Abbreviations

Commonly Used
Abbreviations and Symbols
POLICY
The attached list is a reference for commonly used abbreviations written within the
medical record. Abbreviations, symbols and/or initials are not allowed in recording
the final diagnosis or on the informed consent. Common abbreviations may also
be found in Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Dorlands’ Medical Dictionary, or
Stedman’s Medical Dictionary.
AGN ................. acute glomerulonephritis
A AGR ................. anus, genitals, rectum
A ......................... assessment, applanation A/H .................. auditory hallucinat-ion
tonometry AI ..................... amniotic fluid index, aortic insufficiency
A 1% ................... atropine 1% AIDS ................ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
aa ....................... of each AIMS ................ abnormal involuntary movement scale
AA ....................... Alcoholics Anonymous; Aplastic anemia AION ................ anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
A/A ...................... alveolar-arterial oxygen content gradient AK ................... actinic keratosis, above knee
AAA ..................... abdominal aortic aneurysm
AKA ................. above the knee amputation
AAL ..................... anterior axillary line, Allergy Clinic
AAO ................. alert, awake and oriented AKN ................. acne keloidalis nuchae
AAOx3 ............. alert, awake and oriented to time, place & alb .................... albumin
person ALD ................. alcoholic liver disease
AAROM ........... active assistive range of motion alk .................... alkaline
ab .................... abortion alk phos, ALKP. . alkaline phosphatase
AB gap ............. air bone gap ALL .................. acute lymphocytic leukemia
A/B .................. apnea & bradycardia acid-base ALS ................. Advance Life Support, amyotrophic lateral
abd ................... abdomen, abdominal, abduction sclerosis
ABG ................. arterial blood gases ALT .................. alanine amino-transaminase, Argon laser
abn ................... abnormal trabeculoplasty
ABP ................. arterial blood pressure A.M. ................. before noon
ABR ................. auditory brainstem response, American A-Mask ............ aerosol mask
Board of Ratiology AMA ................ against medical advice, American Medical
ABW ................ actual body weight, adjusted body weight Association
Abx .................. antibiotics amb ................. ambulatory
AC ................... before meals, assist control, anterior amb care .......... ambulatory care
chamber AMI .................. acute myocardial infarction
AC/A ................ accomodative conver-gence/ Amino .............. amniocentesis
accommodation ratio AML ................. acute myelogenous leukemia
ACC ................. Ambulatory Care Clinic amp ................. ampule
accom .............. accommodation amt .................. amount
Acid Phos ........ Acid Phosphatase ANA ................. antinuclear antibody
ACLS ............... advance cardiac life support ANC ................. Absolute neutrophil count
ACR ................. American College of Radiology AND ................. anterior nasal drainage
ACSW ............. Academy of Certified Social Workers ANE ................. Anesthesiology
ACT ................. activated clotting time anes ................. Anesthesia
AD ................... Alzheimer’s Disease, right ear, above ank. ................. ankle
diaphragm, right ear ANLL ................ acute non-lymphocytic leukemia
ADA ................. American Diabetes Association, ant ................... anterior
adenosine deaminase ante ................. before
add ................... adduction Ant Seg ............ anterior segment
Adeq. ............... adequate A/O .................. alert and oriented, anterior oblique
ADH ................. antidiuretic hormone AODM .............. adult onset diabetes mellitus
ADHD .............. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder AOM ................ acute otitis media
ADL ................. activities of daily living AOPIP ............. American Optical Psuedolsochromatic
A’Dione ............ androstenedione Plates Color Vision Test
ad lib ................ as often as desired A&P ................. auscultation & percussion anterior &
adm ................. admission posterior, assessment and plans, anterior
ADR ................. allergic drug reaction posterior
AE ................... above elbow, after evacuation AP & LAT ......... anteroposterior and lateral
AEC ................. Atomic Energy Commission A & P Repair .... anterior and posterior repair
AEF ................. aryepiglottic fold APD ................. afferent pupillary defect
AF .................... atrial fibrillation APMPPE ......... Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid
AFB ................. acid fast bacilli Pigment Epitheliopathy
AFD ................. anode film distance APMS .............. Acute Pain Management Service
AFDC ............... aid to Familes with dependent children approx .............. approximately
afeb .................. afebrile appt. ................ appointment
AFM ................. after fatty meal aPTT ................ activated partial thromboplastin time
AFP ................. alpha-fetoprotein APUD .............. amine precursor uptake and
AG ................... albumin to globulin ration, argon green decarboxylation
laser aq .................... water
AGA ................. adequate for gestational age aq dist .............. distilled water
AR ................... allergic rhinitis, auto-refraction
ARC ................. AIDS Related Complex BCNSP ............ Board Certified Nutritional Support
ARDS .............. acute respiratory distress syndrome Pharmacist
ARF ................. acute renal failure BCNU .............. Carmustine
ARMD .............. age related macular degene-ration BCP ................. birth control pills
AROM .............. active range of motion BCPS .............. Board Certified Pharmacotherapy
ART ................. automated Reagin test, arterial Specialist
arr .................... arrive BCSW ............. Board Certified Social Worker
ARRS .............. American Roentgen Ray Society BD ................... below diaphragm
ARRT ............... American Registry of Radiologic BDR ................. background diabetic retino-pathy
Technologists BE ................... barium enema, base excess, below knee
ARS ................. American Radium Society BEE ................. Basal Energy Expenditure
art line .............. arterial line BF .................... black female
arwy ................. airway BFP ................. Biophysical Profile
AS ................... aortic stenosis, left ear (auris sinistra), BG ................... blood glucose
anterior segment BIPAP .............. Biphasic Positive Airway Pressure
ASAP .............. as soon as possible bicarb ............... bicarbonate
ASC ................. anterior subcapsular cataract BICU ................ burn intensive care unit
A-scan ............. A-scan ultrasound bid .................... twice daily
ASCVD ............ arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease bilat .................. bilateral
ASD ................. atrial septal defect bili .................... bilirubin
ASH ................. atrial septal hypertrophy BK ................... below the knee
ASHD .............. arteriosclerotic heart disease BKA ................. below the knee amputation
as tol ................ as tolerated Blasto .............. blastomycosis
ASO ................. antistreptolysin O bldg .................. bleeding, building
ASRT ............... American Society of Radiolo-gic BLE ................. both lower extremities
Technologists Bleph ............... blepharoplasty
AST ................. aspartate amino-transaminase BLS ................. Basic Life Support
Astig ................ astigmatism BM ................... black male, bone marrow, bilateral
ATH .................. adenotonsillar hypertrophy tympanic membranes, bowel movement
ATN .................. acute tubular necrosis bmd ................. bone mineral density
ATPS ............... Ambient, Temp and Pressure Saturated BMP ................ Basic Metabolic Panel
atr fib ................ atrial fibrillation BMR ................ basal metabolic rate
AUR ................. acute urinary retention, Association of BMRR .............. bilaterial medical rectus recession
University Radiologist BMT ................. bone marrow transplant
aux ................... auxiliary BMTT ............... bilateral myringotomy & tympanostomy
AV .................... arterioventricular, arteriovenous ration tube placement
avg ................... average BNC ................. bladder neck contracture
AVM ................. arteriovenous malformation BNI ................... bladder neck incision
AV node ........... atrioventricular node BNO ................. bladder neck obstruction
BOM ................ bilateral otitis media
BOO ................ bladder outlet obstruction
BOT ................. base of tongue
B BOW ................ bag of water
BPD ................. bronchopulmonary dysplasia, Bipolar
Ba .................... barium Disorder
bact ................. bacteria BP ................... blood pressure
BAL ................. bronchoscopy and lavage BPH ................. benign prostatic hypertrophy
baso ................. basophil bpm ................. beats per minute
BaS04 .............. barium sulphate BPRS .............. brief psychiatric rating scale
Ba. Swallow ..... barium swallow BR ................... bed rest
BBB ................. bundle branch block brat .................. banana, rice cereal, apple sauce and tea
BBFF ............... both bone forearm fracture BRB ................. bright red blood
BBT ................. basal body temperature BRBPR ............ bright red blood per rectum
BBS ................. bilateral breath sounds BRM ................ biological response modifier
BC ................... blood culture, Blue Cross, bedside BRP ................. bathroom privileges
commode BRVO .............. brance retinal vein occlu-sion
BCAA .............. branch chained amino acids BS ................... bowel sounds, bedside breath sounds,
BCC ................. basal cell carcinoma blood sugar
BCD ................. Board Certified Diplomate B-Scan ............. b-Scan ultrasound
BCG ................. bacilli Calmette-Guerin vaccine BSA ................. body surface area
BCLS ............... Basic Cardiac Life Support BSO ................. bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
BCNP .............. Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacist BSOM .............. bilateral serous otitis media
BSO ................. bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy cerv .................. cervical
BSOM .............. bilateral serous otitis media CETN ............... Certified Enterostomal Therapy Nurse
BSP ................. bromosulphthalein CF .................... cystic fibrosis, count fingers
BSS ................. balanced salt solution ch .................... chronic
BTFS ............... breast tumor frozen section CHD ................. coronary heart disease
BTL .................. Bilateral Tubal Ligation chem ................ chemistry
BTPS ............... Body Temp and Pressure Saturated CHF ................. congestive heart failure
BUN ................. blood urea nitrogen chg ................... change
BUS ................. Bartholin, urethral, and Skene’s glands CHL ................. conductive hearing loss
Bw or Bt.Wt. .... birth weight CHO ................. carbohydrate
BW .................. body weight chol .................. cholesterol
Bx .................... biopsy Chorio .............. chorioamionitis
CHPX ............... chickenpox
chr ................... chronic
CHTN ............... chronic hypertension
CI ..................... cardiac index
C CIC ................... clean intermittent catheterization
CIDC ................ Chronically Ill and Disabled Children
CIRC ................ circumcision
c ...................... with CIS ................... carcinoma in-situ
C ...................... centigrade, concentration ck .................... check, creatine kinase
C & F ............... cell and flare cl ..................... chloride,clearanc-e, contact lens
C & S ............... culture and sensitivity CLL .................. chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Ca+ .................. calcium CLSH ............... Central Louisiana State Hospital
CaO2 ............... oxygen content of arterial blood cm ................... centimeter,costal margin
CA ................... carcinoma CMC ................ carpometacarpal
CABG .............. coronary artery bypass graft CME ................ cystoid macular edema
CaCl2 ............... calcium chloride CMG ................ cystometrogram
CAD ................. coronary artery disease CML ................. chronic myelogenous leukemia
CAH ................. congenital adrenal hyperplasia CMP ................ Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Cal ................... kilocalorie calories, calcium CMS ................ Central Medical Supply
CAmP .............. cyclic AMP CMV ................ cytomegalovirus
CAP ................. Cancer of the prostate, capsule CNS ................. central nervous system
CAPD .............. continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis CNI, CNII, etc. .. cranial nerve I,II, etc.
