Abbreviations are used very frequently in medicine. These medical abbreviations are commonly used in hospital, medical, and dental records.There are many others, rarely used, and some doctors and hospitals create their own. They boost efficiency as long as they are used intelligently. The advantages of brevity should be weighed against the possibilities of crypticness (making the communication harder for others to understand) and ambiguity (having more than one possible interpretation). In other words, a smart communicator uses good shortcuts, but makes sure that other people will understand what he/she means. Certain medical abbreviations should be avoided to prevent mistakes.? If you cannot locate an abbreviation in this glossary, contact us for assistance.
A:______________________________ | |
| a | artery, before |
| aa | equal part of each |
| AA | affected area |
| AAA | abdominal aortic aneurysm |
| A2 | aortic second sound |
| AAL | acute lymphoblastic, leukemia,anterior axillary line |
| ab | antibody |
| AB | abortion |
| abd | abdomen |
| ABG | arterial blood gasses |
| ABN | abnormal |
| ABP | arterial blood pressure |
| abs | absent |
| a.c. | before meals (ante sebum) |
| Ac | acute |
| AC | anterior chamber |
| acc | accident |
| accom. | accommodation |
| acid phos. | acid phosphate |
| ACL | anterior cruciate ligament |
| ACTH | adrenocorticotrophic hormone |
| AD | right ear |
| add. | abductor or abduction |
| ADH | antidiruetic hormone |
| ADL | activites of daily living |
| ad | lib as desired |
| adm. | admission |
| AE | above elbow |
| AEA | above elbow amputation |
| AF | atrial fibrillation, afebrile |
| AFB | acid fast bacilli |
| AFO | ankle-foot orthosis |
| AFP | alpha fetoprotein |
| A/G | albumin globulin ratio (blood) |
| AGA | appropriate gestational age |
| AI | aortic insufficiency |
| AIDS | acquired immunodeficiency syndrome |
| AJ | ankle jerk |
| a.k. | above knee |
| aka | alcoholic ketoacidosis |
| AKA | above knee amputation |
| alb. | albumin |
| alc. | alcohol |
| alk. phos. | alkaline phosphate |
| ALL | acute lymphocytic leukemia |
| ALS | amyotrophic lateral sclerosis |
| ALT | alternating with, alanine aminotransferase (formerly SGPT) |
| AMA | against medical advice |
| amb. | ambulating, ambulatory |
| AMI | acute myocardial infarction |
| AML | acute myeloid leukemia |
| amnio | amniocentesis |
| amp. | amputation, ampule |
| ANA | anti-nuclear antibody |
| anes. | anesthesia |
| ann. fib. | annulus fibrosis |
| ANS | autonomic nervous system |
| ant. | anterior |
| ante | before |
| ANUG | acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis |
| Anxty | anxiety |
| A/O | alert and oriented |
| AOB | alcohol on breath |
| AODM | adult onset diabetes mellitus |
| AP | ante partum |
| A & P | auscultation and percussion |
| A-P | anteroposterior |
| APC | atrial premature contractions |
| aph | aphasia |
| A-P & lat | antero-posterior and lateral |
| AP | resection abdominal perineal resection of the rectum |
| aq. | water |
| AR | aortic regurgitation |
| ARD | acute respiratory distress |
| ARDS | adult respiratory distress syndrome |
| ARF | acute respiratory failure, acute rheumatic fever |
| AROM | artificial rupture of membranes |
| art | arterial |
| AS | left ear, aortic stenosis |
| ASA | acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin |
| A.S.A. | American Society of Anesthesiologists |
| A.S.A. 1 | normal healthy patient |
| A.S.A. 2 | patient with mild systemic disease |
| A.S.A. 3 | patient with severe systemic disease |
| A.S.A. 4 | patient with incapacitating systemic disease that is constant threat to life |
| ASAP | as soon as possible |
| ASCVD | atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease |
| ASD | atrial septal defect |
| ASHD | arteriosclerotic heart disease |
| at. Flutter | atrial flutter |
| ATN | acute tubular necrosis |
| ATNR | asymmetrical tonic neck reflex |
| AU | both ears |
| aud. | auditory |
| Aur. Fib | auricular fibrillation |
| A-V | arterio-venous |
| AVF | arterio-venous fistula |
| AVR | aortic valve replacement |
| A & W | alive and well |
| Ax. | axilla, axillary |
| A.Z. | Ascheim-Zondek test |
B:______________________________ | |
| B. | bath |
| BA | barium |
| Bab. | Babinski sign |
| Ba.E | barium enema |
| Bas. | basal,basilar |
| baso | basophile |
| BBB | bundle branch block |
| BBT | basal body temperature |
| BCA | basal cell atypia |
| BCD | basal cell dysplasia |
| BCE | basal cell epithelioma |
| BCG | bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine (tuberculosis vaccine) |
| BDC | burn dressing change |
| BE | below elbow, barium enema |
| BEA | below elbow amputation |
| BFP | biological false positive |
| Bic. | biceps |
| b.i.d. | twice daily |
| BIH | bilateral inguinal hernia |
| bilat. | Bilateral, bilaterally |
| bili | bilirubin |
| b.i.n. | twice a night |
| BiW | twice weekly |
| BJ | biceps reflex |
| bk. | back |
| BK | below knee |
| BKA | below knee amputation |
| bl cult | blood culture |
| bld. | blood |
| Bl.T | bleeding time |
