Sheet1

Master List of Prescription Abbreviations

Abbreviation From the Latin Meaning
aa ana of each
ad ad up to
a.c. ante cibum before meals
a.d. aurio dextra right ear
ad lib. ad libitum use as much as one desires; freely
admov. admove apply
agit agita stir/shake
alt. h. alternis horis every other hour
a.m. ante meridiem morning, before noon
amp ampule
amt amount
aq aqua water
a.l., a.s. aurio laeva, aurio sinister left ear
A.T.C. around the clock
a.u. auris utrae both ears
bis bis twice
b.i.d. bis in die twice daily
B.M. bowel movement
bol. bolus as a large single dose (usually intravenously)
B.S. blood sugar
B.S.A body surface areas
cap., caps. capsula capsule
c cum with (usually written with a bar on top of the "c")
c cibos food
cc cum cibos with food, (but also cubic centimetre)
cf with food
comp. compound
cr., crm cream
D5W dextrose 5% solution (sometimes written as D5W)
D5NS dextrose 5% in normal saline (0.9%)
D.A.W. dispense as written
dc, D/C, disc discontinue
dieb. alt. diebus alternis every other day
dil. dilute
disp. dispense
div. divide
d.t.d. dentur tales doses give of such doses
D.W. distilled water
elix. elixir
e.m.p. ex modo prescripto as directed
emuls. emulsum emulsion
et et and
ex aq ex aqua in water
fl., fld. fluid
ft. fiat make; let it be made
g gram
gr grain
gtt(s) gutta(e) drop(s)
H hypodermic

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h, hr hora hour
h.s. hora somni at bedtime
ID intradermal
IM intramuscular (with respect to injections)
inj. injectio injection
IP intraperitoneal
IV intravenous
IVP intravenous push
IVPB intravenous piggyback
L.A.S. label as such
LCD coal tar solution
lin linimentum liniment
liq liquor solution
lot. lotion
M. misce mix
m, min minimum a minimum
mcg microgram
mEq milliequivalent
mg milligram
mist. mistura mix
mitte mitte send
mL millilitre
nebul nebula a spray
N.M.T. not more than
noct. nocte at night
non rep. non repetatur no repeats
NS normal saline (0.9%)
1/2NS half normal saline (0.45%)
N.T.E. not to exceed
o_2 both eyes, sometimes written as o2
o.d. oculus dexter right eye
o.s. oculus sinister left eye
o.u. oculus uterque both eyes
oz ounce
per per by or through
p.c. post cibum after meals
p.m. post meridiem evening or afternoon
prn pro re nata as needed
p.o. per os by mouth or orally
p.r. by rectum
pulv. pulvis powder
q quaque every
q.a.d. quoque alternis die every other day
q.a.m. quaque die ante meridiem every day before noon
q.h. quaque hora every hour
q.h.s. quaque hora somni every night at bedtime
q.1h quaque 1 hora every 1 hour; (can replace "1" with other numbers)
q.d. quaque die every day
q.i.d. quater in die four times a day
q.o.d. every other day
qqh quater quaque hora every four hours
q.s. quantum sufficiat a sufficient quantity
R rectal

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rep., rept. repetatur repeats
RL, R/L Ringer's lactate
s sine without (usually written with a bar on top of the "s")
s.a. secundum artum use your judgement
SC, subc, subq,
subcut subcutaneous
sig write on label
SL sublingually, under the tongue
sol solutio solution
s.o.s., si op. sit si opus sit if there is a need
ss semis one half
stat statim immediately
supp suppositorium suppository
susp suspension
syr syrupus syrup
tab tabella tablet
tal., t talus such
tbsp tablespoon
troche trochiscus lozenge
tsp teaspoon
t.i.d. ter in die three times a day
t.d.s. ter die sumendum three times a day
t.i.w. three times a week
top. topical
T.P.N. total parenteral nutrition
tr, tinc., tinct. tincture
u.d., ut. dict. ut dictum as directed
ung. unguentum ointment
U.S.P. United States Pharmacopoeia
vag vaginally
w with
w/o without
X times
Y.O. years old