CAR ................. Cardiology CNT ................. continuous n
carb ................. carbohydrate c/o ................... complaining of
cat ................... cataract c/w ................... consistent with
cath ................. catheter, catheterization, catheterized Co .................... cobalt,cardiac output
CB ................... ciliary body COA ................. Council on Aging
CBB ................. ciliary body band COAG .............. chronic open angle glaucoma
CBC ................. complete blood count coccidio ........... coccidioidomycosis
CBD ................. common bile duct CODF .............. continuous oral/duodenal feeding
CBG ................. corticosteroid binding globulin, capillary COGF .............. continuous oral/gastral feeding
blood gas COHb ............... carboxyhemoglobin
CCA ................. calcium channel antagonist COLD ............... chronic obstructive lung disease
CCB ................. calcium channel blocker colpo ................ colposcopy
CCC ................. Comprehensive Care Clinic comp ................ compound
CCE ................. clubbing, cyanosis, edema conc ................. concentrate
CCL ................. Cardiac Cath Lab conf .................. conference
CCMS .............. clear catch midstream conj .................. conjunctiva
CCPD .............. continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis cont ................. continued, continuous
CCRN .............. certified critical care nurse COPD .............. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
CCU ................. coronary care unit CO2 ................. carbon dioxide
C/D .................. cup to disc ratio CP ................... chest pain, cerebral palsy
CDC ................. Center for Disease Control C & P ............... cystoscopy & pyelogram
CD & L Spine ... cervical, dorsal and lumbar spine CPA ................. costophrenic angle; Child Protection
CDE ................. Certified Diabetes Educator Agency
CDU ................. chemical dependency unit CPAP ............... continuous positive airway pressure
Cdyn ................ Dynamic Compliance CPC ................. clinicopathologic conference
CE ................... continuing education CPD ................. cephalopelvic disproportion
CEA ................. carcinoembryonic antigen CPK ................. creatine phosphokinase
CEO ................. chief executive officer CPL ................. Cariopulmonary
CPNP .............. certified pediatric nurse practioner DABR .............. Diplomate of American Board of Radiology
CPP ................. cryopoor plasma DBP ................. diastolic blood pressure
CPR ................. cardiopulmonary resuscitation DCC ................. direct current cardioversion
CPS ................. Child Protective Services, Chronic DCE ................. double contrast enema
Paronoid Schizophrenia DCF ................. Family and Children Services
CPT ................. chest physiotherapy DCR ................. dacryocystorhinostomy
C1,C2,etc. ....... first, second, etc. cervical vertebra ddl .................... didanosine
CR ................... cardiorespiratory, cycloplegic refraction, D & D ............... diarrhea and dehydration
chromium, creatinine DDD ................. degenerative disc disease
CRAO .............. central retinal artery occl-usion dec ................... decubitus
creat ................ creatinine decel ................ deceleration
CRF ................. chronic renal failure, corticotropin decr ................. decreased
releasing factor del .................... delivery, delivered
CRH ................. corticotropin releasing hormone Dep .................. depressed
CRI ................... chronic renal insufficiency Derm ................ dermatology, dermatitis
CRNA .............. certified registered nurse anesthetist DES ................. dry eye syndrome
CRNP .............. certified registered nurse practitioner dev ................... deviation
CRRT ............... continuous renal replacement therapy DFE ................. dilated fundus exam
CRT ................. certified respiratory therapist d.h. .................. dermatitis herpetiformis
CRTE ............... Certified Respiratory Therapist, Eligible DHT ................. dihydrotestosterone
CRVO .............. central retinal vein occlusion DI ..................... direct/indirect, diabetes insipidus
cryo ................. cryosurgery;cryoprecipitate DIC ................... disseminated intravascular coagulation
Cs .................... cesium,central supply; Christian Services, diam ................. diameter
culture & sensitivity conjuctiva and scle-ra diff .................... differential
C-Sect ............. cesarean section Dil .................... dilate
CSF ................. cerebrospinal fluid, colony-stimulating Dils .................. dilutions
factor DIP ................... distal interphalangeal
CSME .............. clinically significant macular edema dis .................... disease
Cst ................... Static Compliance Disp ................. disposition
CT .................... computer tomography, chest tube,count, Dist .................. distance
calcitonin DJD .................. degenerative joint disease
CTA .................. clear to auscultation DKA ................. diabetic ketoacidosis
CTB ................. ceased to breathe D/L ................... dislocation, direct larynogoscopy
ctx ................... cervical traction dL .................... deciliter
ctxn ................. contractions DLCO ............... diffusing capacity of lung for carbon
CTZ .................. chemoreceptor trigger zone monoxide
cult ................... culture DLE ................. discoid lupus erythematosus
CV ................... cerebrovascular, cardiovascular dlnmp ............... date last normal menstrual period
CVA ................. cerebrovascular accident, costo-vertebral DM ................... diabetes mellitus
angle DMARD ............ disease modifying antirheumatic drug
CVAT ................ costovertebral angle tenderness DME ................ Durable Medical Equipment, diabetic
CVL ................. central venous line macular edema
CVP ................. central venous pressure DNKA .............. did not keep appointment
CVS ................. chorionic villus sampling DNA ................. deoxyribonucleic acid
CVVH .............. continuous venovenous hemofilt-ration DNR ................. do not resuscitate
CVVHD ............ continuous venovenous hemo-filtration DO ................... Doctor of Osteopathy
dialysis DO2 ................. Oxygen Delivery
CVVHDF .......... continuous venovenous hemofiltration with DOA ................. dead on arrival date of admission
dialysis and ultra-filtration DOB ................. date of birth
CWS ................ continuous wall suction DOC ................. deoxycorticosterone
Cx .................... cervix DOE ................. dyspnea on exertion
CXR ................. chest x-ray doz ................... dozen
cyclo ................ cyclogel DPA ................. dual-photon absorptiometry; Discharge
Cyro ................. cryothera-py Planning Assessment
Cysto ............... cystoscopy/cystoscopic DPI ................... Dry Power Inhaler
DPL ................. diagnostic peritoneal lavage
D & Q .............. deep and quiet
dr ..................... dram
D drng ................. drainage
DRE ................. Digital Rectal Exam
D ...................... Distance, dose DRG ................. diagnostic-related group
DBE ................. Diabetic Education DRSG .............. dressing
DSE ................. Detrusor-sphincter ELISA .............. enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
DSST ............... Dyssynergia Denervation Supersensitivity elix ................... elixir
test ELSH ............... East Louisiana State Hospital
DT .................... delirium tremens EM ................... ejection murmur, electromotive
DTAD ............... Drain tube adapter device EMB ................ endometrial biopsy
DTR ................. deep tendon reflexes EMF ................. electromotive force
DU ................... duodenal ulcer EMG ................ electromyogram
DUB ................. dysfunctional uterine bleeding EMS ................ Emergency Medical Services
D & V ............... diarrhea and vomiting EMT ................. Emergency Medical Technician
DVT ................. deep vein thrombosis END ................. endoscopy
d/w ................... dextrose in water ENG ................. electronystagmography
dx .................... diagnosis ENOG .............. electroneurography
dxt ................... dextrostick ENT ................. ears, nose and throat
D1ONS ............ 10% dextrose in normal saline ENUC .............. enucleation
D3 .................... distal third EOG ................ electra-oculogram
D5NS ............... 5% dextrose in normal saline EOM ................ extraocular movement
D5W ................ 5% dextrose in normal water EOMI ............... extraocular movements (or muscles)
intact
EOG ................ —electro-oculogram
EOM ................ extraocular movement
EPA ................. erect posteroanterior
E EPAP ............... Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure
Epith ................ epithelium
E ...................... extubation, erythema, esophoria, EPO ................. erythropoietin
eosinophils EPS ................. extrapyramidal symptoms
E’ ..................... esophoria at near ER ................... emergency room
ea .................... each ERCP .............. endoscopic retrograde
EAC ................. external auditory canal, E.A. Conway cholangiopancreatography
Hospital ERG ................. electroretinogram
EAM ................ external auditory meatus ERM ................ epiretinal membrane
