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MedicalABBR
MCC Paramedic Medical Abbreviations
Question | Answer |
---|---|
340 | 155.340 megahertz radio frequency, ambulance to hosp. |
5-HT | 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) |
980 | coroner or dead on arrival (local field term) |
a | before (ante) |
AA | Alcohol Anonymous |
A/A | anterio-apical (standard defib paddle placement) |
AAA | aortic abdominal aneurysm |
AAL | anterior axillary line |
AAOS | American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons |
AAPS | ambulance accident prevention seminar |
AARP | American Association of Retired Persons |
Ab | abortion |
abc | airway, breathing, circulation |
abd | abdominal |
ABG | arterial blood gas |
ABLS | Advanced Burn Life Support |
AC | antecubit, alternating current, ante cibos (before meals) |
ACA | against clinical advice |
ACE | angiotensin converting enzyme |
ACEI | angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor |
ACEP | American College of Emergency Physicians |
ACh | acetylcholine |
AChE | acetylcholine esterase |
ACLS | Advanced Cardiac Life Support |
ACR | advanced care report |
ACTH | adrenocorticotropic hormone |
AD | auris dextra (right ear) |
ad lib | at pleasure |
ADH | antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) |
ADP | adenosine diphosphate |
AED | automated external defibrillation |
Af | atrial fibrillation |
AF | atrial flutter |
AFB | acid fast bacilli |
Ag | antigen, silver |
AHA | American Heart Association, autoimmune hemolytic anemia |
AI | aortic insufficiency |
AICD | automatic implantable cardioverter/ defibrillator |
AIDS | acquired immunodeficiency syndrome |
AIVR | accelerated idioventricular rhythm |
AKA | alcoholic ketoacidosis, also known as (alias) |
ALS | advanced life support, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease) |
AM | ante meridian, amplitude modulation |
AMA | against medical advice, American Medical Association |
AMB | ambulance, ambulatory |
AMI | acute myocardial infarction |
AMP | adenosine monophosphate |
AMPLE | allergy, meds, past hx, last intake, events leading up to |
AOB | alcohol on breath |
AODM | adult onset Diabetes mellitus now called DM type II |
A&P | anatomy and physiology |
AP | Anterior/Posterior, apical pulse, angina pectoris, alkaline phosphatase |
APAP | N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (acetaminophen/Tylenol) |
APC | atrial premature contraction |
ASA | acetophenetidin & caffeine |
APCOR | advanced portable coronary observation radio |
APE | acute pulmonary edema |
APGAR | appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, respiration |
APLS | Advanced Pediatric Life Support |
APSAC | Anastreptalase (Thrombolytic) |
aq | water |
ARB | angiotensin receptor blocker |
ARC | AIDS related complex (now called symptomatic HIV) American Red Cross |
ARDS | adult respiratory distress syndrome |
ARF | acute renal failure |
AS | aortic stenosis, auris sinistra (left ear) |
ASA | acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) |
ASAP | as soon as possible |
ASD | atrial septal defect |
ASHD | arteriosclerotic heart disease |
ATLS | Advanced Trauma Life Support (course for Drs) |
ATP | adenosine triphosphate |
Au | gold |
AU | auris unitas (both ears) |
AV | atrio ventricular, arteriolar-venous, audio visual |
aVF | augmented voltage foot |
AVHB | atrioventricular heart block |
aVL | augmented voltage left |
AVPU | alert, voice, pain, unresponsive (mental status rating) |
aVR | augmented voltage right |
ax | axillary |
AZT | Azidomithydine, Zidovudine |
B | black |
B1 | thiamine |
BAC | blood alcohol content |
BAL | british anti-lewisite (dimercaprol), blood alcohol level |
Batt | battery |
BBB | bundle branch block |
BE | base excess, barium enema |
B | breaking and entering (primarily law enforcement abbr.) |
BG | blood glucose |
BGH | Buffalo General Hospital |
