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Health Unit Coordinating Abbreviations

Quiz yourself by thinking what should be in each of the black spaces below before clicking on it to display the answer.
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Question
Answer
>   greater than  
🗑
<   less than  
🗑
↑   increase or above  
🗑
/   per or by  
🗑
Δ   change  
🗑
@   at  
🗑
↓   decrease or below  
🗑
o   degree or hour  
🗑
A   apical  
🗑
AA   active assisted  
🗑
A&A   arthroscopy and arthrotomy  
🗑
ā   before  
🗑
åå   of each  
🗑
AAROM   active-assistive range of motion  
🗑
Ab   antibody  
🗑
abd   abdominal  
🗑
ABG   arterial blood gas  
🗑
ABR   absolute bed rest  
🗑
Ac   before meals  
🗑
ACL   anterior cruciate ligament repair  
🗑
AD   right ear  
🗑
ADA   American Diabetic Association  
🗑
ADE   adverse drug event  
🗑
ADH   antidiuretic hormone (chemistry)  
🗑
ADL   activity(ies) of daily living  
🗑
ad lib   as desired  
🗑
A-drive   floppy drive  
🗑
ADS   adult distress syndrome  
🗑
ADT Log Book   a book used to record all admissions, discharges, and transfers on a nursing unit  
🗑
ADT Sheet   a form used to record admissions, discharges, and transfers on a nursing unit for each day  
🗑
AE   antiembolism  
🗑
AFB   acid-fast bacillus  
🗑
Ag   antigen  
🗑
AHA   American Heart Association  
🗑
AIDS   acquired immunodeficiency syndrome  
🗑
AKA   above the knee amputation  
🗑
ALP or alk phos   alkaline phosphatase (chemistry)  
🗑
A.M.   morning  
🗑
AMA   against medical advice  
🗑
amb   ambulate  
🗑
AMO   against medical orders  
🗑
amp   ampule  
🗑
ANA   American Nurses Association; antinuclear antibody (serology)  
🗑
ANCC   American Nurses Credentialing Center  
🗑
A&O   alert and oriented  
🗑
AP   anteroposterior  
🗑
A&P repair   anterior and posterior colporraphy  
🗑
A&P resection   abdominoperineal resection  
🗑
appt   appointment  
🗑
APS   Adult Protective Services  
🗑
ARC   AIDS-related complex  
🗑
ARDS   acute (adult) respiratory distress syndrome  
🗑
AROM   active range of motion  
🗑
AS   left ear  
🗑
ASA   acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)  
🗑
ASAP   as soon as possible  
🗑
as tol   as tolerated  
🗑
AU   both ears  
🗑
AV fistula   arteriovenous fistula  
🗑
AV shunt   atrial/ventricular shunt  
🗑
ax   axillary  
🗑
BAER or AER   brainstem auditory response  
🗑
BC   blood culture  
🗑
BCOC   bowel care of choice  
🗑
BE   barium enema  
🗑
BIBA   brought in by ambulance  
🗑
bid   twice a day  
🗑
bili   bilirubin  
🗑
BiPap   bilevel positive airway pressure  
🗑
BiW, biw   twice a week  
🗑
BKA   below the knee amputation  
🗑
B/L   bilateral  
🗑
BLE   both lower extremities  
🗑
BM   bowel movement  
🗑
BMI   body mass index  
🗑
BMP   basic metabolic panel  
🗑
BNP   brain natriuretic peptide  
🗑
BP   blood pressure  
🗑
BR   bed rest  
🗑
BRP   bathroom privileges  
🗑
BS   blood sugar  
🗑
BSC   bedside commode  
🗑
BUE   both upper extremities  
🗑
BUN   blood urea nitrogen  
🗑
Bx   biopsy  
🗑
c   with  
🗑
C   Celsius  
🗑
Ca   cancer  
🗑
Ca+   calcium  
🗑
CABG   coronary artery bypass graft  
🗑
CAD   coronary artery disease  
🗑
cal   calorie  
🗑
cap   capsule  
🗑
CAT   computed axial tomography  
🗑
cath   catheterize  
🗑
CBC   complete blood cell count  
🗑
CBG   capillary blood gas  
🗑
CBI   continuous bladder irrigation  
🗑
CBR   continuous bed rest  
🗑
cc or cm3   cubic centimeter  
🗑
CC, creat cl, or cr cl   creatinine clearance (chemistry)  
🗑
CCM   certified case manager  
🗑
ccu   coronary care unit  
🗑
CDC   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  
🗑
C-drive   hard drive stored inside the computer  
🗑
CDSS   clinical decision support system/s  
🗑
CE   covered entities  
🗑
CEA   carcinoembryonic antigen (special chemistry)  
🗑
CEO   chief executive officer  
🗑
CFO   chief financial officer  
🗑
CHF   congestive heart failure  
🗑
CHO   carbohydrate  
🗑
chol   cholesterol  
🗑
CHUC   certified health unit coordinator  
🗑
CI   clinical indication  
🗑
cl or CL   clear; chloride (chemistry)  
🗑
cm   centimeter  
🗑
CMP   comprehensive metabolic panel  
🗑
CMS   circulation, motion, sensation  
🗑
CMT   cardiac monitor technician  
🗑
CMV   cytomegalovirus  
🗑
CNA   certified nursing assistant  
🗑
c/o   complained of  
🗑
CO2   carbon dioxide  
🗑
COA or C of A   condition of admission  
🗑
comp or cmpd   compound  
🗑
con't   continue  
🗑
COO   chief operating officer  
🗑
COPD   chronic obstructive pulmonary disease  
🗑
COW   computer on wheels  
🗑
CP   cold pack  
🗑
CPAP   continuous positive airway pressure  
🗑
CPK or CK   creatine phosphokinase or creatine kinase (chemistry)  
🗑
CPM   continuous passive motion  
🗑
CPOE   computer physician order entry  
🗑
CPR   cardiopulmonary resuscitation  
🗑
CPS   Child Protective Services  
🗑
CPT   chest physical therapy  
🗑
CPU   central processing unit  
🗑
CPZ   Compazine  
🗑
CQI   continuous quality improvement  
🗑
C&S   culture and sensitivity  
🗑
CSF   cerebrospinal fluid  
🗑
CT   computed tomography  
🗑
CVA   cerebrovascular accident  
🗑
CVC   central venous catheter  
🗑
CVICU   cardiovascular intensive critical care unit  
🗑
CVP   central venous pressure  
🗑
Cx   culture  
🗑
CXR   chest X-ray  
🗑
D or E drive   drive/s to read CDs or DVDs  
🗑
DAT   diet as tolerated; direct antiglobulin test  
🗑
D/C or DC   discontinue or discharge  
🗑
Diff   differential  
🗑
Dig   digoxin  
🗑
Disch   discharge  
🗑
D/LR   dextrose in lactated Ringer's solution  
🗑
DME   durable medical equipment  
🗑
DMS   document management system  
🗑
DNR   do not resuscitate  
🗑
D/NS   dextrose in normal saline  
🗑
DO   doctor of osteopathy  
🗑
DOA   dead on arrival  
🗑
DPI   dry powder inhaler  
🗑
dr   dram  
🗑
DRG   diagnosis-related group  
🗑
D/RL   dextrose in Ringer's lactate  
🗑
DSA   digital subtraction angiography  
🗑
DSS   dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (Colace)  
🗑
DSU   day surgery unit  
🗑
D/W   dextrose in water  
🗑
DW   distilled water  
🗑
D5W   5% dextrose in water  
🗑
D10W   10% dextrose in water  
🗑
Dx   diagnosis  
🗑
EBV   Epstein-Barr virus  
🗑
EC   enteric coated  
🗑
ECF   extended care facility  
🗑
ECG or EKG   electrocardiogram  
🗑
ED   emergency department  
🗑
EEC   electroencephalogram  
🗑
EGD   esophagogastroduodenoscopy  
🗑
elix   elixir  
🗑
EMG   electromyogram  
🗑
EMR   electronic medical record  
🗑
ENG   electronystagmography  
🗑
EPC   electronic pain control  
🗑
EPHI   electronic protected health information  
🗑
EPS   electrophysiologic study  
🗑
ER   emergency room  
🗑
ERCP   endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography  
🗑
ES   electrical stimulation  
🗑
ESR   erythrocyte sedimentation rate  
🗑
ESRD   end-stage renal disease  
🗑
ET   endotracheal tube  
🗑
ETS   elevated toilet seat  
🗑
F   Fahrenheit  
🗑
FBS   fasting blood sugar  
🗑
Fe   iron  
🗑
FF   force fluids  
🗑