EB ................... epidermolysis bullosa, epidermolysis ERT ................. estrogen replacement therapy
bullosa acquisita ERV ................. expiratory reserve volume
EBL ................. estimated blood loss ESLD ............... end stage liver disease
EBV ................. Epstein-Barr virus ESM ................ exudative senile maculopathy
EC ................... enteric-coated Esoph .............. esophagus
ECC ................. Emergency Care Center ESR ................. erythrocyte sedimentation rate
ECCE .............. extracapsular cataract extraction ESRD .............. end stage renal disease
ECF ................. extend care facility EST ................. electroshock therapy
ECG ................. electrocardiogram ESU ................. electrostatic unit
ECH ................. Echocardiogr-aphy ESWL .............. extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
echo ................. echocardiogram ET .................... esotropia, endotrache-al,
ECHOV ............ enterocytopathogenic human orphan virus E (T) ................. intermittent esot-ropia
ECMO .............. extracorproreal membrane oxygenation E/T ................... Evaluation and Treatment
ECS ................. extracapsular spread ETCO2 ............. end tidal carbon dioxide
ECT ................. electroconvulsive therapy ETD ................. eustachian tube dysfunction
ED ................... emergency department ETDRS ............. early treatment diabetic retinopathy study
EDC ................. estimated date of confinement etc ................... and so forth
EDVI ................ end diastolic volume index etio ................... etiology
EEG ................. electroencephalogram Etoh ................. ethanol
EENT ............... eyes, ears, nose and throat ETOH ............... alcohol
EEP ................. end expiratory pressure ETT .................. endotracheal tube, Enterstomal Therapy
EF .................... ejection fraction EVAP ............... electrovaporization of prostate
EFAD ............... essential fatty acid deficiency EU ................... Excretory Urogram
EFW ................ estimated fetal weight EUA ................. examination under anesthesia
e.g. .................. for example ex. ................... excision,exercise
EGA ................. estimated gestational age exam ................ examination
EGD ................. esophagogastroduodenoscopy exp ................... expiration
EHC ................. Employee Health Clin-ic exp. lap. .......... exploratory laparotomy
EKC ................. epidemic keratoconjunctivitis ext ................... extract, extension, external exam
EKG ................. electrocardiogram extr .................. extremity
elev .................. elevation Ex’=Ex=0 ......... Orthophoria (near=far)
ELF .................. elective low forceps Ext. Rot ........... external rotation
FUB ................. functional uterine bleeding
F FUO ................. fever, unknown origin
FVC ................. forced vital capacity; false vocal chord
f ....................... frequency FWB ................ full weight bearing
F ...................... Fahrenheit Fx .................... fracture
FA .................... fluorescein angiogram 5FV .................. 5-fluorouricil
FACR ............... Fellow of the American College of
Radiology
FAM ................. Family Medicine
FB .................... foreign body, finger-breadth, fibroptic G
bronchoscopy, followed by
FBI ................... Federal Bureau of Investigation G ..................... Gravida,gram
FBS ................. fasting blood sugar GAD ................. generalized anxiety disorder
FC .................... foley catheter, finger count GB ................... gallbladder
FCC ................. Faculty Care Clin-ic GB Series ........ gallbladder series
F & D ............... fixed and dilated GC ................... gonorrhea, gonococcus
FDA ................. Food & Drug Administration GCS ................. Glasgow Coma Score
FDP ................. fibrin degradation products GCT ................. giant cell tumor
FDV ................. full duction and versions G ..................... gastroesophageal, gastroenterology
Fe .................... iron gen ................... general
FEF ................. florced expiratory flow GERD .............. gastroesophageal reflux disease
Feb .................. febrile Gest ................. gestation
FEM-POP ........ femoral-popliteal GFR ................. glomerular filtration rate
FeSO4 ............. ferrous sulfate GGT ................. gamma glutamyl transferase
FEV1 ............... forced expiratory volume in one second GGTP .............. gamma glutamyl transpeptidase
FF .................... filtration fraction, fat free GH ................... growth hormone
FFA .................. free fatty acids GI ..................... gastrointestinal
FFD ................. focal film distance GI Series ......... gastrointestinal tract study
FFP ................. fresh frozen plasma glob .................. globulin
FH .................... fundal height, family history glu .................... glucose
Fhb .................. fetal hemoglobin gm ................... gram
FHR ................. fetal heart rate GN ................... glomerulonephritis, graduate nurse
FHS ................. fetal heart sound Gonio ............... gonioscopy
FHT .................. fetal heart tone G1,G2 .............. primigravida, secundigravida
Fhx .................. family history GP ................... General Practitioner
FIF ................... forced inspiratory flow G-P-Ab ............. Gravida-para-abortus
FIGO ................ International Federation of Gynecology g ...................... grain
and Obstetrics GRH ................. growth releasing hormone
FiO2 ................. fraction of inspired oxygen GravI ................ primigravida
fl ....................... fluid GravII ................ secundigravida
fl dr ................... fluid dram GSW ................ gunshot wound
fl oz .................. fluid ounce GT .................... gastric tube
Flex ................. flexion GTM ................. Gynecology Tumor
FM ................... fetal movements, face mask gtt .................... drops
FME ................. focal macular edema GTT .................. glucose tolerance test
FML ................. focal macular laser GU ................... genitourinary
FNS ................. Food and Nutritional Services GVF ................. Goldmann visual fields
FOB ................. fiber optic bronchoscopy GVH ................. graft versus host (reaction)
FOB ................. fecal occult blood test GVHD .............. graft versus host disease
FOC ................. fronto-occipital circumference GVL ................. graft versus leukemia
FOM ................ floor of mouth, full ocular motility GYN ................. Gynecology
G6PD ............... Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
FPC ................. Family Practice Clinic Family Planning
G6PH ............... glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
Clinic
FRC ................. functional residual capacity
FS .................... Food Stamps, focal spot
FSH ................. follicle stimulating hormone
FTA .................. fluorescent treponemal antibody
H
FTHE ............... foveal threatening hard exudates h ...................... height, heart
FTN .................. finger-to-nose H & D ............... characteristic curve of film
Ftr .................... Father HA ................... hearing aide,headache hydroxapatite
FTT .................. failure to thrive implants
F/U ................... follow-up HA .1% ............ hematropine 0.1%
HAA ................. hepatitis associated antigen HSA ................. human serum albumin
hal .................... hallucinations HSC ................. hysteroscopy
HAL ................. hyper-alimentation HSG ................. hysterosalpingogram
H&P ................. history and physical HSM ................ hepatosplenomegaly
HAV ................. Hepatitis A virus HSN ................. Hansen Street Nail
Hb, Hgb ............ hemoglobin HSV ................. herpes simplex virus
HBIG ................ Hepatitis B immune globulin HSW ................ Hospital Social Worker
HBP ................. high blood pressure ht ..................... height,Hubbard Tub
HbsAg .............. hepatitis B surface antigen HTLV-III ............. human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III
HBV ................. Hepatitis B virus HTN ................. hypertensive, hypertension
HC ................... head circumference, hydrocortisone, HVF ................. Humphrey visual vields
home care HVUF ............... high volume ultra-filtration
HCG ................. Human chorionic gonadotropin hx .................... history
HCIG ................ Home Care Instructions Given HVL ................. half value layer
HCO3 ............... bicarbonate HZ .................... herpes zoster
Hct ................... hematocrit HZV ................. herpes zoster virus
HCV ................. Hepatitis C virus H2O ................. water
HCVD .............. hypertensive Cardiovascular disease
HD ................... Hodgkin’s Disease, hemodialysis
HD ................... high density lipoprotein I
H&E ................. hematoxylin & eosin, hemorrhage and
exudate I ....................... intubation, iodine, iris
HEENT ............. head, eyes, ears, nose, throat I&D ................... incision & drainage
heme ................ hemorrhage I & A ................. irrigation and aspiration-
hemi ................. one side of the body I&O .................. intake & output
Hemopt ............ hemoptysis IABP ................ intra-aortic balloon pump
HEPA ............... high-efficiency particular air IACR ................ Inter American College of Radi-ology
Hep-lock .......... heparin lock IBD ................... inflammatory bowel disease