| BM | black male, bone marrow, bowel movement |
| BMR | basal metabolic rate |
| body wt. | body weight |
| BOMA | otitis media, both ears, acute |
| BOW | bag of water |
| BP | blood pressure |
| BPD | broncho-pulmonary dysplasia |
| BPH | benign prostatic hypertrophy |
| BPM | beats per minute |
| Br. | breech presentation |
| BR | bedrest, bathroom |
| brach. | brachial |
| BrBx. | breast biopsy |
| broncho | bronchoscopy |
| BRP | bathroom privileges |
| BS | blood sugar, bowel sounds |
| B.S. | breath sounds |
| BSA | body surface area |
| BSB | bedside bag |
| BSC | bedside commode |
| BSD | bedside drainage |
| BSO | bilateral salpingoo-ophorectomy |
| BST | blood serologic test |
| BT | bleeding time |
| BTL | bilateral tubal ligation |
| BUN | blood urea nitrogen |
| BW | birth weight |
| Bx. | biopsy |
C:______________________________ | |
| c. | with |
| C | cervical, Caucasian |
| C. | centigrade, Celsius complement |
| CI-XII | 1st to 12th cranial nerve |
| C-1 to C-7 | cervical vertebrae |
| Ca | calcium |
| CA | carcinoma, cancer |
| CABG | coronary artery bypass graft |
| CAD | coronary artery disease |
| CAHD | coronary atherosclerotic heart disease |
| Cal | calorie, calories |
| CAPD | continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis |
| Caps | capsules |
| car. | carotid |
| card. | cardiac |
| Card Cath | cardiac catheterization |
| CAT | computerized axial tomography |
| cath | catheterization, catheter |
| CB | Cesarean birth |
| CBC | complete blood count |
| CBD | common bile duct |
| CBF | cerebral blood flow |
| CBG | capillary blood gas |
| CBR | complete bed rest |
| cc. | cubic centimeter |
| CC | chief complaint |
| CCU | coronary care unit |
| CD | cardiac disease, contagious disease |
| CEA | carcinoembryonic antigen |
| Cerv. | cervix, cervical |
| CF | cardiac failure, cystic fibrosis |
| CHD | congenital heart disease, coronary heart disease |
| Chem. | chemotherapy |
| CHF | congestive heart failure |
| CHO | carbohydrate |
| Chol | cholesterol |
| Chr | chronic |
| C.I | color index |
| CI | cardiac insufficiency, cardiac index |
| CIS | carcinoma in situ |
| CK | creatinine kinase |
| Cl | chlorine, chloride |
| Clav. | clavicle |
| cldy | cloudy |
| CLL | chronic lymphocytic leukemia |
| Cl.T | clotting time |
| cm. | centimeter |
| CML | chronic myeloid leukemia |
| CMV | cytomegalovirus |
| CN | cranial nerve |
| CNS | central nervous system |
| cnst. | constipation |
| c/o | complains of, complaints |
| Co2 | carbon dioxide |
| comb. | combine, combination |
| comm. | communicable |
| comp. | compound, compress |
| conc. | concentrated |
| cons. | consultation |
| cont. | contractions, continued |
| COPD | chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
| Cor | heart |
| CPAP | continuous positive airway pressure |
| CPC | clinicopathological conference |
| CPD | cephalo-pelvic disproportion |
| CPK | creatinine phosphokinase |
| CPPB | continuous positive pressure breathing |
| CPR | cardio-pulmonary resuscitation |
| CPT | chest physical therapy |
| CR | closed reduction |
| cran. | cranial |
| CRD | chronic respiratory disease |
| creat. | creatinine |
| CRF | chronic renal failure |
| C/S, CS | Cesarean section |
| C & S | culture and sensitivity |
| CSF | cerebrospinal fluid |
| C-spine | cervical spine |
| CT | computed axial tomography |
| C-V | cardiovascular |
| CVA | cerebrovascular accident, costovertebral angle |
| CVL | central venous line |
| CVP | central venous pressure |
| CVS | cardiovascular system |
| Cx | cervix, culture |
| CxR | chest x-ray |
| Cysto | cystoscopy |
D:______________________________ | |
| DAP | distal airway pressure |
| db. | decibel |
| DBE | deep breathing exercise |
| d/c | discontinue |
| DC | discharges, discontinue |
| D & C | dilation and curettage |
| DD | discharge diagnosis |
| D/DW | dextrose, distilled water |
| DDx | differential diagnosis |
| D & E | dilation and evacuation |
| decr. | decreased |
| dehyd. | dehydrated |
| Derm. | Dermatology |
| DES | Diethylstilbestrol |
| D5RL | 5% dextrose and lactated ringers |
| D5W | 5% dextrose and sterile water |
| DI | diabetes insipidus, diagnostic imaging |
| DIAG. | diagnosis |
| diam. | diameter |
| DIC | disseminated intravascular coagulation, disseminated coagulopathy |
| diff. | differential |
| dil. | dilute |
| dim. | diminished |
| DIP | distal interphalangeal (joint) |
| dis. | disease |
| disch. | discharge |
| disp. | disposition |
| dist. | distilled, distal |
| DIU | death in utero |
| div. | divorced |
| DJD | degenerative joint disease |
| DKA | diabetic ketoacidosis |
| DLE | disseminated lupus erythematosis |
| D/L DI | decilter |
| DM | diabetes mellitus, diastolic murmur |
| DNA | deoxyribo-nucleic acid |
| DNKA | did not keep appointment |
| DOA | dead on arrival |
| DOB | date of birth |
| DOE | dyspnea on exertion |
| Dors | dorsal |
| D.P. | dorsal pedia |
| DPT | diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus vaccine |
| DR | delivery room |
| D & R | dilation and radium implant |
| drsg. | dressing |
| D/S | discharge summary |