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ABBREVIATIONS
5-HT 5-hydroxytryptamine
ACE(I) angiotensin converting enzyme
(inhibitor)
ACh Acetylcholine
AChE(I) acetylcholinesterase (inhibitor)
ACTH adrenocorticotropic hormone
ADH antidiuretic hormone
ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder
ADP adenosine diphosphate
AIDS Acquired immune deficiency
syndrome
AMPA -amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4isoxazole-propionate
ATP adenosine triphosphate
AV atrio-ventricular
BP blood pressure
C cholesterol
cAMP cyclic adenosine monophosphate
CAT cholineacetyltransferase
CE cholesteryl esters
cGMP cyclic guanosine monophosphate
CL corpus luteum
CMV cytomegalovirus
CNS central nervous system
CoA Coenzyme A
COMT catechol-O-methyl transferase
COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease
COX Cyclo-oxygenase
CSF cerebrospinal fluid
CTZ chemoreceptor trigger zone
CVS cardiovascular system
DA dopamine
DAG diacylglycerol
DD dopamine decarboxylase
DHFR dihydrofolate reductase
DMARD disease-modifying antirheumatoid
drug
DNA deoxyribonucleic acid
DOPA dihydroxyphenylalanine
DOPAC 3,4 dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid
dTMP thymidylate
dUMP uridylate
EPS extrapyramidal symptoms
FH2 dihydrofolate
FH4 tetrahydrofolate.
FSH follicle stimulating hormone
G N- acetylglucosamine
GABA g-aminobutyric acid
GC glucocorticoid
GC guanylate cyclase
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GF Graafian follicle
GIT gastrointestinal tract
GnRH gonadotropin-releasing hormone
GP glycoprotein
GTP guanosine triphosphate
Hb haemoglobin
HBV Hepatic B virus
HCV Hepatic C virus
HDL high density lipoprotein
HIV human immunodeficiency virus
HMG-CoA 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl
coenzyme A
HV herpes virus
i.m. intramuscular
i.v. intravenous
ICSH interstitial cell stimulating hormone
IL interleukin
IP3 Inositol trisphosphate
LA local anaesthetic
LDL low density lipoprotein
LH luteinizing hormone
LSD lysergic acid diethylamide
LT leukotriene
M acetylmuramic acid
M muscarinic
MA monoamine
MAO(I) monoamine oxidase (inhibitor)
MC mineralocorticoid
MDMA Methylenedioxymethamfetamine
MLCK myosin light chain kinase
Mnp mononuclear phagocytes
MOA mechanism of action
MRSA Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
MTX methotrexate
MVA mevalonic acid
NA noradrenaline
NMDA N-methyl D-aspartate
NO nitric oxide
NRM nucleus raphe magnus
NSAID non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drug
OB osteoblast
OC osteoclast
OTC over the counter
P450 cytochrome p450
PABA p-aminobutyric acid
PAF platelet activating factor
PAG periaqueductal gray
PDE(I) phosphodiesterase (inhibitor)
PG prostaglandin
PKA Protein kinase A
PKG protein kinase G
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R Receptor
RNA ribonucleic acid
RSV respiratory syncytial virus
s.c. subcutaneous
SA sino-atrial
SR sarcoplasmic reticulum
SSRI Selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors
TB tuberculosis
TCA Tricyclic antidepressant
TG triglycerides
TNF tumour necrosis factor
TX Thromboxane
VLDL very low density lipoprotein

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Abbreviations Stedman's
a or a. before
a.c. before meals
ad lib as desired
alt. h. alternate hours
am in the morning; before

noon

aq. water
bid twice a day
c with
cap., caps. capsule
dil. dilute
dist. distilled
DS double strength
EC enteric coated
elix. elixir
ext. external, extract
fl, fld fluid
g gram
gr grain
gtt drop
H hypodermic
h, hr hour
IM intramuscular
inj. injection
IV intravenous
IVP IV push
IVPB IV piggyback
kg kilogram
L liter
lb pound
liq. liquid
mcg, mg microgram
mEq milliequivalent
mg milligram
mL milliliter
noct. night
om on morning
on on night
oz ounce
p or p. after, per
p.c. after meals
PO by mouth
pm afternoon, evening
prn as needed, according

to
necessity
q each, every
qh every hour
qid, Qqds four times a day
q1h every 1 hour
q2h every 2 hours
q3h every 3 hours
q4h every 4 hours
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q6h

every 6 hours

q8h every 8 hours

q12h every 12 hours
qs as much as needed, quantity,

sufficient

qt quart
R. or PR rectally, per rectum
Rx take, prescription
S, Sig give the following

directions

s without
sid once daily
sol. or soln. solution
SQ subcutaneous
stat. immediately, at once
tab. tablet
tbsp, T tablespoon
tds, tid three times a day
tinct., tr tincture
tsp, t teaspoon
ung. ointment