FFP   fresh frozen plasma  
🗑
fib   fibrinogen  
🗑
FPG   fasting plasma glucose (chemistry)  
🗑
FS   full strength; frozen section  
🗑
5-FU   5-fluorouracil  
🗑
F/U   follow-up  
🗑
FWB   full weight bearing  
🗑
FWW   front wheel walker  
🗑
Fx, fx   fracture  
🗑
G, gm, g   gram  
🗑
GB   gallbladder  
🗑
GI   gastrointestinal  
🗑
glue   glucose  
🗑
gr   grain  
🗑
GTT   glucose tolerance test  
🗑
gtt(s)   drop(s)  
🗑
Gyn   gynecology  
🗑
h, hr, hrs   hour/s  
🗑
h or (H)   hypodermic  
🗑
HA   heated aerosol  
🗑
H/A   headache  
🗑
HBOT   hyperbaric O2 therapy  
🗑
HBsAg   hepatitis B surface antigen  
🗑
HBV   hepatitis B virus  
🗑
hCG   human chorionic gonadotropin  
🗑
hct   hematocrit  
🗑
HCTZ   hydrochlorothiazide  
🗑
HCV   hepatitis C virus  
🗑
HD   hemodialysis  
🗑
HDL   high-density lipoprotein  
🗑
hgb   hemoglobin  
🗑
H&H   hemoglobin and hematocrit  
🗑
HIMS   health information management system  
🗑
HIPAA   Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act  
🗑
HIV   human immunodeficiency virus  
🗑
HIVB24Ag   human immunodeficiency virus antigen screen (serology)  
🗑
HL or hep-lock   heparin lock  
🗑
HMO   health maintenance organization  
🗑
HNP   herniated nucleus pulposus  
🗑
HO   house officer  
🗑
h/o   history of  
🗑
H2O   water  
🗑
H2O2   hydrogen peroxide  
🗑
HOB   head of bed  
🗑
H&P   history and physical  
🗑
HP   hot pack  
🗑
hs   bedtime  
🗑
HSV   herpes simplex virus  
🗑
HUC   health unit coordinator; health unit clerk  
🗑
HUS   health unit secretary  
🗑
Hx   history  
🗑
ICD   implantable cardioverter-defibrillator; International Classification of Diseases  
🗑
ICU   intensive care unit  
🗑
ID labels   identification labels  
🗑
IIHI   individually identifiable health information  
🗑
IM   intramuscular  
🗑
I&O   intake and output  
🗑
IPG   impedance plethysmography  
🗑
IPPB   intermittent positive-pressure breathing  
🗑
irrig   irrigate  
🗑
IS   incentive spirometry  
🗑
ISOM   isometric  
🗑
IV   intravenous  
🗑
IVDU   intravenous drug user  
🗑
IVF   intravenous fluids  
🗑
IVP   intravenous pyelogram  
🗑
IVPB   intravenous piggyback  
🗑
IVU   intravenous urogram  
🗑
K   potassium  
🗑
KG   potassium chloride  
🗑
kg   kilogram  
🗑
KO or KVO   keep open / keep vein open  
🗑
KUB   kidneys, ureters, and bladder  
🗑
L   liter  
🗑
lat   lateral  
🗑
lb,    
🗑
L&D   labor and delivery  
🗑
LDL   low-density lipoprotein  
🗑
LE   lower extremity  
🗑
liq   liquid  
🗑
LLE   left lower extremity  
🗑
LLL   left lower lobe  
🗑
LLQ   left lower quadrant  
🗑
L/min   liters per minute  
🗑
LOC   laxative of choice; leave on chart; level of consciousness; loss of consciousness  
🗑
LP   lumbar puncture  
🗑
LPN   licensed practical nurse  
🗑
LR   lactated Ringer's solution  
🗑
L&S   liver and spleen  
🗑
LS   lumbosacral  
🗑
Lt   left  
🗑
LTC   long-term care  
🗑
LUE   left upper extremity  
🗑
LUL   left upper lobe  
🗑
LUQ   left upper quadrant  
🗑
lytes or e-lytes   electrolytes  
🗑
MAR   medication administration record  
🗑
MD   doctor of medicine  
🗑
MDI   metered-dose inhaler  
🗑
Med   medical  
🗑
mEq   milliequivalent  
🗑
mets   metastasis  
🗑
u,g, meg   microgram  
🗑
mg   milligram  
🗑
Mg or Mg+   magnesium  
🗑
MgSO   magnesium sulfate  
🗑
MI   myocardial infarction  
🗑
MICU   medical intensive care unit  
🗑
min   minute  
🗑
mL   milliliter  
🗑
MN   midnight  
🗑
MOM   Milk of Magnesia  
🗑
MR   may repeat  
🗑
MRI   magnetic resonance imaging  
🗑
MRSA   methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus  
🗑
MSO4 or MS   morphine sulfate  
🗑
MSSU   medical short-stay unit  
🗑
Na or Na+   sodium  
🗑
NAHUC   National Association of Health Unit Coordinators  
🗑
NAS   no added salt  
🗑
NCS   nerve conduction study  
🗑
nec   necessary  
🗑
Neuro   neurology  
🗑
NG   nasogastric  
🗑
NICU   neonatal intensive care unit  
🗑
NINP   no information, no publication  
🗑
NKA   no known allergies  
🗑
NKDA   no known drug allergies  
🗑
NKFA   no known food allergies  
🗑
NKMA   no known medication allergies  
🗑
nh3   ammonia  
🗑
noc   night  
🗑
non rep   do not repeat  
🗑
NP   nasopharynx  
🗑
NPO   nothing by mouth  
🗑
NS   normal saline  
🗑
NSA   no salt added  
🗑
NTG   nitroglycerin  
🗑
N/V   nausea and vomiting  
🗑
NVS or neuro s   neurologic vital signs or checks  
🗑
NWB   non-weight bearing  
🗑
O2   oxygen  
🗑
OB   obstetrics  
🗑
OBS   observation  
🗑
OCG   oral cholecystogram  
🗑
OD   right eye  
🗑
OOB   out of bed  
🗑
O&P   ova and parasites  
🗑
OPS   outpatient surgery  
🗑
OR   operating room  
🗑
ORE   oil-retention enema  
🗑
ORIF   open reduction, internal fixation  
🗑
Ortho   orthopedics  
🗑
OS   left eye  
🗑
OSA   obstructive sleep apnea  
🗑
OSHA   Occupational Safety and Health Administration  
🗑
OSMO   osmolality  
🗑
OT   occupational therapy  
🗑
OTC   over-the-counter  
🗑
OU   both eyes  
🗑
oz   ounce  
🗑
p (with line above)   after  
🗑
P   pulse  
🗑
PA   posteroanterior  
🗑
PACS   Picture Archiving and Communication Systems  
🗑
PACU   postanesthesia care unit  
🗑
PAP   prostatic acid phosphatase  
🗑
PAS   pulsatile antiembolism stockings  
🗑
PBZ   pyribenzamine  
🗑
PC   personal computer; packed cell  
🗑
pc   after meals  
🗑
PCA   patient-controlled analgesia  
🗑
PCN   penicillin  
🗑
PCP   primary care physician  
🗑
PCT   patient care technician  
🗑
PCV   packed-cell volume (hematology; same as hematocrit)  
🗑
PCXR   portable chest X-ray  
🗑
PD   peritoneal dialysis  
🗑
PDPV   postural drainage, percussion, and vibration  
🗑
PDR   Physicians' Desk Reference  
🗑
Peds   pediatrics  
🗑
PEEP   positive end-expiratory pressure  
🗑
PEG   percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy  
🗑
PEP   positive expiratory pressure  
🗑
PET   positron emission tomography  
🗑
pH   hydrogen ion concentration (acidity)  
🗑
PHI   protected health information reference  
🗑
PICC   peripherally inserted central catheter  
🗑
PICU   pediatric intensive care unit  
🗑
PID   pelvic inflammatory disease  
🗑
PKU   phenylketonuria (chemistry)  
🗑
P.M.   evening, night  
🗑
PO   by mouth, or postoperative  
🗑
P04 or phos   phosphate or phosphorus (chemistry)  
🗑
POCT or PCT   point-of-care testing  
🗑
Postop, postop   after surgery  
🗑
PP   postpartum  
🗑
pp   postprandial (after meals)  
🗑
P&PD   percussion and postural drainage  
🗑
PPE   personal protective equipment  
🗑
PPO   preferred provider organization  
🗑
pr   per rectum  
🗑
Preop, preop   before surgery  
🗑
prn   whenever necessary  
🗑
PROM   passive range of motion  
🗑
PSA   patient support associate; prostate-specific antigen  
🗑
Psych   psychiatry  
🗑
PT   physical therapy; prothrombin time  
🗑
Pt   patient  
🗑
PTA   physical therapy assistant  
🗑
PTCA   percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty  
🗑
PTHC or PTC   percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography  
🗑
PIT or APTT   partial thromboplastin time or activated partial thromboplastin time  