| DTR | deep tendon reflexes |
| DT's | delirium tremens |
| DU | duodenal ulcer |
| DUB | dysfunctional uterine bleeding |
| DUI | driving under influence |
| D/W | dextrose in water |
| Dx | diagnosis |
E:______________________________ | |
| e | without |
| EBL | estimated blood loss |
| EBV | Epstein-Barr virus |
| ECF | extended care facility, extracellular fluid |
| ECG | electrocardiogram |
| ECHO | enterocytopathogenic human orphan virus |
| E.coli | Escherichia coli |
| ECS | endocervical scrape |
| ECT | electroconvulsive |
| ED | emergency department |
| EDC | estimated date of confinement |
| EDOD | estimated date of delivery |
| EEG | electroencephalogram |
| EENT | eyes, ears, nose, throat |
| EEX | electrodiagnosis |
| EGA | estimated gestational age |
| EGD | esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy |
| EKG | electrocardiogram |
| elev. | elevated |
| ELF | elective low forceps |
| EmBx | endometrial biopsy |
| EMG | electromyogram |
| EMS | endometrial scrape, emergency medical service |
| En. | enema |
| ENT | ears, nose, throat |
| Eoc. | eosinophiles |
| EOM | extraocular movement |
| Epis. | episiotomy |
| Epis.LML | left mediolateral episiotomy |
| Epis. Med. | medial episiotomy |
| Epis. RML | right mediolateral episiotomy |
| ERCP | endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography |
| ESR | erythrocyte sedimentation rate |
| EST | electroshock therapy |
| ETIOL. | etiology |
| ETOH | ethanol |
| EUA | examine under anesthesia |
| EVAL | evaluation |
| expir | expiration, expiratory |
| Exp. Lap | exploratory laparotomy |
| ext. | extremities, external |
| ext. gen. | external genitalia |
F:______________________________ | |
| F | finger, female, Fahrenheit |
| FA | fluorescent antibody |
| F.A. | first aid |
| F.B. | foreign body |
| FBS | fasting blood sugar |
| FD | fully dilated |
| FDA | Food and Drug Administration |
| FDP | flexor digitorum profundus |
| Fe | def. iron deficiency |
| FEF | forced expiratory flow |
| FEKG | fetal electrocardiogram |
| fem. | femoral |
| fem. pop. | femoral popliteal |
| fet. | fetal |
| FEV | forced expiratory volume |
| f.f. | force fluid |
| FFP | fresh frozen plasma |
| fh | fundal height |
| FH | family history, fetal heart |
| FHR | fetal heart rate |
| FHR-UC | fetal heart rate- uterine contraction |
| FHT | fetal heart tones |
| FiO2 | faction of inspired oxygen concentration |
| fl. | fluids |
| flac. | flaccid |
| flex. | flexor, flexion |
| fl. oz. | fluid ounce |
| FM | finger movement |
| FPAL | full term premature abortion living |
| fract. | fractional |
| FRC | functional residual capacity |
| FS | finger stick |
| FSH | follicle stimulating hormone |
| FT | full term |
| FTD | failure to descend |
| FTND | full term normal delivery |
| FTT | failure to thrive |
| FUB | functional uterine bleeding |
| F/U, F-U, F.U. | follow-up |
| FUO | fever of unknown origin |
| FVC | forced vital capacity |
| FW | fetal weight |
| Fx | fracture |
G:______________________________ | |
| G | gravida |
| G.A. | general anesthesia |
| GB | gallbladder |
| GBS | gallbladder series |
| G.C. | gonococcus |
| GCS | Glasgow Coma Scale |
| GE | Gastroenterology |
| G/E | gastroenteritis |
| gen, genl. | general |
| gest. | gestation |
| GFR | glomerulo filtration rate |
| G.H. | growth hormone |
| G.I. | gastrointestinal |
| gluc | glucose |
| gm | gram |
| Gm+ | gram positive |
| Gm- | gram negative |
| gm.% | grams per 100 c.c. |
| GMA | grand mal attack |
| GNC | general nursing care |
| GP | General Practitioner, general paralysis |
| gr. | grain, grains (dosage) |
| Grav. | pregnancy |
| gt. | drop |
| Gt.tr. | gait training |
| gtts. | drops |
| GSW | gunshot wound |
| GTT | glucose tolerance test |
| GU | genitourinary |
| G/W | glucose and water |
| GYN | Gynecology |
H:______________________________ | |
| h | hour |
| H | hydrogen history, hour, hypodermic |
| H/A | headache |
| HAF | hyperalimentation fluid |
| HASCVD | hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease |
| Hb., Hgb | hemoglobin |
| HB | heart block |
| HBP | high blood pressure |
| HC | head circumference |
| H & C | hot and cold |
| HCG | human chorionic gonadotropin |
| HCO3 | bicarbonate |
| Hct. | hematocrit |
| HCVD | hypertensive cardiovascular disease |
| h.d. | at bedtime |
| Hd | head, Hodgkin's disease |
| HDl | high density lipids |
| HEENT | head, eyes, ears, nose, throat |
| hern. | hernia |
| Hem | Hematology |
| Hem Pro | hematology profile |
| Hep. Lock | Heparin lock |
| HGO | hepatic glucose output |
| HH | hard of hearing |
| HIDA(scan) | hepatobiliary scan |
| HIE | hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy |
| hist. | history, histology |
| HIV | human immunodificiency virus |
| HKAFO | hip knee ankle foot orthosis |
| HLA | human leukocyte group A, histocompatibility leukocyte focus |
| HM | hand movement |
| HMD | hyaline membrane disease |
| HMG | human menopausal gonadotropin |
| HNP | herniated nucleus pulposus |
| h/o | history of |
| H.O. | house officer |
| HOB | head of bed |
| horiz. | horizontal |