APP 24

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ABGs arterial blood gases
ac before meals
ACE angiotensin-converting

enzyme

ADH antidiuretic hormone

ADHD attention-deficit/hyperactivity

disorder

AFB acid-fast bacillus

ALT alanine aminotransferase
AM ante meridian
ANA antinuclear antibodies
APAP acetaminophen
aPTT activated partial thromboplastin

time

ARDS adult respiratory distress

syndrome

ASA acetylsalicylic acid

AST aspartate aminotransferase
AV atrioventricular
bid two times a day
BMS bone marrow suppression
BNP brain natriuretic peptide
BP blood pressure
BPH benign prostatic hyperplasia
bpm beats per minute
BUN blood urea nitrogen
Ca+ serum calcium
cAMP cyclic adenosine

monophosphate
cap capsule
CBC complete blood count
cGMP cyclic guanosine

monophosphate
CHF congestive heart failure
Cl- chloride ion
CNS central nervous system
CO cardiac output
COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary

disease

CPK creatine phosphokinase

CR controlled or continuous

release

CSF colony-stimulating factor;

cerebrospinal fluid
CT computerized tomography
CV cardiovascular
CVA cerebrovascular accident
CVC central venous catheter
CVP central venous pressure
CXR chest x-ray
D5/0.9% 5% dextrose and normal
NaCl saline solution (0.9% NaCl)
D5/1/2 NS 5% dextrose and half

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normal saline solution

(0.45% NaCl)
D5W 5% dextrose in water
derm dermatology
DKA diabetic ketoacidosis
dL deciliter
DM diabetes mellitus
DMARD disease-modulating

antirheumatic drug
DNA deoxyribonucleic acid
DVT deep vein thrombosis
ECG electrocardiogram
EEG electroencephalogram
EENT eye, ear, nose, and throat
EMS Emergency Medical Services
endo endocrine
EPS extrapyramidal symptoms
ER extended-release
ESRD end-stage renal disease

Abbreviations Used on Cards

F and E fluid and electrolyte
g gram
GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid
GERD gastroesophageal reflux

disease

GFR glomerular filtration rate

GGT gamma-glutamyl

transpeptidase
GI gastrointestinal
GTT glucose tolerance test
GU genitourinary
H+ hydrogen ion
Hb A1c hemoglobin A1c glycoslated

hemoglobin
HCO3 bicarbonate

HCP health-care professional/

provider
Hct hematocrit

HDLs high-density lipoproteins

hemat hematologic
Hgb hemoglobin
HIV human immunodeficiency

virus

HMG-CoA 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarylcoenzyme

hr hour(s)
HRT hormone replacement therapy
hs hour of sleep/bedtime
HTN hypertension
5HT1 5-hydroxytryptamine-

1-receptor agonist
5HT3 5-hydroxytryptamine-

3-receptor antagonist
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ICP intracranial pressure
IM intramuscular
Inhaln inhalation
INR international normalized

ratio

I&O intake and output

IOP intraocular pressure
IT intrathecal
IV intravenous
K+ potassium
KCl potassium chloride
kg kilogram
l liter
LA long-acting
LDH lactic dehydrogenase
LDLs low-density lipoproteins
LFT liver function tests
LR lactated Ringers solution
MAO monoamine oxidase
MAOIs monoamine oxidase

inhibitors
mcg microgram(s)

MDI metered dose inhaler

mEq milliequivalent
metab metabolic
mg milligram
Mg+ magnesium ion
MI myocardial infarction
min minute(s)
misc miscellaneous
mL milliliter
mo month(s)
MRI magnetic resonance

imaging

MS musculoskeletal
Na sodium
NaCl sodium chloride
0.9% NaCl 0.9% NaCl solution/normal

saline

neuro neurologic
NG nasogastric
NMDA N-methyl-D-aspartate
NPO nothing by mouth
NRTI nucleoside reverse transcriptase

inhibitor

NS(S) normal saline (solution)