🗑
PWB   partial weight bearing  
🗑
q   every  
🗑
qd   every day; daily  
🗑
qh   every hour (or fill in hour [e.g., q4h])  
🗑
qid   four times a day  
🗑
qns   quantity not sufficient  
🗑
qod   every other day  
🗑
R   rectal  
🗑
RA   room air  
🗑
R*A*C*E   Rescue individuals in danger; Alarm—sound the alarm; Confine the fire by closing all doors and windows; Extinguish the fire with the nearest suitable fire extinguisher  
🗑
RBC   red blood cell  
🗑
RBS   random blood sugar  
🗑
RD   registered dietitian  
🗑
ROW   red cell distribution width  
🗑
reg   regular  
🗑
Retics   reticulocytes (hematology)  
🗑
RIS   radiology information system  
🗑
RL   Ringer's lactate  
🗑
RLE   right lower extremity  
🗑
RLL   right lower lobe  
🗑
RLQ   right lower quadrant  
🗑
R&M   routine and microscopic  
🗑
RML   right middle lobe  
🗑
RN   registered nurse  
🗑
R/0   rule out  
🗑
ROM   range of motion  
🗑
Rout   routine  
🗑
RPR   rapid plasmin reagin  
🗑
RR   recovery room; respiratory rate  
🗑
RSV   respiratory syncytial virus  
🗑
RT   respiratory therapist  
🗑
Rt   routine  
🗑
rt or ®   right  
🗑
RUE   right upper extremity  
🗑
RUL   right upper lobe  
🗑
RUQ   right upper quadrant  
🗑
Rx   take (e.g., treatment, medication)  
🗑
s (with line above)   without  
🗑
ss   semis (one-half)  
🗑
S&A   sugar and acetone (urinalysis)  
🗑
SAD   save a day  
🗑
SaO2 or O2 sats   oxygen saturation  
🗑
SBFT   small bowel follow-through  
🗑
SBO   small bowel obstruction  
🗑
SBU   small business unit  
🗑
SC, sq, or sub-q   subcutaneous  
🗑
SCO   sequential compression device  
🗑
SDS   same-day surgery  
🗑
SEP   somatosensory evoked potential  
🗑
SHUC   student health unit coordinator  
🗑
SICU   surgical intensive care unit  
🗑
SIDS   sudden infant death syndrome  
🗑
SL   sublingual  
🗑
SNAT   suspected nonaccidental trauma  
🗑
SNF   skilled nursing facility  
🗑
SO4   sulfate  
🗑
SOB   shortness of breath  
🗑
sol'n   solution  
🗑
SOS   if needed (one dose only)  
🗑
SR   slow release  
🗑
SSE   soap suds enema  
🗑
SSU   short-stay unit  
🗑
st   straight  
🗑
stat   immediately  
🗑
STM   soft tissue massage  
🗑
subling, SL   sublingual (under the tongue)  
🗑
supp   suppository  
🗑
Surg   surgery  
🗑
SVN   small volume nebulizer  
🗑
syr   syrup  
🗑
T3,T4,T7   thyroid tests  
🗑
T&A   tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy  
🗑
tab   tablet  
🗑
TAH   total abdominal hysterectomy  
🗑
TB   tuberculosis  
🗑
TBD   to be done  
🗑
TBT   template bleeding time  
🗑
T&C or T&X-match   type and crossmatch  
🗑
TCDB   turn, cough, deep breathe  
🗑
TCT or TT   thrombin clotting time or thrombin time  
🗑
TDWB   touchdown weight bearing  
🗑
Ted   antiembolism stockings  
🗑
temp   temperature  
🗑
TENS   transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation  
🗑
THR or THA   total hip replacement/total hip arthroplasty  
🗑
TIA   transient ischemic attack  
🗑
TIBC   total iron-binding capacity (chemistry)  
🗑
TICU   trauma intensive care unit  
🗑
tid   three times a day  
🗑
Timed Specimen   to be drawn at specified time  
🗑
tinct or tr   tincture  
🗑
TJC   The Joint Commission  
🗑
TKO   to keep open  
🗑
TKR or TKA   total knee replacement/total knee arthroplasty  
🗑
TPN   total parenteral nutrition  
🗑
TPR   temperature, pulse, respiration  
🗑
TRA   to run at  
🗑
Trig or TG   triglycerides (chemistry)  
🗑
T&S   type and screen  
🗑
TSH   thyroid-stimulating hormone  
🗑
T/stat   timed stat  
🗑
TT   tilt table  
🗑
TTOT   transtracheal oxygen therapy  
🗑
TTWB   toe-touch weight bearing  
🗑
TUR   transurethral resection  
🗑
TWE   tap water enema  
🗑
Tx   traction or treatment  
🗑
u   unit  
🗑
UA or U/A   urinalysis  
🗑
UC   urine culture  
🗑
UCR   usual, customary, and reasonable  
🗑
UD   unit dose  
🗑
UGI   upper gastrointestinal  
🗑
ung   unguent (ointment)  
🗑
US   ultrasound  
🗑
USN   ultrasonic nebulizer  
🗑
VAD   venous access device  
🗑
VDRL   Venereal Disease Research Laboratories  
🗑
VDT   video display terminal  
🗑
VEP   visual evoked potential  
🗑
vib & perc   vibration and percussion  
🗑
VMA   vanillylmandelic acid  
🗑
VNS   visiting nurse service  
🗑
VS   vital sign  
🗑
WA or W/A   while awake  
🗑
WBAT   weight bearing as tolerated  
🗑
WBC   white blood cell  
🗑
WHO   World Health Organization  
🗑
wk   week  
🗑
WNL   within normal limits  
🗑
WP   whirlpool  
🗑
wt   weight  
🗑
WWW   World Wide Web  
🗑
X-match   crossmatch  
🗑
Zn   zinc  
🗑
>   greater than  
🗑
<   less than  
🗑
↑   increase or above  
🗑
/   per or by  
🗑
Δ   change  
🗑
@   at  
🗑
↓   decrease or below  
🗑
̊   degree or hour  
🗑
A   apical  
🗑
AA   active assisted  
🗑
A&A   arthroscopy and arthrotomy  
🗑
ā   before  
🗑
åå   of each  
🗑
AAROM   active-assistive range of motion  
🗑
Ab   antibody  
🗑
abd   abdominal  
🗑
ABG   arterial blood gas  
🗑
ABR   absolute bed rest  
🗑
Ac   before meals  
🗑
ACL   anterior cruciate ligament repair  
🗑
AD   right ear  
🗑
ADA   American Diabetic Association  
🗑
ADE   adverse drug event  
🗑
ADH   antidiuretic hormone (chemistry)  
🗑
ADL   activity(ies) of daily living  
🗑
ad lib   as desired  
🗑
A-drive   floppy drive  
🗑
ADS   adult distress syndrome  
🗑
ADT Log Book   a book used to record all admissions, discharges, and transfers on a nursing unit  
🗑
ADT Sheet   a form used to record admissions, discharges, and transfers on a nursing unit for each day  
🗑
AE   antiembolism  
🗑
AFB   acid-fast bacillus  
🗑
Ag   antigen  
🗑
AHA   American Heart Association  
🗑
AIDS   acquired immunodeficiency syndrome  
🗑
AKA   above the knee amputation  
🗑
ALP or alk phos   alkaline phosphatase (chemistry)  
🗑
A.M.   morning  
🗑
AMA   against medical advice  
🗑
amb   ambulate  
🗑
AMO   against medical orders  
🗑
amp   ampule  
🗑
ANA   American Nurses Association; antinuclear antibody (serology)  
🗑
ANCC   American Nurses Credentialing Center  
🗑
A&O   alert and oriented  
🗑
AP   anteroposterior  
🗑
A&P repair   anterior and posterior colporraphy  
🗑
A&P resection   abdominoperineal resection  
🗑
appt   appointment  
🗑
APS   Adult Protective Services  
🗑
ARC   AIDS-related complex  
🗑
ARDS   acute (adult) respiratory distress syndrome  
🗑
AROM   active range of motion  
🗑
AS   left ear  
🗑
ASA   acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)  
🗑
ASAP   as soon as possible  
🗑
as tol   as tolerated  
🗑
AU   both ears  
🗑
AV fistula   arteriovenous fistula  
🗑
AV shunt   atrial/ventricular shunt  
🗑
ax   axillary  
🗑
BAER or AER   brainstem auditory response  
🗑
BC   blood culture  
🗑
BCOC   bowel care of choice  
🗑
BE   barium enema  
🗑
BIBA   brought in by ambulance  
🗑
bid   twice a day  
🗑
bili   bilirubin  
🗑
BiPap   bilevel positive airway pressure  
🗑
BiW, biw   twice a week  
🗑
BKA   below the knee amputation  
🗑
B/L   bilateral  
🗑
BLE   both lower extremities  
🗑
BM   bowel movement  
