Question | Answer |
BID | Two times/day |
Central Line | A catheter placed into a large vein in the neck (internal jugular vein), chest (subclavian vein), or groin (femoral vein). |
CT or CAT Scan | Computerized Tomography / Computerized Axial Tomography. A 3-dimensional x-ray test that views the soft organs. |
Echo | Echocardiogram. A test that uses sound waves to see the heart & its main arteries & veins. |
EEG | Electroencephalogram. A test to see the patterns of electrical waves in the brain. |
EKG | Electrocardiogram. A test to see the electrical patterns in the heart. |
Heplock | Heparin lock. A cap that goes on an IV that is not in use. The medicine Heparin is put in it to keep blood from clotting in the tube, so the IV can be used again. |
HS | Hour of sleep / at bedtime. |
Hyperal or TPN | Hyperalimentation / Total Parenteral Nutrition. Nutrition given by IV. Food through the vein. |
I&O | Intake & Output. The measure of fluids that go into the body & the fluids that come out. |
IMed / Plum Pump | The machine that measures and controls the amount of fluid that goes through an IV. |
LP | Lumbar Puncture or Spinal Tap. A test where a little fluid is taken from around the spine, to check for disease. |
MRI | Magnetic Response Imaging. A test that uses magnetic waves to see inside the body. |
NPO | Nothing by mouth (not allowed to eat or drink) |
PO | By mouth |
PRN | As needed |
QD | Every day |
QID | Four times / day |
Short stay | A hospital admission of 23 hours or less. |
TID | Three times / day |
UGI | Upper Gastrointestinal Radiography. A test that uses x-ray to see how the GI tract is working. |
Aortic valve | The valve that prevents blood from flowing back into the heart from the aorta. |
Appendectomy | Appy / removing appendix. |
Asystole | A condition where there is no activity from the heart (muscle or electrical) |
Atropine | A drug used to resolve slow heart beats (bradycardia) or as part of resuscitation. |
Bradycardia | An abnormally slow heart beat (less than 60 bpm) |
Cardiomyopathy | Heart muscle disease |
myo | muscle |
pathy | disease |
CBC | Complete Blood Count |
Internal jugular vein | A large vein in the neck |
Subclavian | A large vein in the chest |
Cholecystectomy | Surgical removal of the gallbladder. |
Crike | Cricothyrotomy. A procedure when the throat is cut to insert a direct tube for breathing when intubation is not possible due to blockage in the throat. |
Ectopia Cordis | A birth defect where the heart is abnormally located, typically outside the chest, but still attached to the body through a split sternum. |
Epinephrine / Epi | A hormone release in the body in response to stress, used for resuscitation . |
Laparoscopic | A minimally invasive surgery / small incision like in appendectomies or cholecystectomies. |
Laparotomy | Cutting into the abdomen to gain access to the organs. |
Metastasis / Mets | The spread of a disease from one organ or part to an adjacent organ or part. |
Tachycardia | An abnormally high heart rate (adults = above 100 bpm) |