HF .................... heart failure IBW ................. ideal body weight
HFJC ................ high frequency jet ventilation ICBG ................ iliac crest bone graft
HFO ................. high frequency oscillator ICCE ................ intraocular cataract extraction
Hg .................... mercury ICD-9-CM ......... In-ternational Classification of Diseases,
hgb ................... hemoglobin 9th Edition, Clinical Modification
HGH ................. human growth hormone ICF ................... intermediate care facility
HH ................... hiatal hernia; Home Health ICF-I ................. insulin-like growth factor I (somatomedin
HHC ................. Household Composition C)
HHN ................. hand held nebulizer ICF-II ................ insulin-like growth factor II (somatomedin
H&H ................. Hemoglobin & hematocr-it A)
H/I .................... homicidal ideation ICH ................... intracranial hemorrhage
HIAA ................ hydroxy indoleacetic ICP ................... intracranial pressure
5HIAA .............. 5 hydroxy indoleacetic ICR ................... International Commission on Radiation
Hib ................... hemophilus influenza type B Units and Measurements
Histo ................ histoplasmosis ICS ................... intercostal space
HIV ................... human immunodeficiency virus ICU ................... intensive care unit
HJR .................. hepatojugular reflux I.D. ................... Infectious Diseases
HL .................... heplock; hearling loss I & D ................ incision and drainage
HLA ................. human leukocyte antigen IDDM ................ insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
HM ................... hand motion IDL ................... intermediate density lipoprotein, indirect
HMD ................ hyaline membrane disease laryngoscopy
HMG-CoA ........ hydrosymethylglutaryl-COA IDNP ................ indirect nasopharyngoscopy
HNP ................. herniated nuclease pulposus IDV ................... intermittent demand ventilation
HO ................... history of, house officer IEP ................... immunoelectrophoresis
HOB ................. head of bed Ig ..................... immunoglobulin
HP ................... hot packs IgG ................... Immunoglobulin G
HPA ................. hypothalamic-pituitary axis IHD ................... ischemic heart disease
hpf .................... high power field IICP .................. increased intracranial pressure
HP ................... history of present illness IJ ...................... internal jugular
HPL ................. human placental lactogen IM .................... intramuscular
hr ..................... hour, heart rate IMP .................. impression
HRC ................. high resk characteristics IMV .................. intermittent mandatory ventilation
HRT ................. hormone replacement therapy In ..................... indium
h.s. .................. at bedtime; hour of sleep IncAb ............... incomplete abortion
Incr ................... increased KG ................... kilogram
INF ................... interferon KJ .................... knee jerk
Inj ..................... injection k ...................... kilometer
Inorg Phos ....... inorganic phosphorus KKK ................. cold knife conization
INR ................... international normalized ratio KP ................... keratic precipitates
INS ................... insurance, inspiration KP04 ................ potassium phosphate
Instr. ................. instructions KR ................... krypton laser
insuff ................ insufficient K-sicca ............ keratoconjunctivitis sicca
int .................... inter-nal 17KS ................ 17 ketosteroid
Int Med ............. internal medicine KUB ................. kidney, ureter, bladder
IO ..................... inferior oblique Kv .................... kilovolt
IOL ................... intraocular lens KVP ................. kilovolts peak
I & O ................ intake and output KVO ................. keep vein open
IOP .................. intraocular pressure
IOT ................... intraocular tension
IP ..................... inpatient, interphalangeal, intraperitoneal L
IPAP ................ Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure
IPG .................. impedance plethysmography L ...................... liter, lower, left
IPN ................... interstitial pneumonia LA .................... left atri-um, left arm, lymphadenopathy
IPPB ................ intermittent positive Pressure breathing L & A ................ light and accommodation
IQ ..................... intelligence quotient
L & D ............... Labor and Delivery
IR ..................... inferior rectus, internal rotation
lab .................... laboratory
IRMA ................ intraretinal microvascular anomaly
lac .................... laceration
IROU ................ inferior rectus OU (both eyes)
LAD ................. left axis deviation
IRP ................... incus replacement prothesis
LADC ............... left anterior descending coronary
IRV ................... inspiratory reserve volume
LAE ................. left atrial enlargement
ISA ................... intrinsic sympathomimetic activity
LAL .................. left atrial line
ISC ................... intercostal space
LAO ................. left anterior oblique
ISH ................... solated systolic hypertension
LAP ................. leukocyte alkaline phosphatase,
ISMN ................ isosorbide mononitrate
laporatory
ISOL ................ isolation
lat .................... lateral,Latisimus dorsi
IT ..................... industrial therapy
LAVH ............... laparoscopic assisted vaginal
ITP ................... idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura
hysterectomy
IUD ................... intrauterine device
lb ..................... pound
IUFD ................ intrauterine fetal demise
LBBB ............... left bundle branch block
IUGR ................ intrauterine growth retardation
LBP ................. low back pain
IUP ................... intrauterine pregnancy
LBW ................ low birth weight
IUPM ................ intrauterine pressure monitor
LC .................... living children
IV ..................... intravenous
LCAT ................ lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase
IVC ................... inspiratory vital capacity, inferior vena
LCL .................. lateral collateral ligament of knee
cava, intravenous cholangiogram
LCM ................. left costal margin
IVDA ................ intravenous drug abuse
LD .................... lethal dose
IVF ................... intravenous fluids
LDH ................. lactic dehydrogenase
LDL .................. low density lipoprotein
J LDN ................. Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist
J....................... juice L-EMG ............. laryngeal electromyography
JODM .............. juvenile onset diabetes mellitus LE .................... lupus erythematosus, lower extremity
JP .................... Jackson-Pratt LES ................. lower esophageal sphincter
Jr ..................... junior LET .................. left esotropia
JRA .................. juvenile rheumatoid arthritis LFA .................. left fronto transverse*
Juv ................... juvenile LFP .................. left fronto posterior*
JVD .................. jugular venous distention LFT .................. left fronto transverse*liver function tests
JVP .................. jugular venous pressure lg ..................... large
LGA ................. large for gestational age
LH .................... luteinizing hormone
K LHC ................. left heart catheterization
K ...................... cornea LHRH ............... luteinizing hormone releasing hormone
K+ .................... potassium LHT .................. left hypertrop-ia
KA ................... keratoacanthoma LH(T) ................ intermittent left hypertropia
kcal .................. kilocalorie Li— .................. lithium
KCL ................. potassium chloride LIH ................... left inguinal hernia
Kel ................... elimination rate constant liq ..................... liquid
LIS ................... left interspace MAR ................ medication administration record
LKS ................. liver, kidneys, spleen MAS ................ meconium aspiration syndrome,
L/L ................... lids and lashes millampere seconds
LLE .................. left lower extremity MATS ............... Military Air Transport Service
LLL ................... left lower lobe, left lower lid max ................. maximum
LLQ .................. left lower quadrant mc ................... millicurie
LLSB ................ left lower sternal border MCD ................ Medicine Cardiac Clinic
LLWC ............... long leg walking cast mcg or ug ........ micrograms
LMA ................. left mentoanterior MCH ................ mean corpuscular hemoglobin
LMD ................. last/local medical doctor MCHC .............. mean corpuscular hemoglobin
LML ................. left mediolateral concentration
LMP ................. last menstrual period MCL ................. mid-clavicular line
LMT ................. left mentotransverse* MCP ................ metacarpophalangeal
LN .................... lymph node MC ................... medium chain triglyceride
LNMP .............. last normal menstrual period MCV ................ mean corpuscular volume
LOA ................. left occiput anterior* MD ................... medical doctor, Murphy Drip
LOC ................. loss of consciousness MDA ................ Muscular Dystrophy Association
LOP ................. left occiput posterior* MDI .................. metered dose inhaler
Lord ................. lordotic MDB ................ Medicine Diabetes Clin-ic