🗑
BMI   body mass index  
🗑
BMP   basic metabolic panel  
🗑
BNP   brain natriuretic peptide  
🗑
BP   blood pressure  
🗑
BR   bed rest  
🗑
BRP   bathroom privileges  
🗑
BS   blood sugar  
🗑
BSC   bedside commode  
🗑
BUE   both upper extremities  
🗑
BUN   blood urea nitrogen  
🗑
Bx   biopsy  
🗑
c   with  
🗑
C   Celsius  
🗑
Ca   cancer  
🗑
Ca+   calcium  
🗑
CABG   coronary artery bypass graft  
🗑
CAD   coronary artery disease  
🗑
cal   calorie  
🗑
cap   capsule  
🗑
CAT   computed axial tomography  
🗑
cath   catheterize  
🗑
CBC   complete blood cell count  
🗑
CBG   capillary blood gas  
🗑
CBI   continuous bladder irrigation  
🗑
CBR   continuous bed rest  
🗑
cc or cm3   cubic centimeter  
🗑
CC, creat cl, or cr cl   creatinine clearance (chemistry)  
🗑
CCM   certified case manager  
🗑
ccu   coronary care unit  
🗑
CDC   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  
🗑
C-drive   hard drive stored inside the computer  
🗑
CDSS   clinical decision support system/s  
🗑
CE   covered entities  
🗑
CEA   carcinoembryonic antigen (special chemistry)  
🗑
CEO   chief executive officer  
🗑
CFO   chief financial officer  
🗑
CHF   congestive heart failure  
🗑
CHO   carbohydrate  
🗑
chol   cholesterol  
🗑
CHUC   certified health unit coordinator  
🗑
CI   clinical indication  
🗑
cl or CL   clear; chloride (chemistry)  
🗑
cm   centimeter  
🗑
CMP   comprehensive metabolic panel  
🗑
CMS   circulation, motion, sensation  
🗑
CMT   cardiac monitor technician  
🗑
CMV   cytomegalovirus  
🗑
CNA   certified nursing assistant  
🗑
c/o   complained of  
🗑
CO2   carbon dioxide  
🗑
COA or C of A   condition of admission  
🗑
comp or cmpd   compound  
🗑
con't   continue  
🗑
COO   chief operating officer  
🗑
COPD   chronic obstructive pulmonary disease  
🗑
COW   computer on wheels  
🗑
CP   cold pack  
🗑
CPAP   continuous positive airway pressure  
🗑
CPK or CK   creatine phosphokinase or creatine kinase (chemistry)  
🗑
CPM   continuous passive motion  
🗑
CPOE   computer physician order entry  
🗑
CPR   cardiopulmonary resuscitation  
🗑
CPS   Child Protective Services  
🗑
CPT   chest physical therapy  
🗑
CPU   central processing unit  
🗑
CPZ   Compazine  
🗑
CQI   continuous quality improvement  
🗑
C&S   culture and sensitivity  
🗑
CSF   cerebrospinal fluid  
🗑
CT   computed tomography  
🗑
CVA   cerebrovascular accident  
🗑
CVC   central venous catheter  
🗑
CVICU   cardiovascular intensive critical care unit  
🗑
CVP   central venous pressure  
🗑
Cx   culture  
🗑
CXR   chest X-ray  
🗑
D or E drive   drive/s to read CDs or DVDs  
🗑
DAT   diet as tolerated; direct antiglobulin test  
🗑
D/C or DC   discontinue or discharge  
🗑
Diff   differential  
🗑
Dig   digoxin  
🗑
Disch   discharge  
🗑
D/LR   dextrose in lactated Ringer's solution  
🗑
DME   durable medical equipment  
🗑
DMS   document management system  
🗑
DNR   do not resuscitate  
🗑
D/NS   dextrose in normal saline  
🗑
DO   doctor of osteopathy  
🗑
DOA   dead on arrival  
🗑
DPI   dry powder inhaler  
🗑
dr   dram  
🗑
DRG   diagnosis-related group  
🗑
D/RL   dextrose in Ringer's lactate  
🗑
DSA   digital subtraction angiography  
🗑
DSS   dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (Colace)  
🗑
DSU   day surgery unit  
🗑
D/W   dextrose in water  
🗑
DW   distilled water  
🗑
D5W   5% dextrose in water  
🗑
D10W   10% dextrose in water  
🗑
Dx   diagnosis  
🗑
EBV   Epstein-Barr virus  
🗑
EC   enteric coated  
🗑
ECF   extended care facility  
🗑
ECG or EKG   electrocardiogram  
🗑
ED   emergency department  
🗑
EEC   electroencephalogram  
🗑
EGD   esophagogastroduodenoscopy  
🗑
elix   elixir  
🗑
EMG   electromyogram  
🗑
EMR   electronic medical record  
🗑
ENG   electronystagmography  
🗑
EPC   electronic pain control  
🗑
EPHI   electronic protected health information  
🗑
EPS   electrophysiologic study  
🗑
ER   emergency room  
🗑
ERCP   endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography  
🗑
ES   electrical stimulation  
🗑
ESR   erythrocyte sedimentation rate  
🗑
ESRD   end-stage renal disease  
🗑
ET   endotracheal tube  
🗑
ETS   elevated toilet seat  
🗑
F   Fahrenheit  
🗑
FBS   fasting blood sugar  
🗑
Fe   iron  
🗑
FF   force fluids  
🗑
FFP   fresh frozen plasma  
🗑
fib   fibrinogen  
🗑
FPG   fasting plasma glucose (chemistry)  
🗑
FS   full strength; frozen section  
🗑
5-FU   5-fluorouracil  
🗑
F/U   follow-up  
🗑
FWB   full weight bearing  
🗑
FWW   front wheel walker  
🗑
Fx, fx   fracture  
🗑
G, gm, g   gram  
🗑
GB   gallbladder  
🗑
GI   gastrointestinal  
🗑
glue   glucose  
🗑
gr   grain  
🗑
GTT   glucose tolerance test  
🗑
gtt(s)   drop(s)  
🗑
Gyn   gynecology  
🗑
h, hr, hrs   hour/s  
🗑
h or (H)   hypodermic  
🗑
HA   heated aerosol  
🗑
H/A   headache  
🗑
HBOT   hyperbaric O2 therapy  
🗑
HBsAg   hepatitis B surface antigen  
🗑
HBV   hepatitis B virus  
🗑
hCG   human chorionic gonadotropin  
🗑
hct   hematocrit  
🗑
HCTZ   hydrochlorothiazide  
🗑
HCV   hepatitis C virus  
🗑
HD   hemodialysis  
🗑
HDL   high-density lipoprotein  
🗑
hgb   hemoglobin  
🗑
H&H   hemoglobin and hematocrit  
🗑
HIMS   health information management system  
🗑
HIPAA   Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act  
🗑
HIV   human immunodeficiency virus  
🗑
HIVB24Ag   human immunodeficiency virus antigen screen (serology)  
🗑
HL or hep-lock   heparin lock  
🗑
HMO   health maintenance organization  
🗑
HNP   herniated nucleus pulposus  
🗑
HO   house officer  
🗑
h/o   history of  
🗑
H2O   water  
🗑
H2O2   hydrogen peroxide  
🗑
HOB   head of bed  
🗑
H&P   history and physical  
🗑
HP   hot pack  
🗑
hs   bedtime  
🗑
HSV   herpes simplex virus  
🗑
HUC   health unit coordinator; health unit clerk  
🗑
HUS   health unit secretary  
🗑
Hx   history  
🗑
ICD   implantable cardioverter-defibrillator; International Classification of Diseases  
🗑
ICU   intensive care unit  
🗑
ID labels   identification labels  
🗑
IIHI   individually identifiable health information  
🗑
IM   intramuscular  
🗑
I&O   intake and output  
🗑
IPG   impedance plethysmography  
🗑
IPPB   intermittent positive-pressure breathing  
🗑
irrig   irrigate  
🗑
IS   incentive spirometry  
🗑
ISOM   isometric  
🗑
IV   intravenous  
🗑
IVDU   intravenous drug user  
🗑
IVF   intravenous fluids  
🗑
IVP   intravenous pyelogram  
🗑
IVPB   intravenous piggyback  
🗑
IVU   intravenous urogram  
🗑
K   potassium  
🗑
KG   potassium chloride  
🗑
kg   kilogram  
🗑
KO or KVO   keep open / keep vein open  
🗑
KUB   kidneys, ureters, and bladder  
🗑
L   liter  
🗑
lat   lateral  
🗑
lb,    
🗑
L&D   labor and delivery  
🗑
LDL   low-density lipoprotein  
🗑
LE   lower extremity  
🗑
liq   liquid  
🗑
LLE   left lower extremity  
🗑
LLL   left lower lobe  
🗑
LLQ   left lower quadrant  
🗑
L/min   liters per minute  
🗑
LOC   laxative of choice; leave on chart; level of consciousness; loss of consciousness  
🗑
LP   lumbar puncture  
🗑
LPN   licensed practical nurse  