| H & P | history and physical |
| hpf | high power field |
| HPI | history of present illness |
| HPL | human placental lactogen |
| HR | heart rate |
| H.R.S.T. | heat, reddening, swelling, tenderness |
| HS | bedtime |
| HSG | hysterosalpingography |
| H2O | water |
| H2O2 | hydrogen peroxide |
| Ht | height, heart |
| HVD | hypertensive vascular disease |
| Hx | history |
| Hyperal. | hyperalimenation |
| Hz | hertz (cycles/second) |
I:________________________________ | |
| I | radioactive iodine |
| IA | intra-arterially |
| IABP | intra-aortic balloon pump |
| i.c. | intracutaneous(ly) |
| ICCU | intensive coronary care unit |
| ICF | intracellular fluid |
| ICS | intercostal space |
| ICT | insulin coma therapy |
| ICU | intensive care unit |
| i.d. | during the day |
| ID | intradermal, identification, Infectious Disease |
| I & D | incision and drainage |
| IDDM | insulin dependent diabetes mellitus |
| I/E | inspiratory, expiratory |
| Ig | immunoglobulin |
| IGA | immunoglobulin A |
| IGE | immunoglobulin E |
| IGG | immunoglobulin gamma G(Globulin) |
| IGM | immunoglobulin M |
| IH | infectious hepatitis |
| IHD | ischemic heart disease |
| IM | intramuscular, intramedullary |
| IMCU | intermediate medical care unit |
| imp. | impression |
| IMP | inpatient multidimensional psych scale |
| IMV | intermittent mandatory ventilation |
| In. | inches |
| Inc. AB | incomplete abortion |
| incr. | increased (ing) |
| Inev. AB | inevitable abortion |
| inf | infusion, inferior |
| inj | injured, injection |
| INR | coagulant response time |
| inspir | inspiration, inspiratory |
| int. | internal |
| INTHC | intrathecally |
| IO | inferior oblique |
| I & O | intake and output |
| IOP | intraocular pressure |
| IP | intraperitoneal |
| IPJ | interphalangeal joint |
| IPPB | intermittent positive pressure breathing |
| IQ | intelligence quota |
| IRDS | idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome |
| irreg. | Irregular |
| IS | intercostal space |
| IST | insulin shock therapy |
| ITP | idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura |
| I,U., IU | International Unit |
| IUC | intrauterine catheter |
| IUCP | intrauterine contraceptive device |
| IUD | intrauterine device |
| IUFD | intrauterine fetal death |
| IUGR | intrauterine growth retardation |
| IUP | intrauterine pregnancy |
| IUTP | intrauterine term pregnancy |
| IV | intravenous(ly) |
| IVC | inferior vena cava, intravenous cholangiogram |
| IVD | intervertebral disc |
| IVP | intravenous pyelogram |
| IVPB | intravenous piggy back |
| IVU | intravenous urogram |
J:________________________________ | |
| J | joint |
| J-P | Jackson Pratt drain |
| JRA | juvenile rheumatoid arthritis |
| jt. | joint |
| JVP | jugular venous pulse |
K:______________________________ | |
| K | potassium, kidney |
| KC1 | potassium chloride |
| Kcal. | Kilocalorie, calorie |
| Kg., kg. | kilogram |
| KJ, K-J | knee jerk |
| KK | knee kick |
| 17 KS | 17 keto steroids |
| KUB | kidney, ureter, bladder (x-rays) |
| KVO | keep vein open |
L:______________________________ | |
| L | left, liver, liter, lower, light, lumbar |
| L2,L3 | second, third lumbar vertebrae |
| LA | left antrum |
| lab. | laboratory |
| lac. | laceration |
| lacr. | lacrimal |
| lact. | lactic |
| LAD | left anterior descending coronary artery |
| L & D | labor and delivery |
| LAE | left atrial enlargement |
| lam. | laminectomy |
| lap. | laparotomy |
| lat. | lateral |
| LAVH | laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy |
| lax | laxative |
| lb. | pound |
| LB | large bowel |
| LBBB | left bundle branch block |
| LBP | lower back pain |
| LBW | low birth weight |
| LCA | left coronary artery |
| L.D. | lethal dose |
| LDH | lactic dehydrogenase |
| LDL | low density lipids |
| LE | lupus erythematosus |
| L.E. | lower extremities |
| leuc. | leukocytes |
| LF | low forceps, low flap |
| LFA | left frontoanterior |
| LFD | low forceps delivery |
| LFP | left frontoposterior |
| LFT | left frontotransverse, liver function test |
| lg | large, leg |
| LGA | large for gestational age |
| LGV | lymphogranuloma venereum |
| LH | luteinizing hormone |
| LHT | left hypertrophia |
| LICS | left intercostal space |
| lig. | ligament |
| LIH | left inguinal hernia |
| liq. | liquid |
| LKS | liver, kidneys, spleen |
| LL | lower lid |
| LLE | left lower extremity |
| LLG | left lateral gaze |
| LLL | left lower lobe |
| LLQ | left lower quadrant |
| LMA | left mentoanterior |
| LMD | family doctor |
| l/min | liter per minute |
| LML | left mediolateral |
| LMP | left mentoposterior, last menstrual period |
| LMT | left mentotransverse |
| L.N. | lymph node |
| LNMP | last normal menstrual period |
| LOA | left occiput anterior |
| L.O.C. | loss of consciousness, level of consciousness, laxative of choice |
| LOM | left otitis media |
| LOP | left occipital posterior |
| LOS | length of stay |
| LOT | left occiput anterior |
| LP | lumbar puncture, light perception |
| lpf | low power field |
| LPN | licensed practical nurse |
| LR | labor room, lateral rectus, light reflex |
