Question | Answer |
a | Before |
AED | Automated External Defibrillator |
a.c. | Before meals |
ADL | Activities of daily living |
ASA | Aspirin |
AMA | Against medical advice |
AMI | Acute myocardial infarction |
ASHD | Arteriosclerotic heart disease |
b.i.d. | Twice a day |
BP | Blood pressure |
BRP | Bathroom privileges |
BS | Breath sounds or bowel sounds or blood sugar |
BVM | Bag-valve-mask |
c/o | Complaining of |
Ca | Cancer/carcinoma |
CHF | Congestive Heart Failure |
COPD | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/emphysema/chronic bronchitis |
CPR | Cardiopulmonary resuscitation |
CSF | Cerebrospinal fluid |
CVA | Cerebrovascular accident |
CXR | Chest x-ray |
d/c | Discontinue |
DM | Diabetes mellitus |
DOA | Dead on arrival |
DOB | Date of birth |
Dx | Diagnosis |
ECG or EKG | Electrocardiogram |
ETOH | Alcohol/ethanol |
Fx | Fracture |
GI | Gastrointestinal |
GSW | Gun shot wound |
gtt | Drop |
GU | Genitourinary |
GYN | Gynecologic |
h or hr | Hour |
H/A | Headache |
HEENT | Head, ears, eyes nose, throat |
Hg | Mercury |
h/o | History of |
hs | At bedtime |
HTN | Hypertension |
H&P | History and physical |
Hx | History |
ICP | Intracranial pressure |
ICU | Intensive care unit |
IM | Intramuscular |
IO | Intraosseous |
JVD | Jugular venous distension |
KVO | Keep vein open |
L | Left or liter |
LAC | Laceration |
LOC | Level of consciousness |
LR | Lactated Ringers solution |
mcg | Micrograms |
MS | Morphine sulphate or multiple sclerosis |
NAD | No apparent distress |
NC | Nasal cannula |
NKA | No known allergies |
npo | Nothing by mouth |
NRB | Non-rebreather mask |
NTG | Nitroglycerin |
N/V | Nausea/vomiting |
O2 | Oxygen |
OB | Obstetrics |
OD | Overdose |
OR | Operating room |
PCN | Penicillin |
PEA | Pulseless electrical activity |
PERL | Pupils equal and reactive to light |
PID | Pelvic inflammatory disease |
PND | Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea |
po | By mouth |
PRN | As needed |
PSVT | Paroxysmal supra ventricular tachycardia |
Pt | Patient |
PTA | Prior to arrival |
PVC | Premature ventricular contraction |
q.h. | Every hour |
q.i.d. | Four times a day |
R | Right |
r/o | Rule out |
Rx or Tx | Treatment |
SIDS | Sudden infant death syndrome |
SOB | Shortness of breath |
stat | Immediately |
SVT | Supraventricular tachycardia |
TIA | Transient ischemic attack |
t.i.d. | Three times a day |
TKO | To keep open |
V.S. | Vital signs |
X | Times |
w/o or s | Without |
WNL | Within normal limits |
y/o or y.o. | Years old |
^ | Change |
+ | Positive |
- | Negative |
AM | Morning, before noon |
PC | After meals |
PM | Evening, before midnight |
NKDA | No known drug allergies |
IVPB | IV piggy back |