General Terms

 AA - amino acid
 ABG - arterial blood gas
 ADM - admission, admitted
 ASAP - as soon as possible
 ALS - advanced life support
 AMA - against medical advice, American Medical Association
 ASAP - as soon as possible
 A&W - alive and well
 C - centigrade, celsius
 CC - cubic centimeter, chief complaint, critical care, complications, carbon copy
 C/O - complains of
 CO2 - carbon dioxide
 D/C - discontinue or discharge
 DNR - do not resuscitate
 DO - disorder
 DOA - dead on arrival or date of admission
 DOB - date of birth
 DOT - directly observed therapy
 DSM - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual on Mental Disorders
 EDC - estimated date of confinement
 EDD - estimated delivery date
 EGA - estimated gestational age
 ER - emergency room
 F - fahrenheit
 FNF - finger to nose
 H&P - history and physical examination
 HPI - history of present illness
 H/O - history of
 HR - heart rate or hour
 HS - hour of sleep (bedtime)
 ICU - intensive care unit
 ID - infectious diseases
 IP - inpatient
 IQ - intelligence quotient
 IU - international units
 MCO - managed care organization
 MG - milligram
 MVA - motor vehicle accident
 ML - milliliter
 NKDA - no known drug allergies
 NTG - nitroglycerin
 O2 - oxygen
 OPD - outpatient department
 P - pulse
 Post-op - postoperative (after surgery)
 Pre-op - preoperative (before surgery)
 PA or PT - patient
 PCP - primary care physician
 RBC - red blood cell
 RF - risk factor
 S - without
 SX - symptoms
 S/S - signs and symptoms
 STAT - immediately
 T - temperature
 TPR - temperature, pulse, respiration
 USOH - usual state of health
 VS - vital signs
 VSS - vital signs stable
 WB - whole blood
 WBC - white blood cell
 WNL - within normal limits
Prescription
 ABX - antibiotics
 AC - before meals
 Ad lib - at will, as desired
 BID - bis in dies (twice a day)
 CAP - capsule
 GTT - drop-liquid measurement
 i-1
 ii - 2
 iii - 3
 iv - 4
 v-5
 MDD - maximum daily dose
 NPO - nothing by mouth
 OCP - oral contraceptive pill
 OPV - oral polio vaccine
 OTC - over the counter
 PC - after meals
 PCN - penicillin
 PNV - pre-natal vitamins
 PO - per os (by mouth)
 PRN - as needed
 q2h - every 2 hours
 q3h - every 3 hours
 qam - every morning
 qd - once a day
 qh - once every hour
 qhs - at bedtime
 qid - four times a day
 qod - every other day
 qpm - every evening
 RDI - recommended daily intake
 Rx - prescription, treatment
 SC/SQ - subcutaneous
 TAB - tablet
 TIW - three times a week
Care
 AXR - abdominal x-ray
 BAL - blood alcohol level
 BC - birth control
 BE - barium enema
 BMT - bone marrow transplant
 Bx - biopsy
 BRP - bathroom privileges
 CPR - cardiopulmonary resuscitation
 CXR - chest x-ray
 ECC - emergency cardiac care
 ECG or EKG - electrocardiogram
 ECMO - extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
 ECT - electroconvulsive therapy
 ECV - external cephalic version
 FB - foreign body
 FNA - fine needle aspiration
 FOBT - fecal occult blood testing
 GLT - glucose loading test
 GTT - glucose tolerance test
 hs - hour of sleep (bedtime)
 H20 - water
 I&D - incision and drainage
 IM - intramuscular
 I&O - intake and output
 IV - intravenous
 IUPC - intrauterine pressure catheter
 In vitro - in the laboratory
 In vivo - in the body
 KUB - kidney, ureter, bladder (x-ray)
 O GTT - oral glucose tolerance test
 PAP - pulmonary artery pressure
 PEEP - positive end expiratory pressure
 PT - physical therapy
 Rx - treatment
 T&C - type and cross (blood)
 TPA - tissue plasminogen activator (dissolve clots), total parenteral alimentation (intravenous
nutritional needs)
 UA - urinalysis
 US - ultrasound
 XRT - external radiation therapy
Diagnosis or Condition
 ADHD - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
 AF - acid-fast
 AIDS - acquired immune deficiency syndrome
 A&O - alert and oriented
 AOB - alcohol on breath
 ARDS - adult respiratory distress syndrome
 ARF - acute renal failure, acute rheumatic fever
 BAD - bipolar affective disorder
 BM - bowel movement
 BP - blood pressure
 CA - cancer
 CAB - carotid artery bruit
 CABG - coronary artery bypass graft
 CAD - coronary artery disease
 CBC - complete blood count
 CF - cystic fibrosis
 C/F - chills, fever
 CFT - complement fixation testing
 CHD - congenital heart disease
 CHF - congestive heart failure
 COLD - chronic obstructive lung disease
 COPD - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
 CP - chest pain
 CP - cerebral palsy
 C/S - cesarean section
 CV - cardiovascular
 CVA - cerebral vascular accident (stroke)
 CXR - chest x-ray
 DTR - deep tendon reflex
 DVT - deep venous thrombosis
 Dx - diagnosis
 EBL - estimated blood loss
 EBV - Epstein-Barr virus
 EC - eye contact
 ECASA - enteric coated acetylsalicylic acid
 EGC - early gastric cancer
 FAS - fetal alcohol syndrome
 FB - foreign body
 F/C - fever, chills
 FEF - forced expiratory flow
 FHR - fetal heart rate
 FM - fetal movement
 FRC - functional residual capacity
 FSE - fetal scalp electrode
 FSH - follicle stimulating hormone
 FT - full term
 FX - fracture
 GA - gestational age
 GH - growth hormone
 GHRH - growth hormone releasing hormone
 GI - gastrointestinal
 GLT - glucose loading test
 GSW - gunshot wound
 GTT - glucose tolerance test
 GU - genitourinary
 HA - headache
 HA - hemolytic anemia
 HAV - hepatitis A virus
 HBV - hepatitis B virus
 Hb - hemoglobin
 HCV - hepatitis C virus
 HDL - high density lipoprotein
 HDV - hepatitis D virus
 HIV - human immunodeficiency virus
 HPA - hypothalamic suppression test
 HR - heart rate
 HTN - hypertension
 IBD - inflammatory bowel disease
 IBS - inflammatory bowel syndrome
 ICP - intracranial pressure
 IDDM - insulin dependent diabeter mellitus