LOS ................. length of stay MDE ................ Major Depressive Episode
LOT .................. left occiput transverse* MDI .................. metered dose inhaler
lp ..................... light perception, lumbar puncture, lichen MDR ................ Medicine Dermatology Clinic
planus mech ................ mechanical
Lp(a) ................ lipoprotein a Mev .................. million electron volts
LP & P ............. light perception and project-ion MED ................ medication, medical, Medicine
LPF .................. low power field MEFR .............. maximum expiratory flow rate
LPL .................. lipoprotein lipase MEN ................ multiple endo-crine neoplasia, Medicine
LPN ................. licensed practical nurse Endocrinology
LPO ................. left posterior oblique mEq ................. milliequivalent
LPT .................. licensed physical therapist mEq/L .............. milliequivalent per liter
LR .................... lactated ringers, lateral rectus MetHb .............. meth hemoglobin
LRT .................. Licensed Respiratory Technician MFB ................. metallic foreign body
LS .................... lumbosacral mg ................... milligram
L/S ratio ........... lecithin to sphingomyelin ratio MG ................... Magnesium Marcus-Gunn response
LSA ................. left sacrum anterior*, lichen sclerosus et MGE ................ Medicine Gastroenterology
atrophieus MGP ................ Marcus Gunn Pupil
LSC ................. laparoscopy MHB ................ maximum hospital benefit
LSD ................. lysergic acid diethylamide MHC ................ Mental Health Clinic, major
LSO ................. left salpingo-oophorectomy histocompatibility complex, Mental Health
LSP ................. left sacrum posterior* Center
LST .................. left sacrum transverse* MHM ................ Medicine Hematology
LSUHSC .......... Louisiana State University Health MI .................... myocardial infarction, mitral insufficiency
Sciences Center MIC .................. minimum inhibitory concentration
lt ...................... left micro ................ microcytosis
LTCF ................ long term care facility MIC. ................. medical intensive care unit
LTR .................. laryngotracheal reconstruction min ................... minimum
LUE ................. left upper extremity ml .................... milliliter
LUL .................. left upper lobe, left lower lid ML ................... midline,microlaryngoscopy
LUQ ................. left upper quadrant MLEpis ............ midline episiotomy
MM .................. multiple myeloma
mm .................. millimeter
M mM .................. millimolar
mm/hr .............. millimeters per hour
m ..................... murmur MM-C ............... mitomycin-C
M ..................... meter, manifest refraction MMEFR ........... maximal midexpiratory flow rate
MA ................... millamperes mmr ................. cardiac murmur
MAA ................ macro-aggregate albumin MMRI ............... Minnesota Multiphasic Personality
mac ................. macular, midarm circumference Inventory
MAM ................ midarm muscle circumference MMR ................ measles, mumps and rubella
MAO ................ monamine oxidase MMS ................ moler micrographic surgery
MAP ................ mean arterial pressure; Medical MMT ................ manual muscle test
Assistance Program M & N .............. mydriacyl and neosynephrine
MN ................... midnight NED ................. no evidence of disease
MNP ................ Medicine Nephrology neg ................... negative
mod ................. moderate NEO ................. neosynephrine
MOE ................ malignant otitis externa NEU ................. neurology, neurologic
mono ................ monocyte NGT ................. nasogastric tube
MP ................... metacarpophalangeal NH ................... Nursing Home
MPC ................ maximum permissible concentr-ation NHL ................. Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
MPD ................ maximum permissible dose NHP ................. Nursing Home Placement
MPV ................ mean platelet volume NI ..................... no improvement
m/r/g ................ murmur/rub/gallop NIA ................... niacin,niacinamide
MR ................... medical rectus NICU ................ Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
MRH ................ Medicine Rheuma-tology NIDDM ............. non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
MRI .................. magnetic resonance imaging NIF ................... negative inspiratory force
MRM ................ modified radical mastoidectomy NIP ................... negative inspiratory pressure
MRND .............. modified radical neck dissection N/K Table ......... quadriceps
MROU .............. medial rectus OU(both eyes) NKA ................. no known allergies
MRSA .............. methicillin resistant staph aureus NKDA .............. no known drug allergies
MS ................... musculoskeletal, multiple sclerosis, nl ..................... normal
medical student NLP ................. no light perception
MSAFP ............ maternal serum alpha feto protein NM ................... neuromuscular, nanometer
MSE ................ mental status exam NMI .................. no middle initial
MSL ................. midsternal line NNP ................. neonatal nurse practioner
MSW ............... Master’s of Social Work noct ................. night
M.T. ................. medical technologist NMSC .............. non-melanoma skin cancer
MTD ................. maximum tolerated dose Norepi .............. norepinephrine
MTP ................. metatarsophalangeal NOS ................. not otherwise specified
Mtr ................... Mother NP ................... neuropsychiatry nurse practitioner
MTX ................. Medicine Toxicology NPA ................. no previous admission
MUD ................ matched unrelated donor NPC ................. nasopharyngeal carcinoma, non-
MUGA .............. multiple gated acquisition productive cough, near point of convergene
MV ................... minute ventilation NPC@N ........... near point of convrgence to nose
mva .................. motor vehicle accident NPH ................. neutral protamine hagedorn
MVI .................. multivitamin NPN ................. nonprotein nitrogen
MVR ................ mitral valve replacement NPO ................. nothing by mouth
MVV ................ maximum voluntary ventilation NPS ................. nasopharyngoscopy
mx ................... maxilla NP & T ............. nasopharynx and throat
myelo ............... myelocyte NR ................... nonreactive
m/3 .................. middle third NRBC .............. nucleated red blood cell
NRI ................... nutritional risk index
NS ................... nuclear sclerosis normal saline
N NSA ................. no significant abnormality
NSAIDS ........... nonsteroidal antiflammatory drug
N ...................... nitrogen NSC ................. nuclear sclerotic cataract
N&V ................. nausea & vomiting NSD ................. normal spontaneous delivery
Na .................... sodium NSR ................. normal sinus rhythm; nasal spetal
NA ................... Nursing Assistant, narrow angle, no reconstruction
answer NSS ................. Nephrology Surgery Service, normal saline
Na Window ...... nasal antral window solution
NAAC .............. No Apparent Anesthesia Complications NST ................. non-stress test
NaCl ................. sodium chloride NSU ................. Neurosurgery Service
NAD ................. no acute distress NSVD .............. normal spontaneous vaginal delivery
NAG ................. narrow angle glaucoma NT/ND .............. non-distended/non-tender
NaK Glucose ... 3.5% glucose with 26 meg Na/liter, 25 NTS ................. nasotracheal suction
meg K/liter NV ................... neurovascular
NaHCO3 .......... sodium bicarbonate NVD ................. neovascularizaiton of the disc (optic nerve)
NAO ................. nasal airway obstruction nvd ................... neck venous distention, nausea, vomiting,
NB ................... newborn diarrhea
N/C .................. no complaints, non-contributory, nasal NVE ................. neovascularization elsewhere
cannula NVFCD ............ nausea, vomiting, fever, chills and diarrhea
NC/AT .............. normocephalic, atraumatic NWB ................ non-weight bearing
NCPAP ............ nasal CPAP NWRADAC ...... Northwest Regional Alcohol & Drug Abuse
NEC ................. necrotizing enterocolitis Center
O2 .................... oxygen
O O2Ct ................ oxygen content
O2 sat .............. oxygen saturation
O ..................... objective/observation
OA ................... occiput anterior osteoarthriti-s, observation
and assessment
OAD ................. other administrative discharge P
OB, OBG, ......... Obstetrics and Gynecology p ...................... after, pulse
OB/GYN P ...................... pain, para, pulse, percussion, plan,
obj .................... objective pressure
obl .................... oblique P 0 .1% ............ propine 0.1%
OBS ................. organic brain syndrome P1,P2 .............. primipara, secundipara
OCA ................. oral contraceptive agent P50 .................. P02 at 50% saturation
occ ................... occasional, occiput P&A ................. percussion and auscultation
OCD ................. obsessive-compulsive disorder P&T ................. peak and trough
OCG ................ oral cholecystogram PA .................... posteroanterio-r, physician’s assistant,
OCP ................. ova, cysts, parasites pulmonary artery,alveolar pressure,
OCS ................. Office of Community Service posterior anterior
OCT ................. oxytocin challenge test PAC ................. premature atrial contraction