NSAIDs nonsteroidal antiinflammatory

drugs

OCD obsessive-compulsive

disorder
oint ointment

ophth ophthalmic
OTC over-the-counter

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oz ounce(s)
pc after meals
PCA patient-controlled analgesia
PCWP pulmonary capillary wedge

pressure

PDE5 phosphodiesterase
inhibitor type 5 inhibitor
PE pulmonary embolus
PM post-meridian
PO by mouth, orally
PRN as needed
PSA prostate-specific antigen
PT prothrombin time
PUD peptic ulcer disease
PVC premature ventricular contractions
PVD peripheral vascular disease
q every
qid four times a day
RA rheumatoid arthritis
RANKL receptor activator of nuclear

factor kappa B ligand

RBC red blood cell
RDA recommended daily

allowance
rect rectum

REM rapid-eye movement

resp respiratory
RFT renal function tests
RNA ribonucleic acid
Rx prescription
SA sinoatrial
SAMe S-adenosyl-L-methionine
sec second(s)
SL sublingual
SNRIs serotonin and norepinephrine

reuptake inhibitors
SOB shortness of breath
soln solution
SR sustained release
SSRIs selective serotonin reuptake

inhibitors
stat immediately

subcut (sc) subcutaneously

supp suppository
tab tablet
TB tuberculosis
tbs tablespoon(s)
TCAs tricyclic antidepressants
tid three times a day
TNF tumor necrosis factor
Top topically or topical
tsp teaspoon
VFib ventricular fibrillation

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VLDL very low-density lipoproteins
VS vital signs
VT ventricular tachycardia
WBC white blood cell
wk week(s)
yr year(s)
increased, high
decreased, low

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Medical Abbreviations

AMAagainst medical advice

acbefore meals.
ad libas desired.
amt.amount.
ASAPas soon as possible.
ASDatrial septal defect. A congenital defect in the heart between the atria.
BIDtwice a day (sometimes q12h or every 12 hours).
BMbowel movement.
BPblood pressure.
BRPbathroom privileges.
CAcancer.
calcalories.
cathcatheterization.
CBCcomplete blood count
cccubic centimeters.
CCchief complaint.
CBCcomplete blood count.
CNScentral nervous system.
c/ocomplaints of
COPDchronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
CPAPcontinuous positive airway pressure.
CPRcario-pulmonary resuscitation.
CTcomputed tomography, also referred to as CAT (computer axial tomography). Threedimensional
image of a body structure constructed by computer from a series of cross-sectional
images. CT scans reveal both bone and soft tissues, including organs, muscles and tumors.
DNRdo not resuscitate.
DOBdate of birth.
Drsgdressing.
ECG or EKGelectrocardiogram. A graphic record of the action of the heart.
EEG(electroencephalogram) measures electrical activity of the brain.
EKGelectrocardiogram.
ENTear, nose and throat.
EDemergency department
ERemergency room
Gastrosomy Tubesurgically placed tube that goes directly into the stomach for feedings and/or
drainage.
GBgall bladder.
GIgastointestinal.
gmgram.
gttdrops
H20water.
H/Aheadache
hcthematocrit.
hgbhemoglobin.
HOBhead of bed.
htheight.
HTNhypertension.
hxhistory.
I & Dincision and drainage.
I & Ointake and output. A measurement of fluids taken in and urinated out.
ICUintensive care unit.

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IMintramuscular or into the muscle.
IVintravenous. The delivery of fluids and/or medication into the blood stream via a needle
inserted into a vein.
Kpotassium.
kgkilogram.
KVO keep vein open.
lb.pound.
LOCloss of consciousness.
LPlumbar puncture.
Maxmaximum.
mEqmilliequivalent.
MRImagnetic resonance imaging. Computerized images based on nuclear magnetic resonance
of atoms within the body induced by the application of radio waves. An MRI scan provides 3-D
images of the body's interior, delineating muscle, bone, blood vessels, nerves, organs and tumor
tissue.
MRSAmethicillin resistant staphylococcum aureus.
MVAmotor vehicle accident.
MVRmitral valve replacement.
n/anot applicable.
N/Snormal saline.
Nasodium.
Nasogastrica tube that leads from the nose or mouth into the stomach.
negnegative.
NGnasogastric.
NKAno known allergies.
no. or #number.
NPnurse practitioner.
NPOnothing by mouth; nothing to eat or drink usually within a defined time frame
Nsgnursing.
NSRnormal sinus rhythm.
NTGnitrogylicerin.
N&Vnausea and vomiting.
NWBnon-weight bearing.
O2oxygen.
OBobstetrical.
OB/GYNobstetrics and gynecology.
ODAoperating day admission. The patient is admitted to the hospital the day the surgery is
scheduled.
ointointment.
OOBout of bed.
ORoperating room.
OToccupational therapy.
ozounce.
Ppulse.
PAphysician's assistant.
PACpremature atrial contraction.
PATparoxysmal atrial tachycardia or preadmission testing (depending on context).
pcafter meals
PDApatent ductus arteriosis.
PEphysical examination.
Pedpediatric.
per osby mouth.
PERLpupils equal and reactive to light.

