Term | Definition |
CCU | coronary care unit |
ECU | emergency care unit |
ER | emergency room |
ED | emergency department |
ICU | intensive care unit |
PICU | pediatric intensive care unit |
NICU | neonatal intensive care unit |
SICU | surgical intensive care unit |
PACU | postanesthesia care unit |
L&D | labor and delivery |
OR | operating room |
post-op | after surgery |
pre-op | before surgery |
(R) | right |
(L) | left |
(B) | bilateral |
VS | vital signs |
T | temperature |
BP | blood pressure |
HR | heart rate |
RR | respiratory rate |
Ht | height |
Wt | weight |
BMI | body mass index (measurement of body fat based on height and weight) |
I/O | intake / output |
Dx | diagnosis |
DDx | differential diagnosis |
Tx | treatment |
Rx | prescription |
H&P | history and physical |
Hx | history |
CC | chief complaint |
HPI | history of present illness |
ROS | review of symptoms |
PMHx | past medical history |
FHx | family history |
PE | physical exam |
Pt | patient |
y/o | years old |
h/o | history of |
PCP | primary care provider |
f/u | follow-up |
SOB | shortness of breath |
PERRLA | pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light accommodation |
NAD | no acute distress |
RRR | regular rate and rhythm |
CTA | clear to auscultation |
WDWN | well developed, well nourished |
A&O | alert and oriented |
WNL | within normal limits |
NOS | not otherwise specified |
NEC | not elsewhere classified |
PO | per os (by mouth) |
NPO | nil per os (nothing by mouth) |
PR | per rectum (anal) |
IM | intramuscular |
SC | subcutaneous (under the skin) |
IV | intravenous |
CVL | central venous line |
PICC | peripherally inserted central catheter |
Sig | instructions |
ad lib | as desired |
BID | twice daily |
TID | three times daily |
QD* | daily |
QID* | four times daily |
QHS | at night |
AC | before meals |
PC | after meals |
prn | as needed |
ABCDE | asymmetry, border, color, diameter, evolving |
AK | actinic keratosis |
BCC | basal cell carcinoma |
Bx | biopsy |
C&S | culture and sensitivity |
decub | decubitis ulcer |
derm | dermatology |
EAHF | eczema, asthma, hay fever |
FS | frozen section |
ID | intradermal |
SC | subcutaneous |
SCC | squamous cell carcinoma |
SQ | subcutaneous |
subcut | subcutaneous |
TD | transdermal |
XP | xeroderma pigmentosa |
Fx | fracture |
Tx | traction or treatment |
ACL | anterior cruciate ligament |
MCL | medial collateral ligament |
LCL | lateral collateral ligament |
PCL | posterior cruciate ligament |
C1-C7 | cervical vertebrae |
T1-T12 | thoracic vertebrae |
L1-L5 | lumbar vertebrae |
S1-S5 | sacral vertebrae |
CTS | carpal tunnel syndrome |
EMG | electromyogram |
FROM | full range of motion |
MD | muscular dystrophy |
NSAID | nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug |
OA | osteoarthritis |
ORIF | open reduction internal fixation |
PT | physical therapy |
RA | rheumatoid arthritis |
RICE | rest, ice, compression, elevation |
ROM | range of motion |
THR | total hip replacement |
TKR | total knee replacement |
WB | weight bearing |
WBAT | weight bearing as tolerated |
ADHD | attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder |
ALS | lou gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) |
CNS | central nervous system |
CP | cerebral palsy |
CSF | cerebrospinal fluid |
CVA | cerebrovascular accident |
EEG | electroencephalogram |
EMG | electromyogram |
HD | huntingtons disease |
ICP | intracranial pressure |
LOC | level of conciousness |
LP | lumbar puncture |
MRA | magnetic resonance angiography |
MS | multiple sclerosis |
OCD | obsessive compulsive disorder |
PET | position emission tomography |
PNS | peripheral nervous system |
SRS | stereotactic radiosurgery |
TIA | transient ischemic attack |
ARMD | age-related macular degeneration |
HEENT | head, eyes, ears, nose, throat |
IOL | intraocular lens |
IOP | intraocular pressure |
LASIK | laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis |
OD | right eye |
OS | left eye |
OU | both eyes |
VA | visual activity |
VF | visual field |
AD | right ear |
AS | left ear |
AU | both ears |
AOM | acute otitis media |
EENT | eye, ear, nose, throat |
ENT | ear, nose, throat |
OM | otitis media |
TM | tympanic membrane |