🗑
LR   lactated Ringer's solution  
🗑
L&S   liver and spleen  
🗑
LS   lumbosacral  
🗑
Lt   left  
🗑
LTC   long-term care  
🗑
LUE   left upper extremity  
🗑
LUL   left upper lobe  
🗑
LUQ   left upper quadrant  
🗑
lytes or e-lytes   electrolytes  
🗑
MAR   medication administration record  
🗑
MD   doctor of medicine  
🗑
MDI   metered-dose inhaler  
🗑
Med   medical  
🗑
mEq   milliequivalent  
🗑
mets   metastasis  
🗑
u,g, meg   microgram  
🗑
mg   milligram  
🗑
Mg or Mg+   magnesium  
🗑
MgSO   magnesium sulfate  
🗑
MI   myocardial infarction  
🗑
MICU   medical intensive care unit  
🗑
min   minute  
🗑
mL   milliliter  
🗑
MN   midnight  
🗑
MOM   Milk of Magnesia  
🗑
MR   may repeat  
🗑
MRI   magnetic resonance imaging  
🗑
MRSA   methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus  
🗑
MSO4 or MS   morphine sulfate  
🗑
MSSU   medical short-stay unit  
🗑
Na or Na+   sodium  
🗑
NAHUC   National Association of Health Unit Coordinators  
🗑
NAS   no added salt  
🗑
NCS   nerve conduction study  
🗑
nec   necessary  
🗑
Neuro   neurology  
🗑
NG   nasogastric  
🗑
NICU   neonatal intensive care unit  
🗑
NINP   no information, no publication  
🗑
NKA   no known allergies  
🗑
NKDA   no known drug allergies  
🗑
NKFA   no known food allergies  
🗑
NKMA   no known medication allergies  
🗑
nh3   ammonia  
🗑
noc   night  
🗑
non rep   do not repeat  
🗑
NP   nasopharynx  
🗑
NPO   nothing by mouth  
🗑
NS   normal saline  
🗑
NSA   no salt added  
🗑
NTG   nitroglycerin  
🗑
N/V   nausea and vomiting  
🗑
NVS or neuro s   neurologic vital signs or checks  
🗑
NWB   non-weight bearing  
🗑
O2   oxygen  
🗑
OB   obstetrics  
🗑
OBS   observation  
🗑
OCG   oral cholecystogram  
🗑
OD   right eye  
🗑
OOB   out of bed  
🗑
O&P   ova and parasites  
🗑
OPS   outpatient surgery  
🗑
OR   operating room  
🗑
ORE   oil-retention enema  
🗑
ORIF   open reduction, internal fixation  
🗑
Ortho   orthopedics  
🗑
OS   left eye  
🗑
OSA   obstructive sleep apnea  
🗑
OSHA   Occupational Safety and Health Administration  
🗑
OSMO   osmolality  
🗑
OT   occupational therapy  
🗑
OTC   over-the-counter  
🗑
OU   both eyes  
🗑
oz   ounce  
🗑
p (with line above)   after  
🗑
P   pulse  
🗑
PA   posteroanterior  
🗑
PACS   Picture Archiving and Communication Systems  
🗑
PACU   postanesthesia care unit  
🗑
PAP   prostatic acid phosphatase  
🗑
PAS   pulsatile antiembolism stockings  
🗑
PBZ   pyribenzamine  
🗑
PC   personal computer; packed cell  
🗑
pc   after meals  
🗑
PCA   patient-controlled analgesia  
🗑
PCN   penicillin  
🗑
PCP   primary care physician  
🗑
PCT   patient care technician  
🗑
PCV   packed-cell volume (hematology; same as hematocrit)  
🗑
PCXR   portable chest X-ray  
🗑
PD   peritoneal dialysis  
🗑
PDPV   postural drainage, percussion, and vibration  
🗑
PDR   Physicians' Desk Reference  
🗑
Peds   pediatrics  
🗑
PEEP   positive end-expiratory pressure  
🗑
PEG   percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy  
🗑
PEP   positive expiratory pressure  
🗑
PET   positron emission tomography  
🗑
pH   hydrogen ion concentration (acidity)  
🗑
PHI   protected health information reference  
🗑
PICC   peripherally inserted central catheter  
🗑
PICU   pediatric intensive care unit  
🗑
PID   pelvic inflammatory disease  
🗑
PKU   phenylketonuria (chemistry)  
🗑
P.M.   evening, night  
🗑
PO   by mouth, or postoperative  
🗑
P04 or phos   phosphate or phosphorus (chemistry)  
🗑
POCT or PCT   point-of-care testing  
🗑
Postop, postop   after surgery  
🗑
PP   postpartum  
🗑
pp   postprandial (after meals)  
🗑
P&PD   percussion and postural drainage  
🗑
PPE   personal protective equipment  
🗑
PPO   preferred provider organization  
🗑
pr   per rectum  
🗑
Preop, preop   before surgery  
🗑
prn   whenever necessary  
🗑
PROM   passive range of motion  
🗑
PSA   patient support associate; prostate-specific antigen  
🗑
Psych   psychiatry  
🗑
PT   physical therapy; prothrombin time  
🗑
Pt   patient  
🗑
PTA   physical therapy assistant  
🗑
PTCA   percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty  
🗑
PTHC or PTC   percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography  
🗑
PIT or APTT   partial thromboplastin time or activated partial thromboplastin time  
🗑
PWB   partial weight bearing  
🗑
q   every  
🗑
qd   every day; daily  
🗑
qh   every hour (or fill in hour [e.g., q4h])  
🗑
qid   four times a day  
🗑
qns   quantity not sufficient  
🗑
qod   every other day  
🗑
R   rectal  
🗑
RA   room air  
🗑
R*A*C*E   Rescue individuals in danger; Alarm—sound the alarm; Confine the fire by closing all doors and windows; Extinguish the fire with the nearest suitable fire extinguisher  
🗑
RBC   red blood cell  
🗑
RBS   random blood sugar  
🗑
RD   registered dietitian  
🗑
ROW   red cell distribution width  
🗑
reg   regular  
🗑
Retics   reticulocytes (hematology)  
🗑
RIS   radiology information system  
🗑
RL   Ringer's lactate  
🗑
RLE   right lower extremity  
🗑
RLL   right lower lobe  
🗑
RLQ   right lower quadrant  
🗑
R&M   routine and microscopic  
🗑
RML   right middle lobe  
🗑
RN   registered nurse  
🗑
R/0   rule out  
🗑
ROM   range of motion  
🗑
Rout   routine  
🗑
RPR   rapid plasmin reagin  
🗑
RR   recovery room; respiratory rate  
🗑
RSV   respiratory syncytial virus  
🗑
RT   respiratory therapist  
🗑
Rt   routine  
🗑
rt or ®   right  
🗑
RUE   right upper extremity  
🗑
RUL   right upper lobe  
🗑
RUQ   right upper quadrant  
🗑
Rx   take (e.g., treatment, medication)  
🗑
s (with line above)   without  
🗑
ss   semis (one-half)  
🗑
S&A   sugar and acetone (urinalysis)  
🗑
SAD   save a day  
🗑
SaO2 or O2 sats   oxygen saturation  
🗑
SBFT   small bowel follow-through  
🗑
SBO   small bowel obstruction  
🗑
SBU   small business unit  
🗑
SC, sq, or sub-q   subcutaneous  
🗑
SCO   sequential compression device  
🗑
SDS   same-day surgery  
🗑
SEP   somatosensory evoked potential  
🗑
SHUC   student health unit coordinator  
🗑
SICU   surgical intensive care unit  
🗑
SIDS   sudden infant death syndrome  
🗑
SL   sublingual  
🗑
SNAT   suspected nonaccidental trauma  
🗑
SNF   skilled nursing facility  
🗑
SO4   sulfate  
🗑
SOB   shortness of breath  
🗑
sol'n   solution  
🗑
SOS   if needed (one dose only)  
🗑
SR   slow release  
🗑
SSE   soap suds enema  
🗑
SSU   short-stay unit  
🗑
st   straight  
🗑
stat   immediately  
🗑
STM   soft tissue massage  
🗑
subling, SL   sublingual (under the tongue)  
🗑
supp   suppository  
🗑
Surg   surgery  
🗑
SVN   small volume nebulizer  
🗑
syr   syrup  
🗑
T3,T4,T7   thyroid tests  
🗑
T&A   tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy  
🗑
tab   tablet  
🗑
TAH   total abdominal hysterectomy  
🗑
TB   tuberculosis  
🗑
TBD   to be done  
🗑
TBT   template bleeding time  
🗑
T&C or T&X-match   type and crossmatch  
🗑
TCDB   turn, cough, deep breathe  
🗑
TCT or TT   thrombin clotting time or thrombin time  
🗑
TDWB   touchdown weight bearing  