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PERLApupils equal and reactive to light & accommodation.
PET Scanpositron emission tomography
PFTpulmonary function test.
pHsymbol for expression of concentration of hydrogen ions (degree of acidity).
PICC Line(peripherally inserted central catheter) for delivery of medication into the
bloodstream.
PIC-Upediatric intensive care unit. A unit staffed by Pediatric Intensivists (pediatricians with
special training in the care of critically ill infants and children) and other highly-skilled specialists.
PIMUpediatric intermediate or "step down" unit. A unit that admits less critically ill children
and is also a transitional unit following a stay in the PICU.
PM or p.m.afternoon (post meridian).
PMSpremenstrual syndrome.
poper os (by mouth).
post-oppostoperative.
Preoppreoperative.
prepprepare.
PRNwhen necessary; on request or when needed within time guidelines
PROMpassive range of motion.
PTphysical therapy.
Pt or pt.patient.
PTAprior to admission.
PVCpremature ventricular contraction.
PWBpartial weigth bearing.
qeach, every (quauque).
qdevery day (quaque die).
qhevery hour (quaque hora).
qidfour times daily (quater in die).
QIDfour times a day (sometimes q6h or every 6 hours).
QDonce a day.
QNSquantity not sufficient.
qodevery other day (quater otra die).
qssufficient quantity (quantum sufficiat).
Qt.quart.
q2h, q3h, etcevery two hours, every three hours, etc.
Rehabrehabilitation
Resp.respiration.
RBCred blood cells.
RN Registered Nurse.
R/Orule out.
ROMrange of motion.
R/Rrespiratory rate.
RRrecovery room.
RTradiation therapy.
Rtright.
RTCreturn to Clinic.
Rxprescription, treatment, or therapy.
s [needs line over s]without (sine).
SGspecific gravity.
smsmall.
SNFskilled nursing facility.
SOBshortness of breath.
S/Pstatus post.
sp grspecific gravity.

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staphstaphylococcal, staphylococcus.
Statimmediately (statim).
STDsexually transmitted disease.
Strepstreptococcus
Sxsymptoms.
Ttemperature.
tabtablet.
T&Atonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.
tbsptablespoon.
TIAtransient ischemia attacks.
tidthree times a day (sometimes q8h or every 8 hours).
TLCtotal lung capacity.
TPRtemperature, pulse, respirations.
tspteaspoon.
UAurinalysis.
UGIupper gastrointestinal
URIupper respiratory infection.
UTI urinary tract infection.
Volvolume.
vsagainst or versus.
VSvital signs.
VSDventricular septal defect. A congenital defect in the septum of the heart.
w/with.
WBweight bearing.
WBCwhite blood cells.
W/Cwheel chair.
WNLwithin normal limits.
w/owithout.
wtweight.
XRx-ray.
x-matchcross match.
yoyear old.
yryear.

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MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ABBREVIATIONS

The following list contains some of the most common abbreviations found in medical records. Please note that in
medical terminology, the capitalization of letters bears significance as to the meaning of certain terms, and is often
used to distinguish terms with similar acronyms.
@at
A & Panatomy and physiology
ababortion
abdabdominal
ABGarterial blood gas
a.c.before meals
ac & clacetest and clinitest
ACLSadvanced cardiac life support
ADright ear
ADLactivities of daily living
ad libas desired
admadmission
afebafebrile, no fever
AFBacid-fast bacillus
AKAabove the knee
albalbumin
alt diebalternate days (every other day)
ammorning
AMAagainst medical advice
amalamalgam
ambambulate, walk
AMIacute myocardial infarction
amtamount
ANSautomatic nervous system
antanterior
AOx3alert and oriented to person, time, and place
Apapical
APapical pulse
approxapproximately
aqaqueous
ARDSacute respiratory distress syndrome
ASleft ear
ASAaspirin
asap (ASAP)as soon as possible
as tolas tolerated
ATDadmission, transfer, discharge
AUboth ears
Axaxillary
BEbarium enema
bidtwice a day
bil, bilateralboth sides
BKbelow knee
BKAbelow the knee amputation
blblood
bl wkblood work
BLSbasic life support
BMbowel movement
BOWbag of waters