 IPF - idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
 IUI - intrauterine insemination
 IUP - intrauterine pregnancy
 IVF - in vitro fertilization
 IVIG - intravenous immune globulin
 IVP - intravenous push
 JCV - JC virus
 JRA - juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
 JVD - jugular venous distension
 KS - Kaposi sarcoma
 LAD - leukocyte adhesion deficiency
 LBP - lower back pain
 LBW - low birth weight
 LIH - left inguinal hernia
 LOF - loss of fluid
 MD - muscular dystrophy
 MR - mental retardation
 MS - multiple sclerosis
 NAD - no acute distress
 Nat/O - birth
 NIDDM - non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
 NM - neuromuscular
 N/V - nausea vomiting
 NVD - normal vaginal delivery
 OCD - obsessive compulsive disorder
 ON - optic neuritis
 OSA - obstructive sleep apnea
 PD - Parkinson's disease
 PE - pulmonary embolism
 PKD - polycystic kidney disease
 PID - pelvic inflammatory disease
 PIH - pregnancy induced hypertension
 PMS - premenstrual syndrom
 PTSD - post-tramatic stress disorder
 RA - rheumatoid arthritis
 RAD - reactive airway disease
 RDS - respiratory distress syndrome
 REM - rapid eye movements
 RHD - rheumatic heart disease
 RXN - reaction
 SAB - spontaneous abortion
 SBO - small bowel obstruction
 SBS - shaken baby syndrome
 SOB - shortness of breath
 STD - sexually transmitted disease
 TAH - total abdominal hysterectomy
 TB - tuberculosis
 TBI - traumatic brain injury
 TGA - transient global amnesia
 UC - ulcerative colitis
 UO - urine output
 URI - upper respiratory infection
 UTI - urinary tract infection
 VB - vaginal bleeding
 VBAC - vaginal birth after caesarean section
 VF - ventricular fibrillation
 VH - vaginal hysterectomy, hallucination
 VIP - voluntary interruption of pregnancy
Body Description
 ABD - abdomen
 AD - right ear
 AL - left ear
 AU - both ears
 BMD - bone mass density
 BMI - body mass index
 BMR - basic metabolic rate
 CBD - common bile duct
 CBF - cerebral blood flow
 FL - femur length
 FROM - free range of motion
 HC - head circumference
 IBW - ideal body weight
 LLL - left lower lobe
 LLQ - left lower quadrant
 LUL - left upper lobe
 LUQ - left upper quadrant
 LV - left ventricle
 OD - right eye
 OS - left eye
 OU - both eyes
 PNS - peripheral nervous system
 RA - right atrium
 RUL - right upper lobe
 RUQ - right upper quadrant
 RV - right ventrical, residual volume
 TLC - total lung capacity
 UE - upper extremity
 WT - weight
A
A - accommodation; acetum; angström unit; anode; anterior
a - artery
a - before
A2 - aortic second sound
aa - of each; arteries
 AAA – abdominal aortic aneurysm
A-a gradient – alveolar to arterial gradient
AAS – acute abdominal series
ABD – abdomen
ABG – arterial blood gas
ABI - ankle-brachial index
ABO - three basic blood groups
AC - adrenal cortex; air conduction; alternating current; axiocervical
AC – before eating
acc. - accommodation
A/CA - accommodative/convergence accommodation ratio
ACE - angiotensin-converting enzyme
ACh - acetylcholine
 AChE - acetylcholinesterase
AChR - acetylcholine receptor
ACLS – advanced cardiac life support
ACTH – adrenocorticotropic hormone
AD – autonomic dysreflexia
ad lib – as much as needed
ad lib. - freely; as desired
admov. - apply
ad sat. - to saturation
ADH – anti-diuretic hormone
ADHD - attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
ADL – activity of daily living
AED - antiepileptic drug
AF – atrial fibrillation or afebrile
AFB – acid-fast bacilli
AFP – alpha-fetoprotein
AFO – ankle foot orthosis
Ag - silver; antigen
A/G – albumin/globulin ratio
AGC - atypical glandular cells
AgNO3 - silver nitrate
ah - hypermetropic astigmatism
AHF - antihemophilic factor
AI – aortic insufficiency
AICD - automatic implantable cardiac defibrillator
AIDS - acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
AK - above the knee
AKA – above the knee amputation
Al - aluminum
Alb - albumin
ALL – acute lymphocytic leukemia
ALP - alkaline phosphatase
ALS – amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease)
ALT - alanine aminotransferase
alt. dieb. - every other day
alt. hor. - every other hour
alt. noc. - every other nigh
AM - morning
Am - mixed astigmatism
a.m.a. - against medical advice
amb – ambulate
AMI - acute myocardial infarction
AML – acute myelogenous leukemia
AMLS - Advanced Medical Life Support
amp - ampule; amputation
ANA – antinuclear antibody
anat - anatomy or anatomic
ANNA - anti-neuronal nuclear antibody
ANP - atrial natriuretic peptide
ant. - anterior
anti-CCP - anticyclic citrullinated peptide
Ao. - aorta
AOB – alcohol on breath
AODM – adult onset diabetes mellitus
A&P - auscultation and percussion
AP – anteroposterior or abdominal – perineal
ap - before dinner
APAP - acetaminophen
aPTT - activated partial thromboplastin
AQ, aq - water
aq. dest. - distilled water
aq. frig. - cold water
ARC AIDS - related complex
ARDS – acute respiratory distress syndrome
ARF – acute renal failure
ARMD - age-related macular degeneration
AS – aortic stenosis
As. - astigmatism
ASA - acetylsalicylic acid
ASAP – as soon as possible
ASC - atypical squamous cells
asc. - ascending
ASCA - anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody
ASC-US - atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance
ASCVD – atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
ASD – atrial septal defect
AsH - hypermetropic astigmatism
ASHD – atherosclerotic heart disease
ASIA – American Spinal Injury Association
AsM - myopic astigmatism
AST - aspartate aminotransferase
Ast - astigmatism
ATCC - American Type Culture Collection
at. wt. - atomic weight
Au - gold
AV – atrioventricular
A-V – arteriovenous