🗑
Ted   antiembolism stockings  
🗑
temp   temperature  
🗑
TENS   transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation  
🗑
THR or THA   total hip replacement/total hip arthroplasty  
🗑
TIA   transient ischemic attack  
🗑
TIBC   total iron-binding capacity (chemistry)  
🗑
TICU   trauma intensive care unit  
🗑
tid   three times a day  
🗑
Timed Specimen   to be drawn at specified time  
🗑
tinct or tr   tincture  
🗑
TJC   The Joint Commission  
🗑
TKO   to keep open  
🗑
TKR or TKA   total knee replacement/total knee arthroplasty  
🗑
TPN   total parenteral nutrition  
🗑
TPR   temperature, pulse, respiration  
🗑
TRA   to run at  
🗑
Trig or TG   triglycerides (chemistry)  
🗑
T&S   type and screen  
🗑
TSH   thyroid-stimulating hormone  
🗑
T/stat   timed stat  
🗑
TT   tilt table  
🗑
TTOT   transtracheal oxygen therapy  
🗑
TTWB   toe-touch weight bearing  
🗑
TUR   transurethral resection  
🗑
TWE   tap water enema  
🗑
Tx   traction or treatment  
🗑
u   unit  
🗑
UA or U/A   urinalysis  
🗑
UC   urine culture  
🗑
UCR   usual, customary, and reasonable  
🗑
UD   unit dose  
🗑
UGI   upper gastrointestinal  
🗑
ung   unguent (ointment)  
🗑
US   ultrasound  
🗑
USN   ultrasonic nebulizer  
🗑
VAD   venous access device  
🗑
VDRL   Venereal Disease Research Laboratories  
🗑
VDT   video display terminal  
🗑
VEP   visual evoked potential  
🗑
vib & perc   vibration and percussion  
🗑
VMA   vanillylmandelic acid  
🗑
VNS   visiting nurse service  
🗑
VS   vital sign  
🗑
WA or W/A   while awake  
🗑
WBAT   weight bearing as tolerated  
🗑
WBC   white blood cell  
🗑
WHO   World Health Organization  
🗑
wk   week  
🗑
WNL   within normal limits  
🗑
WP   whirlpool  
🗑
wt   weight  
🗑
WWW   World Wide Web  
🗑
X-match   crossmatch  
🗑
Zn   zinc  
🗑
>   greater than  
🗑
<   less than  
🗑
↑   increase or above  
🗑
/   per or by  
🗑
Δ   change  
🗑
@   at  
🗑
↓   decrease or below  
🗑
̊   degree or hour  
🗑
A   apical  
🗑
AA   active assisted  
🗑
A&A   arthroscopy and arthrotomy  
🗑
ā   before  
🗑
åå   of each  
🗑
AAROM   active-assistive range of motion  
🗑
Ab   antibody  
🗑
abd   abdominal  
🗑
ABG   arterial blood gas  
🗑
ABR   absolute bed rest  
🗑
Ac   before meals  
🗑
ACL   anterior cruciate ligament repair  
🗑
AD   right ear  
🗑
ADA   American Diabetic Association  
🗑
ADE   adverse drug event  
🗑
ADH   antidiuretic hormone (chemistry)  
🗑
ADL   activity(ies) of daily living  
🗑
ad lib   as desired  
🗑
A-drive   floppy drive  
🗑
ADS   adult distress syndrome  
🗑
ADT Log Book   a book used to record all admissions, discharges, and transfers on a nursing unit  
🗑
ADT Sheet   a form used to record admissions, discharges, and transfers on a nursing unit for each day  
🗑
AE   antiembolism  
🗑
AFB   acid-fast bacillus  
🗑
Ag   antigen  
🗑
AHA   American Heart Association  
🗑
AIDS   acquired immunodeficiency syndrome  
🗑
AKA   above the knee amputation  
🗑
ALP or alk phos   alkaline phosphatase (chemistry)  
🗑
A.M.   morning  
🗑
AMA   against medical advice  
🗑
amb   ambulate  
🗑
AMO   against medical orders  
🗑
amp   ampule  
🗑
ANA   American Nurses Association; antinuclear antibody (serology)  
🗑
ANCC   American Nurses Credentialing Center  
🗑
A&O   alert and oriented  
🗑
AP   anteroposterior  
🗑
A&P repair   anterior and posterior colporraphy  
🗑
A&P resection   abdominoperineal resection  
🗑
appt   appointment  
🗑
APS   Adult Protective Services  
🗑
ARC   AIDS-related complex  
🗑
ARDS   acute (adult) respiratory distress syndrome  
🗑
AROM   active range of motion  
🗑
AS   left ear  
🗑
ASA   acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)  
🗑
ASAP   as soon as possible  
🗑
as tol   as tolerated  
🗑
AU   both ears  
🗑
AV fistula   arteriovenous fistula  
🗑
AV shunt   atrial/ventricular shunt  
🗑
ax   axillary  
🗑
BAER or AER   brainstem auditory response  
🗑
BC   blood culture  
🗑
BCOC   bowel care of choice  
🗑
BE   barium enema  
🗑
BIBA   brought in by ambulance  
🗑
bid   twice a day  
🗑
bili   bilirubin  
🗑
BiPap   bilevel positive airway pressure  
🗑
BiW, biw   twice a week  
🗑
BKA   below the knee amputation  
🗑
B/L   bilateral  
🗑
BLE   both lower extremities  
🗑
BM   bowel movement  
🗑
BMI   body mass index  
🗑
BMP   basic metabolic panel  
🗑
BNP   brain natriuretic peptide  
🗑
BP   blood pressure  
🗑
BR   bed rest  
🗑
BRP   bathroom privileges  
🗑
BS   blood sugar  
🗑
BSC   bedside commode  
🗑
BUE   both upper extremities  
🗑
BUN   blood urea nitrogen  
🗑
Bx   biopsy  
🗑
c (with line above)   with  
🗑
C   Celsius  
🗑
Ca   cancer  
🗑
Ca+   calcium  
🗑
CABG   coronary artery bypass graft  
🗑
CAD   coronary artery disease  
🗑
cal   calorie  
🗑
cap   capsule  
🗑
CAT   computed axial tomography  
🗑
cath   catheterize  
🗑
CBC   complete blood cell count  
🗑
CBG   capillary blood gas  
🗑
CBI   continuous bladder irrigation  
🗑
CBR   continuous bed rest  
🗑
cc or cm3   cubic centimeter  
🗑
CC, creat cl, or cr cl   creatinine clearance (chemistry)  
🗑
CCM   certified case manager  
🗑
ccu   coronary care unit  
🗑
CDC   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  
🗑
C-drive   hard drive stored inside the computer  
🗑
CDSS   clinical decision support system/s  
🗑
CE   covered entities  
🗑
CEA   carcinoembryonic antigen (special chemistry)  
🗑
CEO   chief executive officer  
🗑
CFO   chief financial officer  
🗑
CHF   congestive heart failure  
🗑
CHO   carbohydrate  
🗑
chol   cholesterol  
🗑
CHUC   certified health unit coordinator  
🗑
CI   clinical indication  
🗑
cl or CL   clear; chloride (chemistry)  
🗑
cm   centimeter  
🗑
CMP   comprehensive metabolic panel  
🗑
CMS   circulation, motion, sensation  
🗑
CMT   cardiac monitor technician  
🗑
CMV   cytomegalovirus  
🗑
CNA   certified nursing assistant  
🗑
c/o   complained of  
🗑
CO2   carbon dioxide  
🗑
COA or C of A   condition of admission  
🗑
comp or cmpd   compound  
🗑
con't   continue  
🗑
COO   chief operating officer  
🗑
COPD   chronic obstructive pulmonary disease  
🗑
COW   computer on wheels  
🗑
CP   cold pack  
🗑
CPAP   continuous positive airway pressure  
🗑
CPK or CK   creatine phosphokinase or creatine kinase (chemistry)  
🗑
CPM   continuous passive motion  
🗑
CPOE   computer physician order entry  
🗑
CPR   cardiopulmonary resuscitation  
🗑
CPS   Child Protective Services  
🗑
CPT   chest physical therapy  
🗑
CPU   central processing unit  
🗑
CPZ   Compazine  
🗑
CQI   continuous quality improvement  
🗑
C&S   culture and sensitivity  
🗑
CSF   cerebrospinal fluid  
🗑
CT   computed tomography  
🗑
CVA   cerebrovascular accident  
🗑
CVC   central venous catheter  
🗑
CVICU   cardiovascular intensive critical care unit  
🗑
CVP   central venous pressure  
🗑
Cx   culture  
🗑
CXR   chest X-ray  
🗑
D or E drive   drive/s to read CDs or DVDs  
🗑
DAT   diet as tolerated; direct antiglobulin test  
🗑
D/C or DC   discontinue or discharge  
🗑
Diff   differential  