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B/Pblood pressure
bpmbeats per minute
BRbed rest
BRPbathroom privileges
BSbreath sounds
BSIbody substance isolation
BSObilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
BUNblood, urea, nitrogen levels
BVMbag-valve-mask
bxbiopsy
cwith
C & Sculture and sensitivity
c-spinecervical spine
CAcancer
CADcoronary artery disease
calcalorie
CATcomputerized axial tomography
cathcatheter
CBCcomplete blood count
cccubic centimeters
CCchief complaint
CCUcoronary care unit, critical care unit
CHDcoronary heart disease
CHFcongestive heart failure
CHOcarbohydrate
cholcholesterol
circcircumcision
cl liqclear liquid
CNScentral nervous sysyem
c/ocomplains of
COPDchronic obstructive pulmonary disease
CPKcreatine phosphokinase
CPRcardiopulmonary resuscitation
CPTchest physical therapy
CScentral supply
CSFcerebrospinal fluid
CTcomputer tomography
CVAcerebrovascular accident (stroke)
CVUcardiovascular unit
cxcervix or complaint of
CXRchest X ray
cystocystography
d/cdiscontinue
D & Cdilation and curettage
DATdiet as tolerated
DCdiscontinue or discharge
deldelivery
Del. Rm.delivery room
difdifferential
DNAdeoxyribonucleic acid
DNRdo not resuscitate
DOAdead on arrival

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DOBdate of birth
DPTdiphtheria, pertussis, tetanus
DRGdiagnosis-related grouping
D/Sdextrose in saline
DTsdelirium tremens
DWdistilled water
D5W 5%dextrose in water
Dxdiagnosis
EBLestimated blood loss
ECGelectrocardiogram
EDemergency department
EEGelectroencephalogram
EENTeyes, ears, nose, throat
EKGelectrocardiogram
EMGelectromyogram
EOAesophageal obturator airway
ESRerythrocyte sedimentation rate
estestimated
ERemergency room
ETendotracheal
ETAestimated time of arrival
etioletiology
ETOHethyl alcohol, intoxicated
examexamination
expexploratory
extexternal, extract, extraction
FBOAforeign body obstructed airway
FBSfasting blood sugar
FBWfasting blood work
FF (F. Fl)force fluids
FHfamily history
FHSfetal heart sounds
FHTfetal heart tone
FIFOfirst in, first out
FSHfollicle-stimulating hormone
ftfoot
FUOfever of undetermined origin
Fxfracture
GBgallbladder
GIgastrointestinal
GUgenitourinary
GTTglucose tolerance test (pancreas test)
gtt(s)drop(s)
gyngynecology
H & Hhemoglobin and hematocrit
HCGhuman chorionic gonadotrophin
hcthematocrit
HDLhigh-density lipoprotein
hgbhemoglobin
HOBhead of bed
hr (h)hour
HIVhuman immunodeficiency virus

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H&Phistory and physical
HRheart rate
hshour of sleep, bedtime
htheight
Hxhistory
hypohypodermic injection
hysthysterectomy
IBSirritable bowel syndrome
I & Dincision and drainage
I & Ointake and output
ICPintracranial pressure
ICUintensive care unit
IMintramuscular
inginguinal
injinjection
IPPBintermittent positive pressure breathing
irrigirrigation
ISintercostal space
isolisolation
ITinhalation therapy
IUDintrauterine device
IVintravenous
IVFin vitro fertilization
IVPintravenous pyelogram
K+potassium
KClpotassuim chloride
KUBkidney, ureter, bladder
Llumbar
L & Dlabor and delivery
laclaceration
lablaboratory
laplaparotomy
latlateral
LDlethal dose
LDHlactic dehydrogenase
LDLlow-density lipoprotein
liqliquid
LLQ, LLLleft lower quadrant (abdomen), lobe (lung)
LMPlast menstrual period
LOClevel of consciousness
LPlumbar puncture
ltleft
LUQ, LULleft upper quadrant (abdomen), lobe (lung)
MAmental age
MASTmedical antishock trousers
MCImass casualty incident
medsmedications
MImyocardial infarction
MICUmobile intensive care unit
minminute
MNmidnight
MOMmilk of magnesia