bib | bibe (to drink) |
bicarb | bicarbonate (NaHCO3) |
BID | bis in die (2 X a day) |
BiPAP | biphasic positive airway pressure (EPAP and IPAP separate pressures can be selected) |
BLS | basic life support |
BM | bowel movement |
BMR | basal metabolic rate |
BNDD | Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (now DEA) |
BP | blood pressure |
BPD | borderline personality disorder |
BPH | benign prostatic hypertrophy |
BS | bowel sounds, Bachelor of Science or Surgery |
BSA | body surface area |
BSI | body substance isolation |
BSN | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
BTLS | Basic Trauma Life Support |
BUFA | baby up for adoption |
BUN | blood urea nitrogen |
c | with (cum) |
C | centigrade |
Ca | cancer, calcium |
Ca++ | calcium ion |
CABG | coronary artery bypass graft |
CAD | coronary artery disease |
cAMP | cyclic adenosine monophosphate |
CAOx3 | conscious, alert, oriented to person, place, time |
Cap | let him/her take |
CAST | Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial (Study) |
CAT | computerized axial tomography (now called CT) |
CBC | complete blood count |
CBD | criteria-based dispatch |
CC | chief complaint |
cc | cubic centimeter (= to ml) |
CC-EMT-P | critical care emergency medical technician paramedic (akin to MICP) |
CCU | coronary care unit |
C/D | cup to disk ratio |
CDC | Centers for Disease Control |
CDE | Certified Diabetes Educator |
C-Diff | clostridium difficile |
CEN | Certified Emergency Nurse |
CEO | chief executive officer |
CF | cystic fibrosis |
CFR | Certified First Responder, crash fire rescue |
CFS | chronic fatigue syndrome |
cGMP | cyclic guanine monophosphate |
CHB | complete heart block |
CHF | congestive heart failure |
CIC | certified instructor coordinator, certified infection control |
CISD | critical incident stress debriefing |
CISM | critical incident stress management |
CJPSTC | Criminal Justice Public Safety Training Center (now PSTC) |
CK | creatine kinase |
Cl | chloride |
Cl- | chloride ion |
CLI | certified lab instructor |
CM | tomorrow morning |
CME | continuing medical education |
CMV | cytomegalo virus, continuous mandatory ventilation |
CN | cyanide, cranial nerve, tomorrow night, phenyichloromenthylketone (CN Mace) |
CNS | central nervous system |
CO | carbon monoxide, cardiac output |
c/o | complaint of |
CO2 | carbon dioxide |
COBRA | congress omnibus budget reconciliation act |
COLD | chronic obstructive lung disease |
COMT | catechol-o-methyltransferase |
COPD | chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
CP | cerebral palsy |
CPAP | continuous positive airway pressure |
CPD | cephalopelvic disproportion |
CPK | creatine phosphokinase |
CPO | Command Post Operations |
CPR | cardio pulmonary resuscitation see HQ-CPR |
CPS | cycles per second (now called hertz) |
CPU | central processing unit |
CREST | Calcinosis, Raynaud's, Esophageal dysfunction, Sclerodactyly, Telangiectasia (syndrome) |
CRF | chronic renal failure |
CRT | cardiac resynchronizing therapy (a type of pacemaker for heart failure) Cathode ray tube (old style tv tube) |
C/S | caesarean section |
CSIC | cervical spine immobilization collar |
CSF | cerebral spinal fluid |
CSM | carotid sinus massage |
CSP | carotid sinus pressure |
C-spine | cervical spine |
CT | computerized tomography |
CTA | clear to auscultation |
CTC | Critical Trauma Care (course) |
CVA | cerebrovascular accident |
CVP | central venous pressure |
Cx | conscious |
CXR | chest X-Ray |
D5W | dextrose 5% and water |
D50 | dextrose 50% |
DARE | Drug & Alcohol Resistance Education |
DATF | Daybreak Alcoholic Treatment Facility |
DAW | dispense as written |
DBP | diastolic blood pressure |
DC | discontinue, direct current, Doctor of Chiropractic |
D&C | dilate and curettage, Democrate and Chronical (local newspaper) |
DCAP-BTLS | deformity, contusions, abrasions, punctures/penetrations,bburns, tenderness, lacerations, swelling |