🗑
Dig   digoxin  
🗑
Disch   discharge  
🗑
D/LR   dextrose in lactated Ringer's solution  
🗑
DME   durable medical equipment  
🗑
DMS   document management system  
🗑
DNR   do not resuscitate  
🗑
D/NS   dextrose in normal saline  
🗑
DO   doctor of osteopathy  
🗑
DOA   dead on arrival  
🗑
DPI   dry powder inhaler  
🗑
dr   dram  
🗑
DRG   diagnosis-related group  
🗑
D/RL   dextrose in Ringer's lactate  
🗑
DSA   digital subtraction angiography  
🗑
DSS   dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (Colace)  
🗑
DSU   day surgery unit  
🗑
D/W   dextrose in water  
🗑
DW   distilled water  
🗑
D5W   5% dextrose in water  
🗑
D10W   10% dextrose in water  
🗑
Dx   diagnosis  
🗑
EBV   Epstein-Barr virus  
🗑
EC   enteric coated  
🗑
ECF   extended care facility  
🗑
ECG or EKG   electrocardiogram  
🗑
ED   emergency department  
🗑
EEC   electroencephalogram  
🗑
EGD   esophagogastroduodenoscopy  
🗑
elix   elixir  
🗑
EMG   electromyogram  
🗑
EMR   electronic medical record  
🗑
ENG   electronystagmography  
🗑
EPC   electronic pain control  
🗑
EPHI   electronic protected health information  
🗑
EPS   electrophysiologic study  
🗑
ER   emergency room  
🗑
ERCP   endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography  
🗑
ES   electrical stimulation  
🗑
ESR   erythrocyte sedimentation rate  
🗑
ESRD   end-stage renal disease  
🗑
ET   endotracheal tube  
🗑
ETS   elevated toilet seat  
🗑
F   Fahrenheit  
🗑
FBS   fasting blood sugar  
🗑
Fe   iron  
🗑
FF   force fluids  
🗑
FFP   fresh frozen plasma  
🗑
fib   fibrinogen  
🗑
FPG   fasting plasma glucose (chemistry)  
🗑
FS   full strength; frozen section  
🗑
5-FU   5-fluorouracil  
🗑
F/U   follow-up  
🗑
FWB   full weight bearing  
🗑
FWW   front wheel walker  
🗑
Fx, fx   fracture  
🗑
G, gm, g   gram  
🗑
GB   gallbladder  
🗑
GI   gastrointestinal  
🗑
glue   glucose  
🗑
gr   grain  
🗑
GTT   glucose tolerance test  
🗑
gtt(s)   drop(s)  
🗑
Gyn   gynecology  
🗑
h, hr, hrs   hour/s  
🗑
h or (H)   hypodermic  
🗑
HA   heated aerosol  
🗑
H/A   headache  
🗑
HBOT   hyperbaric O2 therapy  
🗑
HBsAg   hepatitis B surface antigen  
🗑
HBV   hepatitis B virus  
🗑
hCG   human chorionic gonadotropin  
🗑
hct   hematocrit  
🗑
HCTZ   hydrochlorothiazide  
🗑
HCV   hepatitis C virus  
🗑
HD   hemodialysis  
🗑
HDL   high-density lipoprotein  
🗑
hgb   hemoglobin  
🗑
H&H   hemoglobin and hematocrit  
🗑
HIMS   health information management system  
🗑
HIPAA   Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act  
🗑
HIV   human immunodeficiency virus  
🗑
HIVB24Ag   human immunodeficiency virus antigen screen (serology)  
🗑
HL or hep-lock   heparin lock  
🗑
HMO   health maintenance organization  
🗑
HNP   herniated nucleus pulposus  
🗑
HO   house officer  
🗑
h/o   history of  
🗑
H2O   water  
🗑
H2O2   hydrogen peroxide  
🗑
HOB   head of bed  
🗑
H&P   history and physical  
🗑
HP   hot pack  
🗑
hs   bedtime  
🗑
HSV   herpes simplex virus  
🗑
HUC   health unit coordinator; health unit clerk  
🗑
HUS   health unit secretary  
🗑
Hx   history  
🗑
ICD   implantable cardioverter-defibrillator; International Classification of Diseases  
🗑
ICU   intensive care unit  
🗑
ID labels   identification labels  
🗑
IIHI   individually identifiable health information  
🗑
IM   intramuscular  
🗑
I&O   intake and output  
🗑
IPG   impedance plethysmography  
🗑
IPPB   intermittent positive-pressure breathing  
🗑
irrig   irrigate  
🗑
IS   incentive spirometry  
🗑
ISOM   isometric  
🗑
IV   intravenous  
🗑
IVDU   intravenous drug user  
🗑
IVF   intravenous fluids  
🗑
IVP   intravenous pyelogram  
🗑
IVPB   intravenous piggyback  
🗑
IVU   intravenous urogram  
🗑
K   potassium  
🗑
KG   potassium chloride  
🗑
kg   kilogram  
🗑
KO or KVO   keep open / keep vein open  
🗑
KUB   kidneys, ureters, and bladder  
🗑
L   liter  
🗑
lat   lateral  
🗑
lb,    
🗑
L&D   labor and delivery  
🗑
LDL   low-density lipoprotein  
🗑
LE   lower extremity  
🗑
liq   liquid  
🗑
LLE   left lower extremity  
🗑
LLL   left lower lobe  
🗑
LLQ   left lower quadrant  
🗑
L/min   liters per minute  
🗑
LOC   laxative of choice; leave on chart; level of consciousness; loss of consciousness  
🗑
LP   lumbar puncture  
🗑
LPN   licensed practical nurse  
🗑
LR   lactated Ringer's solution  
🗑
L&S   liver and spleen  
🗑
LS   lumbosacral  
🗑
Lt   left  
🗑
LTC   long-term care  
🗑
LUE   left upper extremity  
🗑
LUL   left upper lobe  
🗑
LUQ   left upper quadrant  
🗑
lytes or e-lytes   electrolytes  
🗑
MAR   medication administration record  
🗑
MD   doctor of medicine  
🗑
MDI   metered-dose inhaler  
🗑
Med   medical  
🗑
mEq   milliequivalent  
🗑
mets   metastasis  
🗑
u,g, meg   microgram  
🗑
mg   milligram  
🗑
Mg or Mg+   magnesium  
🗑
MgSO   magnesium sulfate  
🗑
MI   myocardial infarction  
🗑
MICU   medical intensive care unit  
🗑
min   minute  
🗑
mL   milliliter  
🗑
MN   midnight  
🗑
MOM   Milk of Magnesia  
🗑
MR   may repeat  
🗑
MRI   magnetic resonance imaging  
🗑
MRSA   methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus  
🗑
MSO4 or MS   morphine sulfate  
🗑
MSSU   medical short-stay unit  
🗑
Na or Na+   sodium  
🗑
NAHUC   National Association of Health Unit Coordinators  
🗑
NAS   no added salt  
🗑
NCS   nerve conduction study  
🗑
nec   necessary  
🗑
Neuro   neurology  
🗑
NG   nasogastric  
🗑
NICU   neonatal intensive care unit  
🗑
NINP   no information, no publication  
🗑
NKA   no known allergies  
🗑
NKDA   no known drug allergies  
🗑
NKFA   no known food allergies  
🗑
NKMA   no known medication allergies  
🗑
nh3   ammonia  
🗑
noc   night  
🗑
non rep   do not repeat  
🗑
NP   nasopharynx  
🗑
NPO   nothing by mouth  
🗑
NS   normal saline  
🗑
NSA   no salt added  
🗑
NTG   nitroglycerin  
🗑
N/V   nausea and vomiting  
🗑
NVS or neuro s   neurologic vital signs or checks  
🗑
NWB   non-weight bearing  
🗑
O2   oxygen  
🗑
OB   obstetrics  
🗑
OBS   observation  
🗑
OCG   oral cholecystogram  
🗑
OD   right eye  
🗑
OOB   out of bed  
🗑
O&P   ova and parasites  
🗑
OPS   outpatient surgery  
🗑
OR   operating room  
🗑
ORE   oil-retention enema  
🗑
ORIF   open reduction, internal fixation  
🗑
Ortho   orthopedics  
🗑
OS   left eye  
🗑
OSA   obstructive sleep apnea  
🗑
OSHA   Occupational Safety and Health Administration  
🗑
OSMO   osmolality  
🗑
OT   occupational therapy  
🗑
OTC   over-the-counter  
🗑
OU   both eyes  
🗑
oz   ounce  
🗑
p (with line above)   after  
🗑
P   pulse  
🗑
PA   posteroanterior  
🗑
PACS   Picture Archiving and Communication Systems  
🗑
PACU   postanesthesia care unit  
🗑
PAP   prostatic acid phosphatase  
🗑
PAS   pulsatile antiembolism stockings  
🗑
PBZ   pyribenzamine  
🗑
PC   personal computer; packed cell  
🗑
pc   after meals  
🗑
PCA   patient-controlled analgesia  
🗑
PCN   penicillin  
🗑
PCP   primary care physician  
🗑
PCT   patient care technician  
🗑
PCV   packed-cell volume (hematology; same as hematocrit)  
🗑
PCXR   portable chest X-ray  