OCTOR ............ on call to the operating room Pa0 .................. arterial oxygen tension
OE ................... otitis externa PA02 ................ alveolar oxygen tension
OFS ................. Office of Family Services PaC02 .............. arterial carbon dioxide tension
OH ................... Occupational Health PACO2 ............. alveolar carbon dioxide tension
OI ..................... oxygen index PACU ............... post anesthesia care unit
OKN ................. opokinetic nystagmus palp .................. palpable, palpations
17 OHCS ......... 17 hydroxycorticosteroids P.A.P. ............... Prostatic Acid Phosphatase
17 OHP ............ 17 hydroxy progesterone Pap .................. pananicoaou smear
OHTx ............... Orthotopic heart transplant para ................. paraplegic, paralysis
Para I ............... Primipara
OLTx ................ Orthotopic liver transplant
Para II .............. women with > 1 child
OM ................... otitis media
PAS ................. para-aminosalicylic acid, peripheral
OMH ................ Office of Mental Health
anterior aymechiae
OMR ................ Office of Mental Retardation
PAT .................. paroxysmal atrial tachycardia
ON ................... optic nerve,oral-nasal, optic nerve
path ................. pathology
OOB ................ out of bed
paw .................. airway pressure
op .................... outpatient, operation, occiput posterior, PAWP .............. pulmonary artery wedge pressure
operation, outpatient PBD ................. post burn day
OP/OC ............. oropharynx/oral cavity PBI ................... protein bound iodine
O & P .............. ova and parasites PBL ................. pre-term birth living child
OPC ................. Order for protective custody PBSCT ............. peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
OPD ................. Outpatient department PC ................... packed cells, post cast, pressure control
OPG ................ ocular plethysmography after meals, posterior chamber
OPS ................. outpatient surgery PCA ................. patient controlled analgesic
OPT ................. ophthalmology PCC ................. Primary Care Clin-ic
OPV ................. oral polio vaccine PCCG .............. perichondrial cutaneous graft
O.R. ................. operating room PCD ................. Pediatric Cardiac Clinic
Orient ............... oriented, orientation PCIOL .............. posterior chamber intraocul-ar lens
ORIF ................ open reduction/internal fixation PCH ................. Pediatric Chest Clinic
ORT ................. orthopaedic PCM ................ protein calorie malnutrition
os .................... mouth, left eye PCN ................. penicillin,
OSA ................. obstructive sleep apena PCO ................. polycystic ovarian disease, posterior
OSHA .............. Occupational Safety and Health capsule opacification
Administration PCO2 .............. partial pressure of carbon dioxide
OSU ................. Oral Surgery PCP ................. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia,
O.T. .................. occupational therapy phencyclidine
otc ................... over the counter PCT ................. porphyria cutanea tarda
OTO ................. Otolaryngology PCV ................. packed cell volume, polycythemia vera
OTT .................. orotracheal tube PCWP ............. pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
O.U. ................. each eye, both eyes PD ................... postural drainage, pharmocodynamics
PDA ................. patent ductus arteriosus
oz .................... ounce
PDR ................. Physician’s Desk Reference, proliferative
diabetic retinopathy PND ................. post nasal drainage, paroxysmal nocturnal
PE ................... physical examination, pulmonary dyspnea
embolism PNH ................. paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
PEC ................. physician’s emergency certificate,Pediatr- PNP ................. Pediatric Nephrolo-gy
ic Endocrine PNR ................. Pediatric Neurology
Ped .................. pediatric po .................... by mouth
PEEP .............. positive end expiratory pressure Post op ............ post operative
PEF ................. peak expiratory flow POA ................. pancreatic onofetal antigen
PEFR ............... peak expiratory flow rate POAG .............. primary open-angle glaucoma
PEG ................. pneumoencephalogram, Percutaneous POD ................. post operative day
endo-scopic gastrosto-my POI .................. post operative instructions
perf ................... perforations POL ................. premature onset of labor
P.E. tube .......... polyethylene tube polys ................ polymorphonuclear leukocytes
PERLA ............. pupils equal, reactive to light and pos ................... positive
accommodations poss ................. possible
PERRLA .......... pupils equal, round, reactive to light and Post. ................ posterior
accommodations post op ............. postoperative
PET ................. positron emission tomography; po2 ................... partial pressure of oxygen
........................ pressure equalization tube po4 ................... phosphate
pH .................... hydrogen ion concentration, acid/base POX ................. pulse oximetry
index PP ................... postpartum, pancreatic polypeptide, post-
PH ................... past history,pin hole prandial
PHEO .............. pheochromocytoma PPBG .............. postprandial blood glucose
pharm .............. pharmacy PPBP .............. postpartum blood pressure
PharmD ............ Doctor of Pharmacy ppd ................... packs per day
PHC ................. post hospital care PPD ................. purified protein derivative (tuberculin)
PHM ................ Pediatric Hematol-ogy PPDR .............. pre-proliferative sickle retinopathy
phos ................. phosphatase PPN ................. peripheral parenteral nutrition
PHP ................. phosphorus PPROM ........... preterm premature rupture of membranes
PHN ................. public health nurse PPS ................. postpartum sterilization
PHNI ................ pin hole not improved PPTL ................ postpartum tubal ligation
PHPV .............. perisistent hyperplastic primary vitreous PPV ................. pars plana vitrectomy
PHR ................. Pediatric High Risk pr ..................... per rectum, pityriasis rosea, photoentgen
PHU ................. public health unit PRA ................. panel-reactive antibody, plasma renin
P ...................... present illness, principal investigator, activity
performance improvement, peripheral PRBC .............. packed red blood cells
iridectomy PRE ................. progressive resistance exercise
PICU ................ pediatric intensive care unit preop ................ preoperative
PID ................... pelvic inflammatory disease prep ................. prepare
PIH ................... pregnancy induced hypertension PRL ................. prolactin
PIP ................... proximal interphalangeal, peak inspiratory prn ................... as often as necessary
pressure procto .............. proctoscopic
PIPP ................ premature infant pain profile Pro ................... protein
PIV ................... peripheral intravenous PRO ................. Peer Review Organization
PK ................... pharmacokineti-cs PROM .............. premature rupture of membranes, passive
PKP ................. penetrating keratoplasty range of motion
PKU ................. phenylketonuria PRP ................. pityriasis rubra pilaris, panretinal
PLEVA ............. prtyrias lichenordes et varoliformis photocoagulation
p.m. ................. afternoon PRVC .............. pressure regulated volume control
PMA ................ Pediatric Metabolic Assessment Ps .................... psoriasis,pressure support
PMB ................ post menopausal bleeding PSA ................. prostate specific antigen, Poly-Substance
PMD ................ private medical doctor, Pediatric Medicine Abuse
PMFF .............. paramedian forehead flap PSC ................. posterior subcapsular cataract
PM Flap ........... pectoralis major flap PSE ................. portal systemic encephalopathy
PMH ................ past medical history PSG ................. polysomnogram
PMI .................. point of maximum impulse past medical PSH ................. past surgical history
illness PSP ................. phenolsulfonphthalein
PMN ................ polymorphonuclear neutrophil PSO ................. polysporim ointment
PMP ................ previous menstrual period PSOM .............. persistent serous otitis media
PMR ................ physical medicine and rehabilitation PSP ................. phenolsulfonphthalein test
PMS ................ premenstrual syndrome PSR ................. proliferative sickle retino-pathy
PNC-E ............. postnecrotic cirrhosis - ethanol PSVT ............... paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
PSY ................. Psychiatry RAO ................. right anterior oblique
pt ..................... patient Raw ................. airway resis-tance
pt. ed. .............. patient education RBBB .............. right bundle branch block
P.T. ................... physical therapy, pharyngeal toilet RBC ................. red blood cells
(suction), RBCX ............... Red Blood Cell Exchange
PTA .................. prior to admission RBE ................. relative biologic effectiveness
PTCA ............... percutaneous transluminal coronary RCA ................. right coronary artery
angioplasty RCM ................ right costal margin
PTH ................. parathyroid hormone RD ................... retinal detachment
PTHrP .............. parathyroid hormone-related protein RDA ................. recommended daily allowance