A-VO2 – arteriovenous oxygen

AVP - arginine vasopressin

B
B - boron; bacillus
 Ba - barium
 BAC - blood alcohol concentration
 BBB – bundle
branch block
BBT - basal body temperature
BC – bowel care
BCAA – branched chain amino acids
BCG - bacille Calmette-Guérin
BCLS - basic cardiac life support
BCP - birth control pills
BD - Buerger disease
Be - beryllium
BE – barium enema
BEE – basal energy expenditure
BHS - beta-hemolytic streptococci
Bi - bismuth
b. - bone
bib. - drink
bid – twice a day
bilat – bilateral
b.i.n. - twice a night
bipap - bilevel positive airway pressure
BK - below the knee
BKA – below the knee amputation
BLS - basic life support
BM – bone marrow or bowel movement
BMI - body mass index
BMR – basal metabolic rate
BMS - bone marrow suppression
BMT - bone marrow transplantation
BNP - brain natriuretic peptide
bol. - pill
BOM – bilateral otitis media
BP – blood pressure
B.P. - British Pharmacopeia
BPH – benign prostatic hypertrophy
BPM – beats per minute
BRBPR – bright red blood per rectum
BRM - biologic response modifier
BROW - barley, rye, oats, and wheat
BRP – bathroom privileges
BS – bowel or breath sounds
BSA - body surface area
BSE - breast self-examination
BUN – blood urea nitrogen
BW – body weight
BX – biopsy

C
C - Calorie (kilocalorie); Celsius
 c - calorie (small calorie)
 c – with
C&S – culture and sensitivity
CA – cancer
CA - coronary artery
Ca – calcium
CAA – crystalline amino acids
CABG – coronary artery bypass graft
CaCO3 - calcium carbonate
CAD – coronary artery disease
CAH - chronic active hepatitis
Cal - large calorie
CAP - let (the patient) take
cap. - capsule
CAT – computerized axial tomography
cath - catheter
CBC – complete blood count
CBG – capillary blood gas
CBI - continuous bladder irrigation
CBRNE - chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive agents
CBT - cognitive behavioral therapy
cc - cubic centimeter
CC – chief complaint
CCl 4 - carbon tetrachloride
CCU – clean catch urine or cardiac care unit
CCV – critical closing volume
CD4 - T-helper cells
CD8 - cytotoxic cells
CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CEA - carcinoembryonic antigen
CF – cystic fibrosis
CFTR - cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator
cg - centigram
CGL – chronic granulocytic leukemia
CHD - congenital heart disease; coronary heart disease
ChE - cholinesterase
CHF – congestive heart failure
CHO – carbohydrate
Ci - curie
CI – cardiac index
CIN - cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
CIS - carcinoma in situ
CK - creatine kinase
CK-MB - serum creatine kinase, myocardial-bound
Cl - chlorine
CLL - chronic lymphocytic leukemia
cm - centimeter
CML – chronic myelogenous leukemia
c.m.s. - to be taken tomorrow morning
CMT - certified medication technician
CMV – cytomegalovirus
CN – cranial nerves
c.n. - tomorrow night
CNS – central nervous system
c.n.s. - to be taken tomorrow night
CO - carbon monoxide
CO – cardiac output
Co - cobalt
CO2 - carbon dioxide
C/O – complaining of
COLD – chronic obstructive lung disease
comp. - compound; compounded of
COMT - catechol-O-methyltransferase
COPD – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
COX-2 - cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors
CP – chest pain or cerebral palsy
CPAP – continuous positive airway pressure
CPC - clinicopathologic conference
CPD - cephalopelvic disproportion
CPHSS - Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale
CPK – creatinine phosphokinase
CPM - continuous passive motion
CPR – cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CR - conditioned reflex; controlled release; crown-rump length
CRCL – creatinine clearance
CREST - calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly,
telangiectasia (cluster of features of systemic sclerosis scleroderma)
CRF – chronic renal failure
CRP – C-reactive protein
CRS-R - Conners Rating Scales-Revised
CRTS – certified recreational therapy specialist
CS - cardiogenic shock; cesarean section; culture and sensitivity
CSF – cerebrospinal fluid
CSH - combat support hospital
CSW – certified social worker
CT – computerized tomography
Cu - copper
CV - cardiovascular
CVA – cerebrovascular accident or costovertebral angle
CVAT – CVA tenderness
CVC - central venous catheter
CVRB - critical value read back
CVP – central venous pressure
CVS - chorionic villi sampling
CXR – chest X-ray