| LRQ | lower right quadrant |
| Ls. | loose |
| L.S. | lumbosacral |
| LSA | lateral sacrum anterior |
| LSB | left sternal border |
| LSCS | lower segment Cesarean section |
| LSK | liver, spleen, kidneys |
| LSO | left salpingo-oophorectomy |
| LSP | left sacrum posterior |
| LST | left sacrum transverse |
| Lt. | left, light |
| LTCS | low transverse Cesarean section |
| LUE | left upper extremity |
| LUL | left upper lobe |
| LUQ | left upper quadrant |
| LV | left ventricle |
| LVEDP | left ventricular end diastolic pressure |
| LVF | left ventricular failure |
| LVH | left ventricular hypertrophy |
| L & W | living and well |
| LWCT | Lee-White Clotting Time, coagulation time |
| Lymphs | lymphocytes |
| lytes | electrolytes |
M:______________________________ | |
| m. | minim |
| m,M | married, male, mother murmur, meter, mass, molar |
| MA | mental age |
| macro. | macrocytic, macroscopic |
| MAP | mean arterial pressure |
| max. | maximum, maxillary |
| MBC | maximum breathing capacity |
| mcg. | microgram |
| MCH | mean corpuscular hemoglobin |
| MCHC | mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration |
| MCL | midclavicular line |
| MCP | metacarpophalangeal joint |
| MCV | mean corpuscular volume |
| MD | muscular dystrophy |
| MDI | metered dose inhaler |
| Mdnt. | midnight |
| ME | middle ear, medical examiner |
| MEC | medical emergency clinic |
| Med. | medicine |
| MEq./L | milliequivalents per liter |
| Mets. | metastasis |
| mg. | milligram |
| Mg. | magnesium |
| MG | myasthenia gravis |
| mg/dl | milligrams per deciliter |
| mg.% | milligrams per 100 cc |
| m.g.r. | murmurs, gallops, or rubs |
| MH | marital history |
| Ml | myocardial infarction, mitral insufficiency |
| micro | microcytic, microscopic |
| MICU | medical intensive care unit |
| min | minute |
| Mitr.I | mitral insufficiency |
| ml. | milliliter |
| MLF | medial longitudinal fasciculus |
| mm | millimeter |
| mm. | muscles |
| MM | mucous membrane |
| MMPI | Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory |
| Mn. | manganese, midnight |
| mod | moderate |
| MOM | milk of magnesia |
| mono. | monocyte |
| MP | metacarpophalangea, metacarpophalangeal |
| MPA | malpractice attorney |
| MR | medial rectus, mental retardation, mitral regurgitation |
| MRI | magnetic resonance imaging |
| MRM | modified radical mastectomy |
| ms | mitral stenosis |
| Ms | murmurs |
| MS | mitral stenosis, multiple sclerosis, morphine sulfate |
| MSL | midsternal line |
| mss | massage |
| MT | metacarpophalangeal (joint) |
| M.T. | muscles and tendons |
| MVA | motor vehicle accident |
| MVP | mitral valve prolapse |
| MVR | mitral valve replacement |
| MW | maximum voluntary ventilation |
N:______________________________ | |
| n. | nerve |
| N2 | nitrogen |
| N2O | nitrous oxide (anesthetic) |
| Na | sodium |
| NaCl | sodium chloride |
| NAD | no apparent distress |
| nb | note well |
| NB | newborn |
| NBM | nothing by mouth |
| NBS | normal bowel sounds, normal breath sounds |
| NED | no evidence of disease |
| neg. | negative |
| NER | no evidence of recurrence |
| NERD | no evidence of recurrent disease |
| Neur. | Neurology |
| NG | nasogastric tube |
| NI | no insurance |
| NIC | neonatal intensive care |
| NICU | neonatal intensive care unit |
| NIDDM | noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus |
| NKA | no known allergies |
| NM | neuromuscular |
| NMR | nuclear magnetic resonance |
| noct. | nocturnal |
| NOS | not otherwise specified |
| NP | neuropsychiatric |
| N.P | Neuropsychiatry |
| NPH | NPH insulin (Neutral Protamine Zinc) |
| NPN | nonprotein nitrogen |
| NPO | nothing by mouth |
| Ns. | nerves |
| N.S. | nervous system |
| NSA | no significant abnormality |
| NSAID | nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drug |
| NSD | normal spontaneous delivery |
| NSR | normal sinus rhythm |
| NST | non-stress test |
| N & V | nausea and vomiting |
| NS | Neurosurgery |
| NSVD | normal spontaneous vaginal delivery |
| NTG | nitroglycerine |
| NTP | normal temperature and pressure |
| nullip | never gave birth |
| NVD | nausea, vomiting, diarrhea |
| N & W | normal and well |
| NWB | non-weight bearing |
| NYD | not yet diagnosed |
O:______________________________ | |
| o | none, without |
| O | oral |
| O2 | oxygen |
| O2 | cap. oxygen capacity |
| O2 | sat. oxygen saturation |
| OA | osteoarthritis |
| OB, OBG | Obstetrics |
| OB/GYN | Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Obs | observation |
| OBS | organic brain syndrome |
| OCC. | occipital, occasional |
| OD | right eye |
| O/E | on examination |
| OH | occupational history |
| 17 OH | 17 hydroxy steroid |
| OHD | organic heart disease |
| oint. | ointment |
| O.M. | otitis media |
| OMS | organic mental syndrome |
| OOB | out of bed |
| Op. | operation |
| OPC | outpatient clinic |
| OPD | outpatient department |
| Ophth. | Ophthalmology |
| OR | operating room, open reduction |
| OR-IF | open reduction with internal fixation |
| ORT | operating room technician |
| Ortho. | Orthopaedic Surgery |
| os | opening, mouth, bone |