DD, DDx | differential diagnosis |
DDI | antiviral drug used for HIV infection |
DDS | Doctor of Dental Surgery |
DEA | Drug Enforcement Agency |
DEC | Department of Environmental Conservation |
defib | defibrillation (unsynchronized shock) (counter shock) |
DER | died in emergency room |
DIC | disseminated intravascular coagulopathy |
DIFF | differential (leucocyte) |
Dig | digitalis, Lanoxin, Digitoxin, Digitek |
DJD | degenerative joint disease |
DKA | diabetic ketoacidosis |
DM | diabetes mellitus |
DMD | Doctor of dental medicine |
DMI | diaphragmatic myocardial infarction |
DNA | deoxyribonucleic acid |
DO | Doctor of Osteopathy, director of operations, designated officer |
DOA | dead on arrival |
DOE | dyspnea on exertion |
DOH | Department of Health |
DOT | Department of Transportation |
DPL | diagnostic peritoneal lavage |
DPT | diphtheria pertussis tetanus |
Dr | doctor (Latin for teacher) |
dr | drachma (dram) |
DT | delirium tremens, diphtheria tetanus, defensive tactics |
d/t | due to |
DTMF | dual tone multi frequency (touch tone) |
DTR | deep tendon reflexes |
DVM | Doctor Veterinary Medicine |
DVT | deep venous thrombosis |
DWAI | driving while ability impaired |
DWI | driving while intoxicated |
Dx | diagnosis |
EBV | Epstein-Barr virus |
ECC | emergency cardiac care, Erie Community College |
ECG | electrocardiogram |
ECF | extracellular fluid |
ECMC | Erie County Medical Center |
ED | emergency department, erectile dysfunction |
Ed.D | Doctor of Education |
EDC | expected date of confinement |
EDNA | emergency dept. nurses assoc. (now called ENA) |
EEG | electroencephalogram |
EENT | eyes ears nose & throat |
EES | erythromycin ethylsuccinate |
EF | ejection fraction |
EFM | external fetal monitor |
EFW | estimated fetal weight |
eg | for example |
EGA | estimated gestational age |
EGTA | esophageal gastric tube airway |
EJ | external jugular |
EKG | electrocardiogram (ECG is more preferable) |
ELISA | enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay |
EMG | electromyogram |
EMD | emergency medical dispatcher, electromechanical dissociation (one type of PEA) |
EMG | electromyogram |
EMS | emergency medical service |
EMT | emergency medical technician |
EMTALA | Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act ( akin to COBRA) |
EMT-B | EMT-Basic (same as EMT) |
EMT-D | EMT-Defibrillation |
EMT-I | EMT-Intermediate |
EMT-CC | EMT-Critical Care |
EMT-P | EMT-Paramedic |
ENA | Emergency Nurses Association |
ENT | ears nose & throat |
EOA | esophageal obturator airway |
EOC | Emergency Operations Center |
EOM | extraocular movement |
EOMI | extraocular movement intact |
EPA | Environmental Protection Agency |
Epi | epinephrine (adrenaline) |
ER | emergency room (old term now called ED) |
esp | especially |
ESR | erythrocyte sedimentation rate |
ESRD | end-stage renal disease |
et | and (et al = and group) used in studies |
ET, ETT | endotracheal tube |
ETA | estimated time of arrival |
ETC | Entry to Care |
etCO2 | end tidal carbon dioxide |
ETOH | ethyl alcohol |
F | fahrenheit |
FACC | Fellow American College Cardiology |
FACEP | Fellow of American College of Emergency Physicians |
FACIT | Family Crisis Intervention Team (RPD) |
FACP | Fellow American College Pediatrics |
FACS | Fellow American College Surgery |
FB | foreign body, frank blood |
FBS | fasting blood sugar |
FCC | Federal Communications Commission |
FD | fire department |
FDA | Food and Drug Administration |
FDIU | fetal death in utero |
Fe | iron |
FF | Firefighter |
FiO2 | fraction of inspired oxygen |
FM | frequency modulation, fetal movement |
Fr | french |
FSE | fetal scalp electrode |
FSH | follicle stimulating hormone |
FUD | frequency, urgency, dysuria |
FUO | fever of unknown origin |
Fx | fracture |
G | gravida |
G6P | glucose 6 phosphate |
G6PD | glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase |
GABA | gamma amino butyric acid |
GC | gonococcal |
GCS | glasgow coma scale |
GDM | gestational diabetes mellitus |
GERD | gastro-esophageal reflux disease |
GFR | glomerular filtration rate |
GI | gastrointestinal |
gm | gram |
Gr | grain |
GSW | gunshot wound |
gtts | guttae (drops) |
GU | genitourinary |
GUSTO | global utilization of strepto (Study) |
GVA | Greece Volunteer Ambulance (local abbreviation) |
GYN | gynecology |
H | hydrogen, hora (hour) |
H+ | hydrogen ion |
H2CO3 | carbonic acid |
H2O | water |
H2O2 | hydrogen peroxide |
HACE | high altitude cerebral edema |
HAPE | high altitude pulmonary edema |
HAV | hepatitis A virus |
HAZMAT | hazardous materials |
HBP | high blood pressure |
HBV | hepatitis B virus |
Hcl | hydrochloride |
HCO3- | bicarbonate |
Hct | hematocrit |
HCTZ | hydrochlorothiazide |
HDL | high density lipoprotein |
HEARS | Hospital Emergency Ambulance Radio System (155.340) "340" |
HEENT | head eyes ears nose throat |
HELLP | hemolysis elevated liver enzymes, low platelets |
HEPA | high efficiency particulate airfilter |
HF | heart failure, Hydrofluoric acid (a very nasty chemical. Remember calcium) |
Hg | mercury |
Hgb, Hb | hemoglobin |
HHA | home health aid |
HHNC | hypertonic hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma |
HID | head immobilization device |
HIPAA | Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 |
HIV | human immunodeficiency virus |
HOH | water |
Hosp | hospital |
HPI | history of present illness |
HPV | human papilloma virus |
HQ-CPR | high quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (more compressions less vents) |
HR | heart rate |
hr, h | hour |
HRF | health related facility |
HS | hora somni (before sleep) |
HSV | herpes simplex virus (I and II) |
ht | height |
HTN | hypertension |
Hx | history |
Hz | hertz (formerly CPS) |
IABC | intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation |
IABP | intra-aortic balloon pump |
IAC-CPR | interposed abdominal counterpulsation - CPR |
IBW | ideal body weight |
IC | intracardiac |
ICD | implantable cardioverter/defibrillator, intrauterine contraceptive device, ischemic cardiac disease |
ICF | intracellular fluid |
ICP | intracranial pressure |
ICS | intercostal space, incident command system |
ICU | intensive care unit |
ID | intradermal |
I | incise and drain |
IDDM | insulin dependant diabetes mellitus |
ie | for example |
Ig_ | Immunoglobulin A, G, E, M |
IGT | impaired glucose tolerance |
IHSS | idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis |
IM | intramuscular |
IMV | intermittent mandatory ventilation |
INH | isoniazid |
IO | intraosseous |
IP | intraperitoneal |
IPPB | intermittent positive pressure breathing |
IPPV | intermittent positive pressure ventilation |
IQ | intelligence quotient |
IR | infra red |
IRRC | International Resuscitation Research Center-Pittsburgh |
ISIS | International Study of Infarct Survival (1, 2, 3, 4) |
ITLS | International Trauma Life Support (new name for BTLS) |
IU | international unit |
IUD | intrauterine device |
IUFD | intrauterine fetal death |
IUGR | intrauterine growth retardation |
IUPC | intrauterine pressure catheter |
IV | intravenous |
IVP | IV push, IV pyelogram |
IVPB | IV piggyback |
IVR | idioventricular rhythm |
J | joule |
JAMA | Journal of the American Medical Association |
JD | Juris Doctor (Lawyer) |
JODM | juvenile onset diabetes mellitus (now called DM type I) |
JVD | jugular venous distention |
K+ | potassium |
KCl | potassium chloride |
KED | Kendrick Extrication Device |
Kg | kilogram |
KTD | Kendrick Traction Device |
KUB | kidneys, ureters and bladder (X-ray of) |
L | left |
L | liter, lente (insulin) |
LA | left atrium, left arm |
LAD | left anterior descending, left axis deviation |
LAE | left atrial enlargement |
LAFB | left anterior fascicular block (same as LAH) |
LAH | left anterior hemiblock (same as LAFB) |