D
D - diopter; dose
 D5/0.9 NaCl - 5% dextrose and normal saline solution (0.9%
NaCl)
 D5/½ /NS - 5% dextrose and half-normal saline solution (0.45% NaCl)
 D5W -
5% dextrose in water
 d - density; right
 /d - per day
 D and C - dilatation and
curettage
 DAT – diet as tolerated
DAW – dispense as written
dB - decibel
DBP - diastolic blood pressure
DC - direct current; doctor of chiropractic
DC – discontinue or discharge
D&C – dilation and curettage
DDx – differential diagnosis
D5W – 5% dextrose in water
Derm - dermatology
det. - let it be given
DEXA - dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry
DFV - Doppler flow velocimetry
DHT - dihydrotestosterone
DI – diabetes insipidus
DIC – disseminated intravascular coagulopathy
dieb. alt. - every other day
dieb. tert. - every third day
dil. - dilute; diluted
dim. - halved
DIP – distal interphalangeal joint
DISIDA - (scan) diisopropyl iminodiacetic acid (cholescintigraphy)
DJD – degenerative joint disease
DKA – diabetic ketoacidosis
dL – deciliter
DM – diabetes mellitus
DMARD - disease-modulating antirheumatic drug
DNA – deoxyribonucleic acid
DNH - do not hospitalize
DNR – do not resuscitate
DOA – dead on arrival
DOB - date of birth
DOE – dyspnea on exertion
DPat - diphtheria-acellular pertussis tetanus (vaccine)
DPL – diagnostic peritoneal lavage
DPT – diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus
dr. - dram
DRE - digital rectal examination
DRG - diagnosis-related group
DSM-IV-TR - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text
Revision
DTR – deep tendon reflexes
DTs - delirium tremens
dur. - dolor while pain lasts
D5W - dextrose 5% in water
DVT – deep venous thrombosis
DWI - driving while intoxicated
DX – diagnosis

E
E - eye ; Escherichia 
 EAA – essential amino acids
EBL – estimated blood loss
EBV - Epstein-Barr virus
ECD – external continence device
ECG – electrocardiogram
ECF - extended care facility; extracellular fluid
ECHO - echocardiography
ECMO - extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
ECT – electroconvulsive therapy
ED – erectile dysfunction
EDD - estimated date of delivery (formerly EDC: estimated date of confinement)
EEG - electroencephalogram
EENT - eye, ear, nose, and throat
EF - ejection fraction
EFAD – essential fatty acid deficiency
EGD - esophagogastroduodenoscopy
EIA - enzyme immunosorbent assay
EKG - electrocardiogram; electrocardiograph
ELISA - enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
elix. - elixir
Em - emmetropia
EMA-IgA - immunoglobulin A antiendomysial
EMG – Electromyogram
EMS - emergency medical service
Endo - endocrine
EMV – eyes, motor, verbal response (Glasgow coma scale)
ENT – ears, nose, and throat
EOM – extraocular muscles
EP - extrapyramidal
EPS - extrapyramidal symptoms
ER - Emergency Room, extended-release
ERCP - endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
ESR – erythrocyte sedimentation rate
EST - electroshock therapy
ESWL - extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
ET – endotracheal
ET-1 - endothelin-1
ETT – endotracheal tube
ERCP – endoscopic retrograde cholangio -pancreatography
ETOH – ethanol
EUA – examination under anesthesia
ext. - extensor; external

F
F - Fahrenheit
 f - female
 FA - fatty acid
 F and E - fluid and electrolyte
 FAP -
familial adenomatous polyposis
 FBS – fasting blood sugar
FD - fatal dose; focal distance
FDA - (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration
Fe - iron
FES – functional electrical stimulation
FEV – forced expiratory volume
FFP – fresh frozen plasma
FHT - fetal heart tone
FISH - fluorescence in situ hybridization
fl. - flexor
Fld - fluid
FP - family practice; family practitioner
FRC – functional residual capacity
FSH - follicle-stimulating hormone
FTT – failure to thrive
FU – follow-up
FUO – fever of unknown origin
FVC – forced vital capacity
Fx – fracture