P.T.L ................. pre-term labor RDP ................. random donor platelets
PT/PTT ............. prothrombin time/partial thromboplastin RDS ................. respiratory distress syndrome
time RDW ................ red cell distribution width
PUBS .............. percutaneous umbilical artery sampling re ..................... regarding, concerning
PU ................... pressure ulcer readm .............. readmission
PUD ................. peptic ulcer disease rec’d ................. received
Pulm ................ pulmonary REE ................. Resting Energy Expenditure
Pulv .................. powder ref .................... referred
PVC ................. premature ventricular contractions refrax ................ refraction
PVD ................. peripheral vascular disease, posterior reg. .................. regular
vitreous detachment REH ................. rehabilitation
PVOD .............. peripheral vascular occlusive disease REM ................ rapid eye movements, roentgen equivalent
PWB ................ partial weight bearing man
Pyelo ............... pyelonephritis rep ................... repeat
PVR ................. proliferative vitreoretinopathy req ................... request
PZI ................... protamine zinc insulin RES ................. reticuloendothelial system
p ...................... pulmonary second sound Resp. ............... respiration
p/3 ................... proximal third RET ................. right estropia
Retic ................ reticulocyte
RF .................... rheumatoid factor, renal failure, rheumatic
Q fever
RFA ................. right fronto anterior*
q ...................... every RFFF ............... radial forearm free flap
qam ................. every morning RFP ................. right fronto posterior*
qh .................... every hour RFT .................. right fronto transverse*
q2h,q3h ............ every 2 hours, every 3 hours RGP ................. retrograde pyelogram-
qid .................... four times a day Rh .................... Rhesus blood factor
QM ................... Quality Management RHD ................. rheumatic heart disease
QNS ................. quantity not sufficient RH ................... right heart failure
QL. ................... quality of life RHT ................. right hypertrop-ia
qpm ................. every evening RH (T) .............. intermittent right hype-rtrophia
qs .................... every shift, sufficient quantity Rh neg ............. Rhesus factor negative
qt ..................... quart Rh pos ............. Rhesus factor positive
quad ................. quadripegic, paralysis of all four RIA ................... radioimmunoassay
extremities RID ................... radial immune diffusion radio immune
qual .................. qualitative diffusion
quant ................ quantitative RIH ................... right inguinal hernia
RIS ................... radiology information system
RISA ................ radio-iodinated serum albumin
RHC ................. right heart catheterization
RK ................... radial keratomy
R RLE ................. right lower extremity
RLF .................. retrolental fibroplasia
R ...................... right,retinoscopy, roentgen- RLL .................. right lower lobe, rig-ht lower lid
R&M ................ routine & microscopic RLQ ................. right lower quadrant
R & R ............... recess-rese-ct RLR ................. right lateral rectus
RA ................... rheumatoid rthritis, right arm, right atrium, RMA ................ right mentoanterior*
room air RML ................. right middle lobe
RABG .............. room air blood gas RMP ................ right mentoposterior*
rad ................... radium, reactive airway disease,Radiolo-gy RMR ................ right medial rectus, red mattox rod
RAE ................. right atrial enlargement RMT ................. right mentotransverse*; retromolar trigone
RAIU ................ radioactive iodine uptake RN ................... Registered Nurse
RNA ................. ribonucleic acid SBE ................. subacute bacterial endocarditis
RN,App ............ Registered Nurse, applicant SBFT ............... small bowel follow-through
RND ................. radical neck dissection SBJ .................. skin, bones and joints
RNP ................. Registered Nurse Practitioner SBO ................. small bowel obstruction
R/O .................. rule out SBP ................. systolic blood pressure
ROA ................. right occiput anterior* SBR ................. Surgery Burn
ROM ................ range of motion SBS ................. small bowel study
ROP ................. right occiput posterior,*retinopathy of SCAN .............. suspected child abuse and/or neglect
prematurity SCAT ............... sheep cell agglutination test
ROS ................. review of systems SCC ................. sickle cell crisis
ROT ................. right occiput transverse* SCCA .............. squamous cell carcinoma
RP ................... retropubic, retinitis pigmentosa- SCD ................. Surgery Cadaver Donor
RPE ................. retinal pigment epithelium SCID ................ severe combined immunodeficiency
RPG ................. retrograde pyelogram SCLC ............... small cell lung cancer
RPGN .............. rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis scop ................. scopolamine
R.Ph. ............... Registered Pharmacist Scr ................... serum creatinine
RPM ................ revolutions per minute SCT ................. Surgery Cardiothorac-ic
RPO ................. right posterior obliq-ue SCUF ............... slow continuous ultra-filtra-tion
RPR ................. rapid plasma reag-in SDP ................. single donor platelets
RPT ................. Registered Physical Therapist Se .................... selenium
RQ ................... respiratory quotient seb derm .......... seborrheic dermatitis
RR ................... recovery room, respiratory rate sec ................... seconds (exposure time)
RRR ................. regular rate and rhythm sed ................... sedimentation
RRT ................. Registered Respiratory Therapist sed rate ............ sedimentation rate
RRTE ............... Registered Respiratory Therapist, Eligible segs ................. segments
RRP ................. radical retropubic prostatectomy SEM ................ systolic ejection murmur
RSO ................. right salpingo-oophorectomy sens ................. sensitivity
RSA ................. right sacrum anterior* serv .................. service
RSMA .............. Radiologic Society of North America sfb .................... sulf hemoglobin
RSR ................. regular sinus rhythm SG ................... specific gravity
RST ................. right sacrum transverse* SGA ................. small for gestational age
RT .................... recreational therapy, radiation therapy, SGOT .............. serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase
Respiratory Therapy, Registered SGPT ............... serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase
Technologist SH ................... social history, suicidal/homicidal ideation
RTA .................. renal tubular acidosis SHBG .............. sex hormone binding globulin
RTC ................. return to clinic SHP ................. Surgery Plastic
RU ................... residual urine SK ................... seborrheic keratosis
RUE ................. right upper extremity SLP ................. Speech and Language
RUG ................. retrograde urethrogram SMHC .............. Shreveport Mental Health Center
RUL ................. right upper lobe, lid S/I .................... supervision/instruction, suicidal ideation,
rupt. ................. ruptured sector irredecto-my
RUQ ................. right upper quadrant SIADH .............. syndrome of inappropriate secretion of
RV ................... rectovaginal, right ventricle, residual antidiuretic hormone
volume Sib ................... Siblings
RVH ................. right ventricle hypertrophy SIC ................... self-intermittent catheterization
RVSWI ............. right vertricular stroke work index SICU ................ surgical intensive care unit
Rx .................... prescription SIDS ................ sudden infant death syndrome
RXT .................. right exotropia sig .................... label (prescriptions)
SIJ ................... sacroiliac joint
SIMV ................ synchronized intermittent
mandatory ventilation
S SIRS ................ systematic inflammatory response
syndrome
s ...................... without SJS .................. Stevens-Johnson syndrome
s ...................... sensitive,scale SK ................... seborrheic keratosis
S ...................... subjective SL .................... sublingual, Schwalbe’s line
S2 .................... second heart sound SLE ................. systemic lupus erythematosus, slit lamp
SA ................... sinoatrial; Salvation Army examination
SAGA .............. small appropriate for gestational age SLR ................. straight leg raise
SAH ................. subarachnoid hemorrhage SMA ................ sequential multiple
SAO2 ............... arterial oxygen saturation Smd ................. somatomedin
SB ................... stillborn SMHC .............. Shreveport Mental Health Clinic
SMR ................ submucous resection TGV ................. transposition of great vessel
SNHL ............... sensorineural hearling loss THBR ............... thyroid hormone binding ratio
SO ................... superior oblique, salpingo-oophorectomy THC ................. tetrahydrocannabinol
SOAP .............. subjective, objective data, assessment THR ................. total hip replacement
and plan TIA ................... transient ischemia attack
TIBC ................. total iron binding capacity
SOB ................. shortness of breath