LASER | Light Amplification Stimulated Emission of Radiation |
LBBB | left bundle branch block |
LCX | left circumflex artery |
LD50 | lethal dose of 50% of the test animals |
LDH | lactate dehydrogenase |
LDL | low density lipoprotein |
LE | lupus erythematosus |
LED | light emitting diode |
LFT | liver function tests |
LGL | Lown Ganong Levine syndrome |
LH | luteinizing hormone |
LL | left leg |
LLL | left lower lung |
LLQ | Left lower quadrant |
LMA | laryngeal mask airway |
LMH | Lakeside Memorial Hospital |
LMP | last menstrual period |
LOA | left occiput anterior |
LOC | loss of consciousness |
LP5 | Lifepak model 5 (portable monitor/defibrillator) |
LP10 | Lifepak 10 (portable monitor/12lead/pacer/defibrillator) |
LP 12 | Lifepak 12 (portable monitor/12lead/pacer/defibrillator) |
LP15 | Lifepak 15 (portable monitor/12lead/pacer/defibrillator) |
LP | lumbar puncture |
LPFB | left posterior fascicular block (same as LPH) |
LPH | left posterior hemiblock (same as LPFB) |
LPN | licensed practical nurse |
LR | lactated ringers |
LSD | lysergic acid diethylamide |
L-Spine | lumbar spine |
LTH | luteotropic hormone |
LUL | left upper lobe of lung |
LUQ | Left upper quadrant |
LV | left ventricle |
LVH | left ventricular hypertrophy |
mA | milliampere |
MADIT | Multicenter Automatic Defib. Implant Trial (Study) |
MAE | moves all extremities |
MAL | mid axillary line |
MAO | monoamine oxidase |
MAOI | monoamine oxidase inhibitor |
MAP | mean arterial pressure |
MAST | medical antishock trousers (registered trademark) or PASG |
MB | myocardial band |
MCC | Monroe Community College |
MCI | mass casualty incident |
MCL | modified chest left (MCL1 approximates V1, MCL2 V2 etc) midclavicular line |
MCH | mean corpuscular hemoglobin, Monroe county hospital |
MCSO | Monroe County Sheriff's Office |
MCV | mean corpuscular volume |
MD | Medical Doctor, muscular dystrophy |
MDI | metered dose inhaler |
MDL | multidisipline laboratory |
MDPIT | Multi Center Diltiazem Post Infarction Trial (Study) |
MDU | medical detoxification unit |
ME | Medical Examiner |
mEq | milliequivalent |
MERS | Medical Emergency Radio System (term used in Erie County) same as HEARS |
MERT | medical emergency response team |
mg, mgm | milligram |
Mg | magnesium |
Mg++ | magnesium ion |
MgSO4 | magnesium sulfate |
MHA | mental hygiene arrest |
MI | myocardial infarction, mitral insufficiency |
MICP | mobile intensive care paramedic (akin to CC-EMT-P_ |
MICU | medical intensive care unit, mobile intensive care unit |
Min | minute |
MLD | minimum lethal dose |
MLREMSC | Monroe/Livingston Regional EMS Council |
mm | millimeters |
MM | murmur |
mmol | millimoles |
MMR | measles mumps rubella |
M | morbidity and mortality |
MoCoHo | Monroe Community Hospital |
MOI | mechanism of injury |
MOLST | medical orders for life-sustaining treatment (better version of a DNR) |
MOM | milk of magnesia |
Mono | mononucleosis |
mOsm | milliosmoles |
MP | mitral prolapse |
MPH | Master of Public Health |
MR | mental retardation, mitral regurgitation |
MRI | magnetic resonance imaging |
MRSA | methicillin resistant staph aureus |
MS | multiple sclerosis, morphine sulfate, Master of Science |
mS | millisecond |
MSN | Master of Science in Nursing |
MSW | Master in Social Work |
mV | millivolt |
MVA | motor vehicle accident |
MVO2 | myocardial volume oxygen consumption |
MVP | mitral valve prolapse |
N | normal, nitrogen, north |
Na | natrium (sodium) |
Na+ | sodium ion |
N/A | not applicable |
NAD | no acute distress |
NAF | nursing assessment form |
NC | nasal cannula |
NCAT | normocephalic atraumatic |
NDA | no drug allergy |
NG | nasogastric |
NH | nursing home |
NHTSA | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
NICU | neonatal intensive care unit |
NIDDM | non-insulin dependant diabetes mellitus |
NIH | National Institutes of Health |
NKA | no known allergy |