G
G, g, gm - gram
 GABA - gamma-aminobutyric acid
 GABAB - gamma-aminobutyric
acid type B
 GABRB3 GABAA - receptor gene
 garg - gargle
 GB - gallbladder;
Guillain-Barré
 GC – gonorrhea
GDM - gestational diabetes mellitus
GDS - Geriatric Depression Scale
GERD - gastroesophageal reflux disease
GETT – general by endotracheal tube
GFR – glomerular filtration rate
GGT - gamma-glutamyl transferase
GH - growth hormone
GI – gastrointestinal
GnRH - gonadotropin-releasing hormone
GP - general practitioner
G6PD - glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
gr – grain; 1 grain = 65mg
grad - by degrees
GRAS - generally recognized as safe
GSW – gun shot wound
gt or gtt – drops
GTT – glucose tolerance test
GU – genitourinary
guttat. - drop by drop
GVHD - graft-versus-host disease
GXT – graded exercise tolerance (Stress test)
GYN - gynecology

H
H - hydrogen
 H+ - hydrogen ion
 h, hr - hour
 H&H - hematocrit and
hemoglobin
 H1N1 - hemagglutinin type 1 and neuraminidase type 1
 H2 - histamine
2
 HA – headache
HAA – hepatitis B surface antigen
HAART - highly active antiretroviral therapy
HAV – hepatitis A virus
HBP – high blood pressure
HBV - hepatitis B virus
HCG – human chorionic gonadotropin
HCP - health care professional
HCT – hematocrit
HCV - hepatitis C virus
HD - hearing distance
HDL – high density lipoprotein
HDV - hepatitis D
HEENT – head, eyes, ears, nose, throat
HELLP - hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets
HEPA - high-efficiency particulate air
HER2 - human EGF (epidermal growth factor) receptor 2
HEV - hepatitis E
HF - heart failure
Hg - mercury
Hgb – hemoglobin
HGSIL - high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
H/H – Henderson-Hasselbach equation or hemoglobin/ hematocrit
Hib - Haemophilus influenzae type B
HIDA - hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (cholescintigraphy)
HIV – human immunodeficiency virus
H2O - water
H2O2 - hydrogen peroxide
HLA – histocompatibility locus antigen
HJR – hepatojugular reflex
HO – history of
HOB – head of bed
hor. decub. - bedtime
hor. som, h.s. - bedtime
HPF – high power field
HPI – history of present illness
HPV - human papillomavirus
HR – heart rate
HRT - hormone replacement therapy
HS – at bedtime
HSIL - high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
HSM – hepatosplenomegaly
HTLV-III – human lymphotropic virus, type III (AIDS agent, HIV)
HSV – herpes simplex virus
HTN – hypertension
Hx – history
Hy - hyperopia
Hz - hertz (cycles per second)

I
I - iodine
 131I - radioactive isotope of iodine (atomic weight 131)
 132I - radioactive
isotope of iodine (atomic weight 132)
 I&D – incision and drainage
I&O – intake and output
IBW - ideal body weight
IC - inspiratory capacity
ICD - implantable cardioverter defibrillator
ICP - intracranial pressure
ICS – intercostal space
ICSH - interstitial cell-stimulating hormone
ICU – intensive care unit
ID – infectious disease or identification
Id. - the same
IDDM – insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
IDM - infants of diabetic mothers
IED - improvised explosive device
IG – immunoglobulin
IgE - immunoglobulin E
IgG - immunoglobulin G
IHSS – idiopathic hypertropic subaortic stenosis
IL-1 - interleukin 1
IL-8 - interleukin 8
IM – intramuscular
IMV – intermittent mandatory ventilation
in d. - daily
INF - interferon
INF – intravenous nutritional fluid
inj. - injection
INR - international normalized ratio
instill. - instillation
int. - internal
IOP - intraocular pressure
IPPB – intermittent positive pressure breathing
IQ - intelligence quotient
IRBBB – incomplete right bundle branch block
IRDM – insulin resistant diabetes mellitus
IRV - inspiratory reserve volume
IT – interthecal
ITP – idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
I.U. - a international unit
IUCD - intrauterine contraceptive device
IUD - intrauterine device
IUFD - intrauterine fetal death
IV – intravenous
IVC – intravenous cholangiogram or inferior vena cava
IVP – intravenous pyelogram

J
J - joule
 JNC 7 The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention,
Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure
JODM – juvenile onset diabetes mellitus
JRA - juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
jt. - joint
JVD – jugular venous distention

K

 KAFO – knee ankle foot orthosis
kg - kilogram
KI - potassium iodine
KOH - potassium hydroxide
KOR – keep open rate
KS - Kaposi sarcoma
KT – kinesio therapy or kinesiotherapist
KUB – kidneys, ureters, bladder
kv - kilovolt
KVO – keep vein open

L
L – left
L - liter
L&D - labor and delivery
lab - laboratory
LAD – left axis deviation or left anterior descending
LAE – left atrial enlargement
LAHB – left anterior hemiblock
LAP – left atrial pressure or leukocyte alkaline phosphatase
lat - lateral
lb - pound
LBBB – left bundle branch block
LBW - low birth weight
LDH – lactate dehydrogenase
LDL – low density lipoprotein
LD50 - lethal dose, median
LE – lupus erythematosus
LEEP - loop electrosurgical excision procedure
LFT - liver function test
LGA - large for gestational age
LH - luteinizing hormone
Li - lithium
lig - ligament
LIH – left inguinal hernia
liq. - liquid; fluid
LLL – left lower lobe
LLE - left lower extremity
LLQ - left lower quadrant
LMP – last menstrual period
LNMP – last normal menstrual period
LOC – loss of consciousness or level of consciousness
LP – lumbar puncture
LPN – licensed practical nurse
LR - lactated Ringer (solution)
LSIL - low-grade squamous epithelial lesion
LTD - lowest tolerated dose
LUE - left upper extremity
LUL – left upper quadrant
LUQ - left upper quadrant
LV – left ventricle
LVAD - left ventricular assist device
LVEDP – left ventricular end diastolic pressure
LVH – left ventricular hypertrophy

