip arthroplasty
Term
ther ex
 Definition
therapeutic exercise
Term
THR
 Definition
total hip replacement
Term
TIA
 Definition
transient ischemic attack
Term
TID
 Definition
three times daily
Term
TINCT
 Definition
tincture (alcoholic/hydroalcoholic solution)
Term
TIW
 Definition
three times weekly
Term
TKA
 Definition
total knee arthroplasty
Term
TKE
 Definition
terminal knee extension
Term
TKR
 Definition
total knee replacement
Term
TLC
 Definition
total lung capacity/triple lumen catheter
Term
TM
 Definition
tympanic membrane
Term
TMJ
 Definition
temporomandibular joint
Term
TO
 Definition
telephone order
Term
t/o
 Definition
throughout
Term
tol
 Definition
tolerated
Term
TOX
 Definition
toxicology
Term
TPA
 Definition
tissue plasminogen activator (enzyme: plasminogen
-->plasmin)
Term
TPN
 Definition
total parenteral nutrition (feeding by totally no-gastric route)
Term
TPR
 Definition
temperature, pulse, respiration
Term
trach
 Definition
tracheostomy (temporary opening into trachea)
Term
TSA
 Definition
total shoulder arthroplasty
Term
TSH
 Definition
thyroid stimulating hormone
Term
tsp
 Definition
teaspoon
Term
TT
 Definition
thrombin time
Term
TTWB
 Definition
toe touch weight bearing
Term
TUBAL
 Definition
tubal ligation
Term
TURP
 Definition
transurethral resection, prostrate
Term
TV
 Definition
tidal volume
Term
Tx
 Definition
traction
Term
UA
 Definition
urinalysis
Term
UD
 Definition
ulnar deviation
Term
UE
 Definition
upper extremities
Term
UGI
 Definition
upper gastrointestinal
Term
UR
 Definition
utilization review
Term
URI
 Definition
upper respiratory infection
Term
urol/ uro
 Definition
urology
Term
US
 Definition
ultra sound
Term
UTI
 Definition
urinary tract infection
Term
UV
 Definition
ultraviolet
Term
v
 Definition
vein
Term
VA
 Definition
Veterans' Administration/ventricuoatrial
Term
vag
 Definition
vagina
Term
FAG HYST
 Definition
vaginal hysterectomy
Term
vasc
 Definition
vascular
Term
VBAC
 Definition
vaginal birth after cesarean
Term
VC
 Definition
vital capacity/vena cava
Term
VD
 Definition
veneral disease
Term
vent
 Definition
ventilator
Term
VER
 Definition
visual evoked responses
Term
VFIB
 Definition
ventricular fibrillation
Term
VNA
 Definition
Visiting Nurses Association
Term
vo
 Definition
verbal order
Term
vol
 Definition
volume
Term
VS
 Definition
vital signs
Term
V TACH
 Definition
ventricular tachycardia
Term
WB
 Definition
weight bearing
Term
WBAT
 Definition
weight bearing as tolerated
Term
WBC
 Definition
white blood count
Term
WBQC
 Definition
wide base quad cane
Term
WBTT
 Definition
weight bearing to tolerance
Term
wc
 Definition
wheelchair
Term
WFL
 Definition
within functional limits
Term
wk
 Definition
week
Term
WNL
 Definition
within normal limits
Term
work comp
 Definition
Workers' Compensation
Term
wp
 Definition
whirlpool
Term
wt
 Definition
weight
Term
x1
 Definition
one person or one time
Term
x2
 Definition
two people or two times
Term
x3
 Definition
three people or three times
Term
xfer
 Definition
transfer
Term
yo
 Definition
years old
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