| OS | left eye |
| ot. | ear |
| Oto | Otolaryngology |
| OTC | over-the-counter (pharmaceuticals) |
| O.T. | occupational therapy, old tuberculin |
| OU | both eyes |
| OV | office visit |
| oz. | ounce |
P:______________________________ | |
| P | after, phosphorus pulse |
| P2 | pulmonic second heart sound |
| PA | physician's assistant |
| P-A | posteroanterior |
| p & a | percussion and auscultation |
| PAC | premature atrial, auricular contraction |
| PaCO2 | arterial carbon dioxide tension pressure |
| PACU | post anesthesia care unit |
| PAF | paroxysmal atrial fibrillation |
| palp. | palpate, palpated, palpable |
| PaO2 | alveolar oxygen pressure |
| Pap | Papanicolaou test (pap smear) |
| Para | prior births, paraplegic |
| PARU | post anesthesia recovery unit |
| PAS | pulmonary artery systolic pressure |
| PAT | pregnancy at term, paroxysm atrial tachycardia |
| Path. | Pathology |
| PA | view posterioranterior view on x-ray |
| Pb | lead |
| PB | peripheral blood |
| PBI | protein bound iodine |
| p/c., p.c. | after meals |
| PCL | posterior cruciate ligament |
| PCO2 | carbon dioxide concentration |
| PCV | packed cell volume (of blood) |
| PD | pupillary distance, peritoneal dialysis |
| PDA | patent ductus arteriosus |
| pdr. | powder |
| PDR | Physician's Desk Reference |
| PDN | private duty nurse |
| PE | physical examination, pulmonary embolism |
| Ped. | Pediatrics |
| PEEP | positive end expiratory pressure |
| PEG | pneumoencephalogram |
| PEN | Penicillin |
| PERRLA | pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation (normal) |
| PET | positron emission tomography |
| PF | push fluids |
| PFC | persistent fetal circulation |
| PFT | pulmonary function test |
| pH | hydrogen ion concentration |
| PH | past history |
| pharm | pharmacy |
| PHYS. | physical, physiology |
| PI | present illness, pulmonary insufficiency |
| PICA | posterior inferior coronary artery |
| PICU | pulmonary intensive care unit |
| PID | pelvic inflammatory disease |
| PIP | proximal interphalangeal |
| Pit. | Pitocin |
| PKU | phenylkentonuria |
| Plac. | placenta |
| plts. | platelets |
| PM | petit mal |
| P.M. | afternoon, post-mortem |
| PMH | past medical history |
| PMN | polymorphonuclear (leukocytes) |
| PM & R | Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation |
| PN | poorly nourished, practical nurse |
| P & N | Psychiatry and Neurology |
| PNC | prenatal clinic, premature nodal contraction |
| PND | paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, post nasal drip |
| pneu. | pneumo, pneumonia |
| PNI | peripheral nerve injury |
| PNX | pneumothorax |
| p.o. | by mouth |
| PO2 | oxygen pressure (or tension) |
| POC | product of conception |
| p.o.d. | postoperative day |
| polys | polymorphonuclear leukocytes |
| POMR | problem oriented medical record |
| poplit. | popliteal |
| pos. | positive |
| post. | posterior |
| POSTOP. | postoperative |
| pot. or potass. | potassium |
| pp | post partum, post prandial |
| PPBS | post prandial blood sugar |
| PPD | purified protein derivative |
| PPF | protein plasma fractional |
| PPH | post partum hemorrhage |
| ppm | parts per million |
| PPPG | post prandial plasma glucose |
| p.r. | per rectum |
| PR | Proctology |
| PRBC | packed red blood cells |
| PRE | progressive resistive exercise |
| prem | premature |
| pre-op | preoperative |
| prep. | prepare for |
| primip. | first pregnancy |
| p.r.m. | according to circumstances |
| p.r.n., PRN | as often as necessary |
| prod. | productive |
| Prog. | prognosis |
| PROM | passive range of motion, premature rupture of membranes |
| pron. | pronator, pronation |
| pros. | prostate, prostatic |
| prosth. | prosthesis |
| prot. | protein, Protestant |
| pro.time | prothrombin time |
| PS | pulmonary stenosis, psychotic, Plastic Surgery |
| PSH | past surgical history |
| psi | pounds per square inch |
| PSMA | progressive spinal muscular atrophy |
| Psych. | Psychiatry |
| pt., Pt. | patient |
| PT | physical therapy |
| P.T. | physical therapy, posterior tibial artery pulse |
| PTA | prior to admission, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty |
| PTB | patellar tendon bearing |
| PTCA | percutaneous transvenous coronary angioplasty (balloon angioplasty) |
| PU | pregnancy urine |
| PUD | peptic ulcer disease |
| PUPPP | pruritic urticarial papules & plaques of pregnancy |
| PV | plasma volume, peripheral vascular |
| PVC | premature ventricular contraction |
| PVD | peripheral vascular disease |
| PVR | pulmonary vascular resistance |
| PVT | previous trouble |
| PWB% | partial weight bearing with percent |
| Px, PX | physical examination |
Q:______________________________ | |
| q | every |
| q.d. | every day |
| q.h. | every hour |
| q2H | every two hours |
| q4H | every four hours |
| q.i.d. | four times a day |
| q.i.w. | four times a week |
| q.l. | as much as desired |
| qn, q.n. | every night |
| q.n.s., QNS | quantity not sufficient |
| q.o.d. | every other day |
| q.o.n. | every other night |
| q.p. | as much as you please |
| q.q., Q.Q. | each, every |