M
M - master; medicine; molar; thousand; muscle
m - male; meter; minim; mole; meta; muscle
MA - mental age
MAO – monoamine oxidase
MAO-B - monoamine oxidase-B
man. prim. - first thing in the morning
MAP – mean arterial pressure
MAST – medical antishock trousers
MAT - Miller Analogies Test
MBD - minimal brain dysfunction
MBT – maternal blood type
mc; mCi - millicurie
mcg - microgram
MCH – mean cell hemoglobin
MCHC – mean cell hemoglobin concentration
MCV – mean cell volume
MD - muscular dystrophy
MDI - metered-dose inhaler
MED - minimum effective dose
med - medial
MELD - Model for End-Stage Liver Disease
µEq - microequivalent
mEq - milliequivalent
mEq/L - milliequivalent per liter
ME ratio - myeloid/erythroid ratio
MG - myasthenia gravis
Mg - magnesium
MgSO4 - magnesium sulfate
µg - microgram
mg - milligram
MI – myocardial infarction or mitral insufficiency
MID - minimum infective dose
mist. - a mixture
mL – milliliter
MLD - minimum lethal dose
MLE – midline episiotomy
MLF - medial longitudinal fasciculus
MM - mucous membrane; multiple myeloma
mm - millimeter
mm - Hg millimeters of mercury
MMEF – maximal mid expiratory flow
mmol – millimole
MMR – measles, mumps, rubella
MMSE - Mini-Mental Status Examination
MMSE - Mini-Mental Status Examination
Mn - manganese
mol wt - molecular weight
mor. dict. - as directed
mor. sol. - as accustomed
MPC - maximum permitted concentration
MPN - most probable number
mr - milliroentgen
MRA - magnetic resonance angiography
MRgFUS - MR-guided focused ultrasound surgery
MRI – magnetic resonance imaging
MRSA – methicillin resistant staph aureus
MS – multiple sclerosis or mitral stenosis, or morphine sulfate
MSSA – methicillin-sensitive staph aureus
MUSE – medicated urethral system erection
MV - mitral valve
mV - millivolt
MVA – motor vehicle accident
MVI – multivitamin injection
MVV – maximum voluntary ventilation
MW - molecular weight

N
N - nitrogen
 n - nerve
 N/A - not applicable
 Na - sodium
 NAA - nucleic acid
amplification
 NAD - no acute distress
 NAD – no active disease
n.b. - note well
nCi - nanocurie
NAS – no added salt
NCV – nerve conduction velocity
NDC - National Drug Code
NED – no evidence of recurrent disease
ng – nanogram
NG – nasogastric
NGT - nasogastric tube
NH3 - ammonia
Ni - nickel
NICU - neonatal intensive care unit
NIDDM – non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
NIH - National Institutes of Health
NK - natural killer
NKA – no known allergies
NKDA – no known drug allergies
NMDA - N-methyl D-aspartate
NMJ - neuromuscular junction
NMR – nuclear magnetic resonance
NMS - neuroleptic malignant syndrome
nn - nerves
noct. - in the night
noct. maneq. - night and morning
non rep; n.r. - do not repeat
NPN - nonprotein nitrogen
NPO – nothing by mouth
NRC - normal retinal correspondence
NRM – no regular medications
NS - normal saline
NSAID – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
NSR – normal sinus rhythm
NT – nasotracheal
N&V, N/V - nausea and vomiting

O
O - pint
 O2 - oxygen
 OB – obstetrics
OC - oral contraceptive
OCD - obsessive-compulsive disorder
OCG – oral cholecystogram
OD – overdose or right eye
ol. - oil
OM – otitis media
om. mane vel noc. - every morning or night
omn. hor. - every hour
omn. noct. - every night
OmPC - outer membrane porin C
OOB – out of bed
OPD - outpatient department
OPV – oral polio vaccine
OR – operating room
ORIF - open reduction with/and internal fixation
OS – left eye
OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OT – occupational therapy or occupational therapist
OTC - over-the-counter
OU – both eyes
oz - ounce