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MRImagnetic resonance imagery
MSmorphine sulfate, multiple sclerosis
MVAmotor vehicle accident
NVDnausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Na+sodium
NaClsodium chloride
N/Cnasal cannula
nocomplaints
negnegative
neuroneurology
NGnasogastric
NGTnasogastric tube
nitronitroglycerine
NKAno known allergies
noc (t)night
NPOnothing by mouth
NSnormal saline
nsgnursing
NSRnormal sinus rhythm
NVSneurological vital signs
Ooxygen
OBobstetrics
ODright eye, overdose
ointointment
OOBout of bed
OPDoutpatient department
ORoperating room
ordorderly
ORTHorthopedics
orthocorrect, right (bones)
osmouth
OSleft eye
OToccupational therapy
OUboth eyes
ozounce
pafter
Ppulse
P & Apercussion and auscultation
PACpremature atrial contraction
palppalpation
PARpost-anesthesia room
PATparoxysmal atrial tachycardia
pcafter meals
pCO2partial pressure of carbon dioxide
PDRphysicians desk reference
PEphysical exam, pulmonary embolism
PEDSpediatrics
perby or through
PERL(A)pupils equal and reactive to light (and accommodation)
PETpositron emission tomography
PHpast history
pHhydrogen ion concentration

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PIDpelvic inflammatory disease
PKUphenylketonuria
pmbetween noon and midnight
PNSperipheral nervous system
poby mouth
post (pos)posterior
postop, PostOppostoperative
pp (p.p.)postprandial (after eating)
pO2partial pressure of oxygen
PPDpurified protein derivative (TB test)
preop, PreOpbefore surgery
prnas needed, whenever necessary
pro timeprothrombin time
ptpatient, pint
PTphysical therapy
PTTpartial prothrombaplastin time
PVCpremature ventricular contraction
Pxphysical exam, prognosis
qevery
qdevery day
qhevery hour
q2h, q3h, ...every two hours, every three hours, ...
qhsevery night at bedtime
qidfour times a day
qnsquantity not sufficient
qodevery other day
qsquantity sufficient
r (R)rectal
R (resp)respirations, rectal
RAIUradioactive iodine uptake study
RBCred blood cell/count
regregular
Rhrhesus
RKradial keratomy
RLringers lactate
RLQ, RLLright lower quadrant (abdomen), lobe (lung)
RMLright middle lobe (lung)
ROreality orientation
R/Orule out
ROMrange of motion
R.R.recovery room
RUQ, RLLright upper quadrant, lobe
rtright
RVresidual volume
Rxtake (prescription)
swithout
S & Ssigns and symptoms
ss1/2
Satsoxygen/blood saturation level
SAsinoatrial
SBsmall bowel
scsubcutaneous

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SGOTserum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase
SGPTserum glutamic pyruvic transaminase
SIDSsudden infant death syndrome
Sig:label/write
SLsublingual
SMACsequential multiple analysis computer
SOBshortness of breath
specspecimen
sp. gr.specific gravity
SQ, sub qsubcutaneous
SSEsoap suds enema
statimmediately
STDsexually transmitted disease
STHsomatotropic hormone
SVDspontaneous vaginal delivery
SVNsmall volume nebulizer
SVTsupraventricular tachycardia
Sxsymptoms
Ttemperature, thoracic
T & Atonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
tabtablet
tachytachycardic
TAHtotal abdominal hysterectomy
TBtuberculosis
TCDBturn, cough, deep breath
temp (T)temperature
THthyroid hormone
TIAtransient ischemic attack
tidthree times a day
TMJtemporomandibular joint
toltolerated
TPNtotal parenteral nutrition
TPRtemperature, pulse, respirations
trtincture
trachtracheotomy, tracheostomy
TSHthyroid-stimulating hormone
TTtetanus toxiod
TURtransurethral resection
TVtidal volume
TVHtotal vaginal hysterectomy
TXtraction
UAurinalysis
umbumbilicus
unc.unconscious
ungointment
unkunknown
ururine
URCusual, reasonable, customary
URIupper respiratory infection
USultrasonic
UTIurinary tract infection
V fibventricular fibrillation

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V tachventricular tachycardia
vagvaginal
VCvital capacity
VDvenereal disease
vitvitamin
voverbal order
volvolume
V/Svital signs
WAwhile awake
WBCwhite blood cell/count
w/cwheelchair
WNLwithin normal limits
wtweight
y/oyear(s) old

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