| q.q.h. | every four hours |
| q.s. | quantity, sufficient |
| qt. | quart |
| qts. | drops |
| quad. | quadriplegic |
| quant. | quantitative or quantity |
| q.v. | as much as you wish |
| q.w. | every week |
R:______________________________ | |
| r., R | right, rectal, roentgen, x-ray |
| R. | rub, rectal temperature |
| Ra | radium |
| RA | rheumatoid arthritis, right atrium |
| rad. | radial |
| RAI | radioactive iodine |
| r.a.m. | rapid alternating movements |
| R.A.S. | right arm sitting |
| RAtx | radiation therapy |
| RBBB | right bundle branch block |
| rbc/RBC | red blood cell, red blood count |
| RCA | right coronary artery |
| RCS | reticulum cell sarcoma |
| RCU | respiratory care unit |
| RD | respiratory distress, reaction to degeneration |
| RDS | respiratory distress syndrome |
| RE | reconditioning exercise |
| rect. | rectum, rectal (ly), rectus muscle |
| reg. | regular |
| rehab. | rehabilitation |
| resp. | respiratory, respirations |
| RF | rheumatic fever |
| RFA | right frontoanterior |
| RFP | right frontoposterior |
| RFT | right frontotransverse |
| Rh, | Rh. rhesus blood factor |
| RH | right hyperphoria |
| RHD | rheumatic heart disease |
| RHF | right heart failure |
| RHT | right hypertrophia |
| RIH | right inguinal hernia |
| RLA | Rancho Los Amigo Scale |
| R to L & A | react to light and accommodation |
| RLE | right lower extremity |
| RLF | retrolental fibroplasia |
| RLL | right lower lobe |
| RLQ | right lower quadrant |
| RMA | right mentoanterior |
| RML | right mediolateral, right middle lobe |
| RMP | right mentoposterior |
| RMSF | Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever |
| RMT | right mentotransverse |
| RNA | ribonucleic acid |
| RO, R/O | rule out |
| ROA | right occipital anterior |
| ROM | range of motion, rupture of membranes, right otitis media |
| ROP | right occipital posterior |
| ROS | review of systems |
| ROT | right occipital transverse |
| RP | retrograde pyelogram |
| RQ | respiratory quotient |
| RR | recovery room |
| RRE, RR & E | round, regular, and equal |
| RSO | right salpingo-oophorectomy |
| RSA | right sacrum anterior |
| RSD | reflex sympathetic dystrophy |
| RSP | right sacrum posterior |
| RSR | regular sinus rhythm |
| RST | right sacrum transverse |
| Rt. | right |
| RT | radiation therapy, respiratory therapy |
| RTC | return to clinic |
| RUC | regular uterine contraction |
| RUE | right upper extremity |
| RUL | right upper lobe |
| RUQ | right upper quadrant |
| RV | residual volume |
| RVH | right ventricular hypertrophy |
| Rx | therapy, prescription |
S:______________________________ | |
| s | without |
| S | sensation, sensitive, serum |
| Sa. | Saline |
| S & A | sugar and acetone |
| SAH | systemic arterial hypertension |
| SaO2 | arterial oxygen saturation |
| SB | stillborn |
| SBE | subacute bacterial endocarditis |
| SBFT | small bowel follow through (x-ray) |
| SBO | small bowel obstruction |
| s.c. | subcutaneous(ly) |
| SC | sickle cell |
| SCC | sickle cell crisis |
| SCD | sudden cardiac death |
| schiz | schizophrenia |
| SCU | special care unit |
| sec | second |
| sed. rate | erythrocyte sedimentation rate |
| sem. ves | seminal vesicles |
| Sens. | sensory, sensation |
| sep. | separated |
| Sept. AB | septic abortion |
| Serol. | serology, serological test |
| SGA | mall for gestational age |
| s.gl. | without correction (without glasses) |
| SGOT,SGO-T | serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase |
| SH | social history, serum hepatitis |
| SI | sacroiliac joint, stroke index |
| sib. | sibling |
| SICU | surgical intensive care unit |
| SIDS | sudden infant death syndrome |
| skel. | skeletal |
| Sl. | slightly |
| SL | under the tongue |
| SLE | systemic lupus erythematosus |
| SLR | straight leg raising |
| sm | small |
| SMA-14 | routine admission chemistry |
| SNS | sympathetic nervous system |
| SO | superior oblique |
| SO4 | sulfate |
| S.O.A.P. | subjective, objective assessment plan |
| SOB | shortness of breath |
| sod. | sodium |
| Sol. | solution |
| sono. | sonogram |
| S.O.S. | repeat once if urgent |
| sp. | spine, spinal |
| S/P | status post (previous condition) |
| sp.cd. | spinal cord |
| spec. | specimen |
| sp.fl. | spinal fluid |
| spg. | sponge |
| sp.gr | specific gravity |
| sp & H | speech and hearing |
| spin. | spine, spinal |
| spont. | spontaneous |
| SR | system review, superior rectus muscle, sedimentation rate, stimulus response |
| SROM | spontaneous rupture of membranes |
| SS | social service |
| SSE | soap suds enema |
| st | stage (of disease) |
| st. | stomach |
| Staph, Staph | staphylococcus |
| stat.,STAT | immediately |
| STD | sexually transmitted disease |
| stom, st. | stomach |
| strep. | streptococcus |
| S.T.S. | serological test for syphilis |
| subcut. | subcutaneous |
| subling. | sublingual |
| sulf. | sulfate |
| sup. | superior |
| supin. | supination |
| supp | suppository |
| surg. | surgery, surgical |
| SVC | superior vena cava |
| SVD | spontaneous vaginaldelivery |
| SVR | systemic vascular resistance |