P
P – para
P, p - melting point
p - after
P2 - pulmonic second sound
PA – posteroanterior
PABA - para-aminobenzoic acid (vitamin B10)
PAC – premature atrial contraction
Paco2 - partial pressure of carbon dioxide in alveolar gas
PACU - postanesthesia care unit
PAD - peripheral arterial disease
PALS - pediatric advanced life support
P-ANCA - perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody
PAO2 – alveolar oxygen
PaO2 – peripheral arterial oxygen content
PAP – pulmonary artery pressure
Pap, Pap test - Papanicolaou smear
part. vic - in divided doses
PAT – paroxysymal atrial tachycardia
P&PD – percussion and postural drainage
Pb - lead
PBI - protein-bound iodine
PC – after eating
PCA - patient-controlled analgesia
Pco 2 - carbon dioxide pressure
PCOS - polycystic ovarian syndrome
PCP - Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia; primary care physician; primary care provider
PCR - polymerase chain reaction
PCWP – pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
PD - interpupillary distance; Parkinson disease; peritoneal dialysis
pd - prism diopter; pupillary distance
PDA – patent ductus arteriosus
PDR – physicians desk reference
PE – pulmonary embolus, or physical exam or pleural effusion
PEEP – positive end expiratory pressure
PEFR - peak expiratory flow rate
PEG - percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
per - through or by
PERRLA - pupils equal, regular, react to light and accommodation
PET - positron emission tomography
PFP, P4P - pay for performance
PFT – pulmonary function tests
pg – picogram
pH - hydrogen ion concentration
Pharm; Phar. - pharmacy
PI - present illness; previous illness
PI – pulmonic insufficiency disease
PICC - peripherally inserted central catheter
PID - pelvic inflammatory disease
PIH - pregnancy-induced hypertension
pil. - pill
PIP - proximal interphalangeal
PIPDA (scan) - 99mTc-para-isopropylacetanilido-iminodiaacetic acid
(cholescintigraphy)
PKU – phenylketonuria
PM - afternoon/evening
PMH – previous medical history
PMI – point of maximal impulse
PMN – polymorphonuclear leukocyte (neutrophil)
PMS - premenstrual syndrome
PND – paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
PNH - paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
PNS - peripheral nervous system
PO – by mouth
POD – post-op day
POLST - physician orders for life-sustaining therapy
post. - posterior
PP - placenta previa
PP – postprandial or pulsus paradoxus
PPD – purified protein derivative
ppm - parts per million
PPMS – primary progressive multiple sclerosis
PPS – post-polio syndrome
PR – by rectum
PRBC – packed red blood cells
PRN – as needed
pro time/PT - prothrombin time
PS – pulmonic stenosis
PSA – prostate-specific antigen
PSV - prostate-specific antigen
PT – prothrombin time, or physical therapy
Pt – patient
pt - pint
PTCA – percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
PTH – parathyroid hormone
PTHC – percutanous transhepatic cholangiogram
PTSD – post-traumatic stress disorder
PTT – partial thromboplastin time
Pu - plutonium
PUBS - percutaneous umbilical blood sampling
PUD – peptic ulcer disease
PUVA - psoralen ultraviolet A
p.v. - through the vagina
PVC – premature ventricular contraction
PVD – peripheral vascular disease
PVR - peripheral vascular resistance
PVR – post voiding residual

Q
q – every
qd – every day
QFT-G - QuantiFERON-TB Gold
qh – every hour
q.2h. - every 2 hours
q.3h. - every 3 hours
q4h, q6h.... – every 4 hours, every 6 hours etc.
qid – four times a day
q.l. - as much as wanted
QNS – quantity not sufficient
qod – every other day
q.p. - as much as desired
q.s. - as much as needed
Qs/Qt – shunt fraction
Qt – total cardiac output
qt - quart
q.v. - as much as you please

R
R – right
RA – rheumatoid arthritis or right atrium
Ra - radium
rad - radiation absorbed dose
RAD – right atrial axis deviation
RAE – right atrial enlargement
RAI - radioactive iodine
RAIU - radioactive iodine uptake
RAP – right atrial pressure
RBBB – right bundle branch block
RBC – red blood cell
RBP – retinol-binding protein
RD - Raynaud disease
RDA – recommended daily allowance
RDS - respiratory distress syndrome
RDW – red cell distribution width
RE - right eye
Re - rhenium
REM - rapid eye movement
RF - rheumatoid factor
RFT - renal function test
Rh - rhesus factor; rhodium
RHD - rheumatic heart disease
RIA – radioimmunoassay
RIH – right inguinal hernia
RLE - right lower extremity
RLL – right lower lobe
RLQ – right lower quadrant
RML – right middle lobe
Rn - radon
RNA – ribonucleic acid
R/O – rule out
ROM – range of motion
ROS – review of systems
RPG – retrograde pyelogram
RPM - revolutions per minute
RPMS – relapsing-progressive multiple sclerosis
RQ - respiratory quotient
RR - recovery room; respiratory rate
RRMS – relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
RRR – regular rate and rhyth
RSV - respiratory syncytial virus
RT – respiratory or radiation therapy
R/T - related to
RTA – renal tubular acidosis
RTC – return to clinic
RU – resin uptake
RUE - right upper extremity
RUG – retrograde urethogram
RUL – right upper lobe
RUQ – right upper quadrant
RV – residual volume
RVH – right ventricular hyperthrophy
Rx – treatment