🗑
PD   peritoneal dialysis  
🗑
PDPV   postural drainage, percussion, and vibration  
🗑
PDR   Physicians' Desk Reference  
🗑
Peds   pediatrics  
🗑
PEEP   positive end-expiratory pressure  
🗑
PEG   percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy  
🗑
PEP   positive expiratory pressure  
🗑
PET   positron emission tomography  
🗑
pH   hydrogen ion concentration (acidity)  
🗑
PHI   protected health information reference  
🗑
PICC   peripherally inserted central catheter  
🗑
PICU   pediatric intensive care unit  
🗑
PID   pelvic inflammatory disease  
🗑
PKU   phenylketonuria (chemistry)  
🗑
P.M.   evening, night  
🗑
PO   by mouth, or postoperative  
🗑
P04 or phos   phosphate or phosphorus (chemistry)  
🗑
POCT or PCT   point-of-care testing  
🗑
Postop, postop   after surgery  
🗑
PP   postpartum  
🗑
pp   postprandial (after meals)  
🗑
P&PD   percussion and postural drainage  
🗑
PPE   personal protective equipment  
🗑
PPO   preferred provider organization  
🗑
pr   per rectum  
🗑
Preop, preop   before surgery  
🗑
prn   whenever necessary  
🗑
PROM   passive range of motion  
🗑
PSA   patient support associate; prostate-specific antigen  
🗑
Psych   psychiatry  
🗑
PT   physical therapy; prothrombin time  
🗑
Pt   patient  
🗑
PTA   physical therapy assistant  
🗑
PTCA   percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty  
🗑
PTHC or PTC   percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography  
🗑
PIT or APTT   partial thromboplastin time or activated partial thromboplastin time  
🗑
PWB   partial weight bearing  
🗑
q   every  
🗑
qd   every day; daily  
🗑
qh   every hour (or fill in hour [e.g., q4h])  
🗑
qid   four times a day  
🗑
qns   quantity not sufficient  
🗑
qod   every other day  
🗑
R   rectal  
🗑
RA   room air  
🗑
R*A*C*E   Rescue individuals in danger; Alarm—sound the alarm; Confine the fire by closing all doors and windows; Extinguish the fire with the nearest suitable fire extinguisher  
🗑
RBC   red blood cell  
🗑
RBS   random blood sugar  
🗑
RD   registered dietitian  
🗑
ROW   red cell distribution width  
🗑
reg   regular  
🗑
Retics   reticulocytes (hematology)  
🗑
RIS   radiology information system  
🗑
RL   Ringer's lactate  
🗑
RLE   right lower extremity  
🗑
RLL   right lower lobe  
🗑
RLQ   right lower quadrant  
🗑
R&M   routine and microscopic  
🗑
RML   right middle lobe  
🗑
RN   registered nurse  
🗑
R/0   rule out  
🗑
ROM   range of motion  
🗑
Rout   routine  
🗑
RPR   rapid plasmin reagin  
🗑
RR   recovery room; respiratory rate  
🗑
RSV   respiratory syncytial virus  
🗑
RT   respiratory therapist  
🗑
Rt   routine  
🗑
rt or ®   right  
🗑
RUE   right upper extremity  
🗑
RUL   right upper lobe  
🗑
RUQ   right upper quadrant  
🗑
Rx   take (e.g., treatment, medication)  
🗑
s (with line above)   without  
🗑
ss   semis (one-half)  
🗑
S&A   sugar and acetone (urinalysis)  
🗑
SAD   save a day  
🗑
SaO2 or O2 sats   oxygen saturation  
🗑
SBFT   small bowel follow-through  
🗑
SBO   small bowel obstruction  
🗑
SBU   small business unit  
🗑
SC, sq, or sub-q   subcutaneous  
🗑
SCO   sequential compression device  
🗑
SDS   same-day surgery  
🗑
SEP   somatosensory evoked potential  
🗑
SHUC   student health unit coordinator  
🗑
SICU   surgical intensive care unit  
🗑
SIDS   sudden infant death syndrome  
🗑
SL   sublingual  
🗑
SNAT   suspected nonaccidental trauma  
🗑
SNF   skilled nursing facility  
🗑
SO4   sulfate  
🗑
SOB   shortness of breath  
🗑
sol'n   solution  
🗑
SOS   if needed (one dose only)  
🗑
SR   slow release  
🗑
SSE   soap suds enema  
🗑
SSU   short-stay unit  
🗑
st   straight  
🗑
stat   immediately  
🗑
STM   soft tissue massage  
🗑
subling, SL   sublingual (under the tongue)  
🗑
supp   suppository  
🗑
Surg   surgery  
🗑
SVN   small volume nebulizer  
🗑
syr   syrup  
🗑
T3,T4,T7   thyroid tests  
🗑
T&A   tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy  
🗑
tab   tablet  
🗑
TAH   total abdominal hysterectomy  
🗑
TB   tuberculosis  
🗑
TBD   to be done  
🗑
TBT   template bleeding time  
🗑
T&C or T&X-match   type and crossmatch  
🗑
TCDB   turn, cough, deep breathe  
🗑
TCT or TT   thrombin clotting time or thrombin time  
🗑
TDWB   touchdown weight bearing  
🗑
Ted   antiembolism stockings  
🗑
temp   temperature  
🗑
TENS   transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation  
🗑
THR or THA   total hip replacement/total hip arthroplasty  
🗑
TIA   transient ischemic attack  
🗑
TIBC   total iron-binding capacity (chemistry)  
🗑
TICU   trauma intensive care unit  
🗑
tid   three times a day  
🗑
Timed Specimen   to be drawn at specified time  
🗑
tinct or tr   tincture  
🗑
TJC   The Joint Commission  
🗑
TKO   to keep open  
🗑
TKR or TKA   total knee replacement/total knee arthroplasty  
🗑
TPN   total parenteral nutrition  
🗑
TPR   temperature, pulse, respiration  
🗑
TRA   to run at  
🗑
Trig or TG   triglycerides (chemistry)  
🗑
T&S   type and screen  
🗑
TSH   thyroid-stimulating hormone  
🗑
T/stat   timed stat  
🗑
TT   tilt table  
🗑
TTOT   transtracheal oxygen therapy  
🗑
TTWB   toe-touch weight bearing  
🗑
TUR   transurethral resection  
🗑
TWE   tap water enema  
🗑
Tx   traction or treatment  
🗑
u   unit  
🗑
UA or U/A   urinalysis  
🗑
UC   urine culture  
🗑
UCR   usual, customary, and reasonable  
🗑
UD   unit dose  
🗑
UGI   upper gastrointestinal  
🗑
ung   unguent (ointment)  
🗑
US   ultrasound  
🗑
USN   ultrasonic nebulizer  
🗑
VAD   venous access device  
🗑
VDRL   Venereal Disease Research Laboratories  
🗑
VDT   video display terminal  
🗑
VEP   visual evoked potential  
🗑
vib & perc   vibration and percussion  
🗑
VMA   vanillylmandelic acid  
🗑
VNS   visiting nurse service  
🗑
VS   vital sign  
🗑
WA or W/A   while awake  
🗑
WBAT   weight bearing as tolerated  
🗑
WBC   white blood cell  
🗑
WHO   World Health Organization  
🗑
wk   week  
🗑
WNL   within normal limits  
🗑
WP   whirlpool  
🗑
wt   weight  
🗑
WWW   World Wide Web  
🗑
X-match   crossmatch  
🗑
Zn   zinc  
🗑


   

Review the information in the table. When you are ready to quiz yourself you can hide individual columns or the entire table. Then you can click on the empty cells to reveal the answer. Try to recall what will be displayed before clicking the empty cell.
 
To hide a column, click on the column name.
 
To hide the entire table, click on the "Hide All" button.
 
You may also shuffle the rows of the table by clicking on the "Shuffle" button.
 
Or sort by any of the columns using the down arrow next to any column heading.
If you know all the data on any row, you can temporarily remove it by tapping the trash can to the right of the row.

 
Embed Code - If you would like this activity on your web page, copy the script below and paste it into your web page.

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Created by: Janiceyr02
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