| SVT | supra ventricular tachycardia |
| SWD | short wave diathermy |
| Sx | symptoms |
| sys. | system |
| syst. | systolic |
T:______________________________ | |
| T3 | triodothyronine |
| T4 | total serum thyroxine |
| TA | tendon Achilles |
| T & A | tonsils and adenoids, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy |
| T & C | type and crossmatch |
| tab. | tablet |
| TAB | therapeutic abortion |
| TAH | total abdominal hysterectomy |
| T.A.T. | tetanus antitoxin |
| TB | tuberculosis |
| TBI | total body irradiation |
| TBLC | term birth living child |
| tbsp. | tablespoon |
| TCDB | turn, cough, deep breathe |
| TEE | transesophageal echocardiography |
| temp | temperature |
| TENS | transient electric nerve stimulation |
| TESD | total end systolic diameter |
| T.F. | tuning fork |
| T of F | tetralogy of Fallot |
| TGA | transposition great vessels |
| THERAP. | therapy,therapeutic |
| thor. | thorax, thoracic |
| THR | total hip replacement |
| TI | tricuspid insufficiency |
| TIA | transient ischemic shock, transient ischemic attack |
| t.i.d. | three times a day |
| TIP | terminal interphalangeal (joint) |
| TIUP | term intrauterine pregnancy |
| t.i.w. | three times per week |
| TJ | triceps reflex |
| TKR | total knee replacement |
| TLC | tender loving care, total lung capacity |
| T.M. | tympanum membrani (ear drum) |
| TMJ | temporomandibular joint |
| TNI | total nodal irradiation |
| TNM | tumor, nodes, and metastases |
| TO | telephone order |
| TOA | tubo-ovarian abscess |
| to AA | to affected areas |
| T, OD | tension, right eye |
| TORCH (titer) | toxoplamosis others (hepatitis, beta strep, flu, mumps, etc.) rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes virus II |
| TP | term pregnancy |
| TPA | thrombo proteolytic activity |
| TPN | total parenteral nutrition |
| TPR | temperature, pulse, respiration |
| tr | trace |
| trach | tracheostomy |
| TS | tricuspid stenosis |
| TSH | thyroid stimulating hormone |
| tsp. | teaspoon |
| TSS | toxic shock syndrome |
| T,T. | temperature, thoracic |
| TTI | total thromboplastin index |
| TTP | thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura |
| T-Tube | cholangiogram |
| TUR | transurethral resection |
| TURB | transurethral resection of the bladder |
| TURP | transurethral resection of the prostate |
| TV | tidal volume |
| TVH | total vaginal hysterectomy |
| TVR | tricuspid valve replacement |
| Tx | treatment, traction |
U:______________________________ | |
| U. | unit |
| U/A | urinalysis |
| UC | uterine contractions |
| UCD | usual childhood diseases |
| UCG | urinary chorionic gonadotropin |
| UCHD | usual childhood diseases |
| UG | upward gaze |
| UGI | upper gastrointestinal series (x-rays), |
| upper | gastrointestinal tract |
| UL | upper lid |
| uln | ulnar |
| ULQ | upper left quadrant |
| ung. | ointment |
| unilat. | unilateral |
| u/o | under observation for, urine output |
| Ur. | urine |
| URD | upper respiratory disease |
| URI | upper respiratory infection |
| Urol. | Urology |
| URQ | upper right quadrant |
| u/s, US | ultrasound |
| USI | urinary stress incontinence |
| USN | ultrasonic nebulizer |
| USP. | United States Pharmacy |
| USPHA | United States Public Health Administration |
| ut. | uterus, uterine |
| UTI | urinary tract infection |
| UVL | ultraviolet light |
V:______________________________ | |
| V | vein |
| VA | visual acuity |
| vag | vagina, vaginal |
| VC, (vit.cap) | vital capacity |
| VCS | vasoconstrictor substance |
| VCU | voiding cystourethrogram |
| Vd | void |
| VD | venereal disease |
| VDRL | blood test for syphilis |
| vent. | ventilator |
| vert. | vertical |
| VF | visual fields, ventricular fibrillation |
| VG | vein graft |
| VHD | valvular heart disease |
| VI | volume index |
| V.I. | vaginal irrigation |
| Via | by way of |
| VIPS | voluntary interruption of pregnancy and sterilization service |
| vit. | vitamin |
| VLDL | very low density lipoproteins |
| VM | vestibular membrane |
| VN | visiting nurse |
| VO | verbal order |
| VOD | vision right eye |
| vol | volume |
| VOS | vision left eye |
| VP | venous pressure |
| VPC | ventricular premature contraction |
| VS, V.S. | vital signs |
| VSA | vital signs absent |
| VSD | ventricular septal defect |
| VSS | vital signs stable |
| VT, V | Tach ventricular tachycardia |
| V & T | volume and tension (pulse) |
| VTX | vertex |
| Vx. | vertex presentation |
W:______________________________ | |
| W | widowed, white |
| W/A | while awake |
| Wass. | Wasserman |
| WB | whole blood |
| wbc, WBC | white blood cells, white blood count |
| W/C, wh.ch. | wheelchair |
| WBT | weight bearing to tolerance |
| WDWN | well developed, well nourished |
| WE | wide excision |
| WF | white female |
| wk | week |
| WM | white male |
| w/n | within |
| WN | well nourished |
| WNL | within normal limits |
| WP | whirlpool |
| wt. | weight |
| w/u | workup |
X:______________________________ | |
| x | times |
| X | exophoria distance |
| XT | exotrophia distance |
Y:______________________________ | |
| y.o. | years old |
| yrs. | years |