S
S - mark
 S. - sacral
 s – without
SA – sinoatrial
SAA – synthetic amino acid
SAD - seasonal affective disorder
SARS - severe acute respiratory syndrome
SB - small bowel
Sb - antimony
S&E – sugar and acetone
SBE – subacute bacterial endocarditis
SBFT – small bowel follow through
SBP - systolic blood pressure
SBS – short bowel syndrome
SC, sc, s.c. - subcutaneous(ly)
SCr – serum creatinine
SCI – spinal cord injury
SCI/D – spinal cord injury and disorder
S.D. - standard deviation
SDAT - senile dementia of the Alzheimer type
S.E. - standard error
Se - selenium
Sed rate - sedimentation rate
SEM – systolic ejection murmur
semih. -half an hour
SERM - selective estrogen receptor modulator
SG – Swan-Ganz
SGA – small for gestational age
SGGT – serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase
SGOT – serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase
SGPT – serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase
SI - international system of units
Si - silicon
SIADH – syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone
SIDS - sudden infant death syndrome
sig – write on label
SIMV – synchronous intermittent mandatory ventilation
SJS - Stevens-Johnson syndrome
sl – sublingual
SLE – systemic lupus erythematous
SLP - speech-language pathology
SMO – slips made out
Sn - tin
SNF - skilled nursing facility
SNRI - serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
SNS - sympathetic nervous system
SOAP – Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan
SOB – shortness of breath
sol - solution, dissolved
s.o.s. - if necessary
S/P - no change after
SPECT - single-photon emission computed tomography
sp gr - specific gravity
SPF - skin protection factor
sph - spherical
SPMS – secondary preogressive multiple sclerosis
spt. - spirit
SQ – subcutaneous
Sr - strontium
ss – one-half
SSRI - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
SSS - sick sinus syndrome
st. - let it/them stand
Staph - Staphylococcus
STAT – immediately
STD - sexually transmitted disease
Strep - Streptococcus
STS - serologic test for syphilis
STU - skin test unit
sup. - superior
supf. - superficial
SV - stroke volume; supraventricular
SVC - superior vena cava
SVD – spontaneous vaginal delivery
SW – social worker
Sx – symptoms
syr. - syrup

T
T - temperature
 T3 - triiodothyronine
 T4 - tetraiodothyronine; thyroxine
 T6 - thoracic
nerve pair 6
 TA - toxin-antitoxin
 Ta - tantalum
 T&A - tonsillectomy and
adenoidectomy
 T&C – type and cross
TAH – total abdominal hysterectomy
T&H – type and hold
TAT - thematic apperception test
T.A.T. - toxin-antitoxin
TB – tuberculosis
Tb - terbium
TBG – total binding globulin
Td – tetanus-diphtheria toxoid
t.d.s. - to be taken three times daily
Te - tellurium; tetanus
TEE - transesophageal echocardiogram
TEN - toxic epidermal necrolysis
TENS - transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
TG - thyroglobulin
Th - thorium
THR - total hip replacement
TIA – transient ischemic attack
TIBC – total iron binding capacity
tid – three times a day
TIG – tetanus immune globulin
t.i.n. - three times a night
tinct., tr - tincture
TKO – to keep open
TKR - total knee replacement
Tl - thallium
TLC – total lung capacity
TM - tympanic membrane
TMJ – temporo mandibular joint
TN - trigeminal nerve
TNF - tumor necrosis factor
TNF-I - tumor necrosis factor inhibitor
TNF-α - tumor necrosis factor alpha
TNM - tumor-node-metastasis
TNT - trinitrotoluene
TNTC – too numerous to count
TNTM - too numerous to mention
TO – telephone order
top. - topically
TOPV – trivalent oral polio vaccine
TORB - telephone order read back
TPI - Treponema pallidum immobilization test for syphilis
TPN – total parenteral nutrition
TPO - thyroid peroxidase
TPR - temperature, pulse, and respiration
tr, tinct. - tincture
TRAP - criteria tremor, rigidity, akinesia or postural instablity bradykinesia, and postural
instability
Treg - regulatory T cell
trit. - triturate, grind
TSD - time since death
TSE - testicular self-examination
TSH – thyroid stimulating hormone
TT – thrombin time
tTG - antitransglutaminase
TTP – thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
TU – tuberculin units
TUMA - transurethral microwave antenna
TUR – transurethral resection
TURBT – TUR bladder tumors
TURP – transurethral resection of prostate
TV – tidal volume
TVH – total vaginal hysterectomy
tw – twice a week
Tx – treatment, transplant

U
U a - uranium; unit a 
 UA – urinalysis
UAC – uric acid
UC - ulcerative colitis
ud – use as directed
UE - upper extremity
UGI – upper gastrointestinal
UHF - ultrahigh frequency
ult. praes. - the last ordered
Umb; umb - umbilicus
ung. - ointment
URI – upper respiratory infection
US – ultrasound
USAN - United States Adopted Name
USP - United States Pharmacopeia
ut. dict. - as directed
UTI – urinary tract infection
UUN – urinary urea nitrogen
UV - ultraviolet

V
v - vein
 VA - visual acuity
 VC – vital capacity
VCUG – voiding cystourethrogram
VD - venereal disease
VDRL - Venereal Disease Research Laboratories
VF - ventricular fibrillation
Vf - field of vision
VLBW - very low birth weight
VLDL - very low density lipoprotein
VMA – vanillymadelic acid
VO – verbal or voice order
VOE - VistA-Office Electronic Health Record
vol. - volume
vol % - volume percent
VORB - verbal order read back
V/Q – ventilation – perfusion
VS - volumetric solution; vesicular sound; vital signs
VSD - ventricular septal defect
VSS – vital signs stable
VT - ventricular tachycardia
vv - veins
VZIG - varicella zoster immune globulin

W
W - tungsten
 w - watt
 WAIS - Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
 WAP - written
action plan
 WB – whole blood
WBC – white blood cell or count
WD – well developed
WDWN - well-developed, well-nourished
WF – white female
WF/BF - white female/black female
WH - well-hydrated
WM – white male
WM/BM - white male/black male
WN – well nourished
WNL – within normal limits
WPW – Wolf-Parkinson-White
wt. - weight
w/v. - weight in volume

X
x - multiplied by
 XRT – X-ray therapy

Y
y - yocto-
 yo – years old
yr - year

Z
Z - atomic number
ZE – Zollinger-Ellison
Zn - zinc