NKDA | no known drug allergy |
NO2 | nitrous oxide |
NOI | nature of illness |
NP | Nurse Practitioner |
NPA | nasopharyngeal airway |
NPH | intermediate acting form of insulin |
NPO | nil per os (nothing by mouth) |
NREMT | National Registry of EMTs |
NRM | non-rebreathing mask |
NS | normal saline |
NSAID | non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug |
NSR | normal sinus rhythm |
NSTEMI | non-ST elevation myocardial infarction |
NTG | nitroglycerin |
NTID | National Technical Institute for the Deaf (RIT) |
NT/ND | non-tender, non-distended |
NTP | nitro paste |
N/V | nausea and vomiting |
N/V/D | nausea, vomiting and diarrhea |
NYPHREM5 | New York Prospective Hospital Reimbursement Methodology |
NYS | New York State |
O2 | oxygen |
O3 | ozone |
OB | obstetrics, occult blood |
OBS | organic brain syndrome |
OC | oral contraceptives, oleoresin capsicum (OC Mace) |
OD | overdose, oculus dexter (right eye) Doctor of Optometry |
OEC | Office of Emergency Communications (911) |
OEP | Office of Emergency Preparedness |
OH- | hydroxyl ion |
OLMC | on-line medical control |
OOH | out of hospital (rapidly replacing the term prehospital) |
OPA | oropharyngeal airway |
OPQRST | onset, provocation, quality, radiation, severity, time |
OR | operating room |
ORSA | Oxacillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (like MRSA) |
OS | oculus sinister (left eye) |
OSHA | Occupational Safety & Health Administration |
OSS | on site scoring (method of immediate certification) |
OT | occupational therapy |
OTC | over the counter |
OU | oculi unitas (both eyes) |
P | pulse, para |
p | after (post) |
PA | Physician Assistant, posterior anterior, pulmonary artery |
PAC | premature atrial contraction |
PaCO2 | partial pressure arterial carbon dioxide |
PACO2 | partial pressure alveolar carbon dioxide |
PACTAC | Police And Citizens Together Against Crime |
PAL | posterior axillary line |
PALS | Pediatric Advanced Life Support |
PAO | Psychiatric Assignment Officer |
PaO2 | partial pressure arterial oxygen |
PAO2 | partial pressure alveolar oxygen |
PAP | peak airway pressure, Papanicolaou test (Pap Smear) |
PASG | pneumatic anti-shock garment |
PAT | paroxysmal atrial tachycardia |
PB | piggyback |
Pb | lead |
PBC | primary biliary cirrhosis |
PC | post cibum (after meals) personal computer |
2PC | Two physician committal |
PCD | pacing cardioverter/defibrillator (implanted) |
PCN | penicillin |
PCP | phencyclidine, pneumocystis carinii pneumonia |
PCR | patient care report |
PCTA | percutaneous transluminal angioplasty |
PCV | packed cell volume (Hematocrit) |
PCWP | pulmonary capillary wedge pressure |
PD | police department |
PDA | patent ductus arteriosus |
PDR | Physicians Desk Reference |
PE | physical exam, pulmonary embolus |
PEA | pulseless electrical activity |
PEARL | pupils = & reactive to light |
PEARLA | pupils = & reactive to light & accommodation |
PEP | post exposure prophylaxis (treatment for HIV) |
PEEP | positive end expiratory pressure |
PERRLA | pupils = & round, reactive to light & accommodation |
PESH | Public Employee Safety and Health |
PET | positron emission tomography |
PetCO2 | pressure end-tidal carbon dioxide |
PFD | personal flotation device (life jacket) |
PFT | pulmonary function tests |
PH | past history |
ph | phone |
pH | power of Hydrogen (the inverse log of the hydrogen ion concentration) |
PhD | Doctor of Philosophy |
PHTLS | Prehospital Trauma Life Support |
PI | present illness |
PICU | pediatric intensive care unit |
PID | pelvic inflammatory disease |
PIP | peak inspiratory pressure |
PIT | Pitocin, Oxytocin |
PJC | premature junctional contraction |
PJU | Physicians Journal Update (LMT on cable) |
PKU | phenylketonuria |
PM | post meridian |
PMD | private medical doctor |
P-MELT | pacemaker mediated endless loop tachycardia |
PMH | past medical history |
PMI | point of maximal impulse |
PMP | previous menstrual period |
PMR | Puritan Manual Resuscitator (type of bag valve mask) |
PMS | premenstrual syndrome, pulse/motor/sensory |
PND | paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea |
PO | per os (by mouth) |
POV | privately owned vehicle |
PP | pulse pressure, pulsus paradoxus |
PPD | purified protein derivative (TB test) |
ppd | packs per day |
PPD#1 | postpartum day one |
PPD#2 | postpartum day two |
PPE | personal protection equipment |
PPM | parts per million |
PQRST | provocation, quality, radiation, severity, time |
PR | per rectum |
prand | meal |
PRH | Parkridge Hospital |
prn | pro re nata (as needed) |
PROM | premature rupture of membranes |
psi | pounds per square inch |
PSIM | Public Safety Incident Management |
PSTF | Public Safety Training Facility |
PSVT | paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia |
PT | prothrombin time (protime) physical therapy |
Pt | patient |
pt | pint |
PTA | prior to arrival |
PTCA | percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty |
PTH | parathyroid hormone |
PTL | pharyngeal tracheal lumen (airway) preterm labor |
PTT | partial thromboplastin time, push to talk |
PUD | peptic ulcer disease |
PVC | premature ventricular contraction |
PVD | peripheral vascular disease |
PVR | peripheral vascular resistance now called SVR |
PWA | person with AIDS |
PWI | practical work instructor |
PZI | protamine zinc insulin (long acting insulin) |
q | quaque (every) |
QA | quality assurance (quality assessment is newer term) |
qd | quaque die (every day) |
Qh | quaque hora (every hour) |
QI | quality improvement |
QID | quarter in die (4 X a day) |
qod | every other day |
qv | quantum vis (as much as you need) |
R | right |
R | respiration, regular (fast acting insulin) resistance (electrical) |
RA | right atrium, right arm, rheumatoid arthritis |
RAAS | renin angiotensin aldosterone system |
RAD | right axis deviation |
RAE | right atrial enlargement |
RAM | random access memory |
RAS | reticular activating system |
RBBB | right bundle branch block |
RBC | red blood cell |
RCA | right coronary artery |
RD | Registered Dietitian |
REMAC | Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Committee |
RF | radio frequency |
RFD | Rochester Fire Department |
r/i | rule in |
RIND | reversible ischemic neurologic deficit |
RK | radial keratotomy |
RL | right leg |
RLL | right lower lobe |
RLQ | right lower quadrant |
RMA | refusing medical attention |
RML | right middle lobe |
RN | registered nurse |
RNA | ribonucleic acid |
r/o | rule out |
ROM | rupture of membranes, read only memory |
ROPD | reversible obstructive pulmonary disease |
RPC | Rochester Psychiatric Center |
RPD | Rochester Police Department |
RSI | rapid sequence induction (pharm assisted intubation) |
RSR | regular sinus rhythm |
RTS | regional test site |
RUL | right upper lobe of lung |
RUQ | right upper quadrant |
RV | right ventricle |
RVOT | right ventricular outflow tachycardia |
RVH | right ventricular hypertrophy |
Rx | treatment, recipe, prescription, receive (radio) |
S1 | first heart sound (lub) |
S2 | second heart sound (dub) |
S3 | third heart sound (ventricular gallop) |
S4 | forth heart sound (atrial gallop) |
s | without (san) |
ss | half (semis) |
SA | sino atrial |
SAH | subarachnoid hemorrhage |
SaO2 | Saturation of arterial blood with oxygen |
SB | sinus bradycardia |
SBP | systolic blood pressure |
SEMAC | State Emergency Medical Advisory Committee |
SEQ | South East Quadrant (local term) |
SGOT | serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase |
SGPT | serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase |
SIADH | syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion |
SICU | surgical intensive care unit |
SIDS | sudden infant death syndrome |
Sig | let it be written |
SK | streptokinase (thrombolytic) |
SL | sublingual |
SLE | systemic lupus erythematosus |
SMA | sequential multiple analyzer 6, 12 (out dated) |
SMAC | sequential multiple analyzer computer |
SMH | Strong Memorial Hospital |
SMZ | sulfamathoxazole |
SNF | skilled nursing facility |
SOB | short of breath |
soln | solution |
SOLVED | Studies of LV dysfunction, 8/91 study NEJM on CHF & ACEI |
S/P | status post |
sp gr | specific gravity |
SpO2 | pulse oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry) |
SQ | subcutaneous |
SROM | spontaneous rupture of membranes |
SRSA | slow releasing substance of anaphylaxis |
SS | social security |
S-Spine | sacral spine |
SSS | sick sinus syndrome |
ST | sinus tachycardia |
STD | standardize, sexually transmitted disease |
STEMI | ST elevation myocardial infarction |
STEP | Society for Total Emergency Programs |
STM | St. Mary's Hospital |
SV | stroke volume |
SVD | spontaneous vaginal delivery |
SVR | systemic vascular resistance |
SVT | supraventricular tachycardia |
SWAT | special weapons and tactics |
Sx | sign or symptom |
sync | synchronization (synchronized shock, cardioversion) |
SZ | seizure |
T3 | thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine) |
T4 | thyroid hormone (thyroxine) WBCs used to stage HIV |
T | tonsillectomy & adenoidectomy |
tab | tablet |
TAMI | Thrombolysis & Angioplasty in MI (Study) |
TB | tuberculosis |
TBA | to be announced |
tbsp | tablespoon |
TBW | total body water |
TC | total cholesterol |
TCA | tricyclic antidepressant |
TCP | transcutaneous pacer |
TDP | torsades de pointes |
TEAM | Training for Emergency Action Management |
TEE | transesophageal echo |
TFTC | too fast to count |
TGH | The Genesee Hospital (now closed. Historical Reference) |
THH | The Highland Hospital |
TIA | transient ischemic attack |
TID | ter in die (3 X a day) |
TIMI | Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (Study) |
TM | tympanic membrane |
TMJ | temporomandibular joint |
TMP-SMZ | Trimethaprim sulfamathoxazole |
TNT | Trinitrotoluene |
TNTC | too numerous to count |
tPA | tissue plasminogen activator (fibrinolytic) |
TPOD | Trauma Pelvic Orthotic Device |
TPN | total parenteral nutrition |
TPR | temperature, pulse, respiration |
TQM | total quality management |
Tr | transport |
TS | trauma score |
TSH | thyroid stimulating hormone |
tsp | teaspoon |
T-Spine | thoracic spine |
TSS | toxic shock syndrome |
TURP | trans urethral radical prostatectomy |
TV | tidal volume, television |
Tx | transmit, transport, traction |
U | Ultralente (long acting insulin) |
U-100 | 100 units/cc |
UA, U/A | urinalysis, unstable angina |
UHF | ultra high frequency |
ung | ointment |
URI | upper respiratory infection |
USP | United States Pharmacopeia |
UTI | urinary tract infection |
UV | ultraviolet |
VBAC | vaginal birth after caesarian section |
VD | venereal disease |
VDG | venereal disease gonorrhea |
VDRL | venereal disease research laboratory |
VDS | venereal disease syphilis |
VEB | ventricular ectopic beat |
Vf | ventricular fibrillation |
VHF | very high frequency |
vol | volume |
VOO | Fixed rate ventricular pacing |
VPC | ventricular premature contraction |
V/Q | ventilation/perfusion |
VS | vital signs |
VSD | ventricular septal defect |
VT | ventricular tachycardia |
VVI | Ventricular inhibited mode of pacing |
W | white |
WBC | white blood cell |
WCT | wide complex tachycardia (VT vs. SVT with aberration) |
WD | well developed |
WN | well nourished |
WNL | within normal limits |
WPW | Wolf Parkinson White syndrome |
WS | Watt second |
wt | weight |
yo | year old |
ZDV | Zidovudine, AZT |
ZED | Zee Extrication Device (like KED) |
/ | per |
less than | |
> | greater than |
= | equal |
# | number, or size |
+ | positive |
- | negative |
| increased |
| decreased |
♂ | male |
♀ | female |
| micro (symbol not used any more in medicine and ems d/t errors) |
| alpha |
| beta |
| delta (change) |
| ohm |
| approximately equal |
@ | at |
° | degree, or hour |