tid .................... three times a day
SOM ................ serous otitis media TIPS ................. transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic
sol .................... solution shunt
solv .................. dissolve TKA ................. total knee arthroplasty
sono. ................ sonogram tko ................... to keep open
s.o.s. ............... if necessary TKR ................. total knee replacement
S/P .................. suprapubic, status post, species TL .................... total larynegectomy
SPEP .............. serum protein electrophoresis TLC .................. total lung capacity
SPF ................. sun protection factor TLI .................... total lymphoid irradiation
Sp fl ................. spindal fluid TLP .................. total laryngophayngectomey
SP Nail ............ Smith-Peterson Nail TLS .................. tumor lysis syndrome
TLV .................. total lung volume
SPOE .............. Single Point of Entry
TM ................... tympanic membrane;thyromegaly,
SPD ................. Shreveport Police Department, Surgery
trabecular meshwork
Pediatric TMJ .................. temporomandibular joint
SPE ................. serum protein electrophoresis TMPSMX .......... trimethoprim sulfamethoxazide
spec ................. specimen TMTC ............... too many to count
Spec. Ed .......... Special Education TNTC ................ too numerous to count
SPG ................. specific gravity TO .................... telephone order
TOA ................. tuboovarian. abscess
TOD ................. target organ damage
T Tol .................... tolerated
TORCH ............ toxoplasmosis, other (syphilis, hepatitis,
Zoster), rubella, cytomegalovirus,
T or temp ......... temperature
and herpes simplex (maternal infections)
T&A ................. tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
T&C ................. type & cross match TP .................... total protein
T. Bili ................ total bilirubin TPA .................. tissue plasminogen activator (Alteplase)
Ta ..................... applanation tonometry TPE ................. Therapeutic Plasma Exchange
tab ................... tablet TPGD ............... thought processes goal directed
3TC .................. lamivudine (Epivir) TPN ................. total parenteral nutrition
tachy ................ tachycardia TP & P ............. time, place and person
TAGA ............... term appropriate for gestational age TRD ................. Therapeutic Radiology
TAH .................. total abdominal hysterectomy TPR ................. temperature, pulse and respiration
TAH BSO ........ total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral tr ...................... tincture
salpingo oophorectomy Trab ................. trabeculectomy
TANG ............... tangential trach ................ tracheostomy
TAPVR ............. total anomalous pulmonary venous rectum TRAM .............. Transverse Rectus Abdominous Myo-
TB,TBC ............ tuberculosis cutaneous Flap
TBG ................. thyroxine binding globulin TRD ................. traction retinal detachment
TBII .................. thyrotropin binding inhibitory immunoglobulin TRH ................. thyrotrophin releasing hormone
TBLC ................ term birth, living child trich ................. trichomonas
TBPA ............... thyroxine prealbumin TRNBP ............. transrectal needle biopsy of the prostate
TBSE ............... total body skin exam TRUS ............... transrectal ultrasound
tbsp ................. tablespoon TSD ................. target skin distance
T/C ................... to consider, Technetium TSH ................. thyroid stimulating hormone
TCA ................. tricyclic antidepressant
TSI ................... thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin
TCC ................. Transitional cell cancer
TCN ................. tetracycline tsp ................... teaspoon
TCollar ............. trach collar TSP ................. total serum protein
TCC02 .............. transcutaneous carbon dioxide TSS ................. toxic shock syndrome
TCM ................. Transcutaneous monitoring TT .................... tilt table
TCP02 .............. transcutaneous oxygen TT lateral .......... trans table lateral
TE .................... tracheoespophageal TTN .................. transient tachypnea newborn
TED ................. thromboembolic disease TTP .................. thrombolytic thrombocytopenia
temp ................ temperature TUMT ............... transurethral microwave thermotherapy
TEN ................. toxic epidermal necrolysis TUR ................. transurethral resection
TENS ............... transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TURBT ............. Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor
TFD .................. target film distance
TURP ............... Transurethral Resection of Prostate
TFT .................. thyroid function test
TG .................... triglyceride TV .................... television, tidal volume
Tg .................... thyroglobulin tvc .................... true vocal cord
TVH ................. transvaginal hysterectomy
Tx .................... treatment,traction assisted
TYMP/MAST .... tympanotomy & mastoidectomy VKH ................. Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome
T1/2 ................. half life VMA ................ vanillymandelic acid
T3 .................... 3, 5, 3 triiodothyronine V-mask ............ venturi-mask
T3U .................. T3- resin uptake VLDL ................ very low density lipoprotein
T4 .................... thyroxine VO ................... verbal order
rT3 ................... reverse T3 v02 ................... oxygen consumption m/min
VOD ................. veno-occlusive disease
vol .................... volume
U vp ..................... venous pressure
VP ................... ventricular peritoneal
U/A .................. Urinarlysis V/Q .................. ventilation/perfusion
UE ................... upper extremity VSD ................. Ventricular Septal Defect
UGI .................. upper gastrointestinal VS ................... vital signs, volume support
ULQ ................. upper left quadrant VSD ................. ventricular septal defect
Ung .................. ointment VSS ................. vital signs stable
unilat ................ unilateral VT .................... ventricular tachycardia
UOQ ................ upper outer quadrant VUR ................. Vesioureteral Reflux
UOP ................. urine output
UP ................... upright
UPJ .................. uteropelvic junction
UPP ................. urethral pressure profilo
W
UPPP .............. uvulopalatal pharynogoplasty
UPT ................. urine pregnancy test w/ ..................... with
UR ................... Utilization Review,urine WA .................. while awake
URI ................... upper respiratory infection Wass ............... Wassermann
URO ................. Urology WBAT .............. weight bearing as tolerated
URQ ................. upper right quadrant WBC ................ White Blood Count
US ................... ultrasound WBD ................ weeks to date
USD ................. urethral stricture disease W/C ................. wheelchair
USG ................. ultrasonography W/D ................. warm and dry
USI ................... urinary stress incontinence WD & WN ........ well developed & well nourished
USP ................. United States Pharmacopeia weak ................ weakness
UTD ................. up to date WF ................... white female
Ut dic ............... as directed WFL ................. within functional limits
UTI ................... Urinary Tract Infection Whp ................. whirlpool
UV ................... ultraviolet, umbilical vein WIC ................. Women’s, Infants & Children Program
UVC ................. umbilical venous catheter wk .................... week, weak
UVJ .................. ureterovesical junction WKMC ............. Willis Knighton Medical Center
WKMC-S ......... Willis Knighton South
V WM .................. white male
V ...................... volts, vesicle

va ..................... visual acuity
X
Vacc ................ vaccine, vaccination
VAH ................. Veteran’s Administration Hospital x ...................... except,exophoria
VAMC .............. Veteran’s Administration Medical Center x’ ..................... exophoria at near
VBAC .............. vaginal birth after c-section Xe .................... Xenon
VC ................... vocal cord, vital capacity x-rays .............. roentgen rays
VC02 ................ carbon dioxide production ml/min XRT .................. radiation therapy
VCUG .............. voiding cystourethrogram XT .................... exotropia
VD ................... venereal disease, volume of dead space, X (T) ................. intermittent exotr-opia
dead volume XT’ .................... exotropia at near
VDC ................. Viral Disease Clinic
VDRL ............... Venereal Disease Research Laboratory
VE ................... expired minute volume
Y,Z
vent .................. ventilation, ventilator, ventricular
VER ................. visual evoked response YAG ................. yttrium aluminum garnet laser
vet .................... veteran y/o ................... years old
VF .................... visual fields yr ..................... year
V-fib ................. ventricular fibrillation Zn0 ................... zinc oxide
V-flutter ............ ventricular flutter
V/H .................. visual hallucinations, vitreous hemorrhage *fetal position and presentation
VIP ................... vasoactive intestinal polypeptide
vit ..................... vitamin,vitreous Y,Z
VHLA ............... vaginal hysterectomy laparoscopically
Approved Abbreviations
for Medication Orders
Abbreviation Definition
ac before meals
BID twice daily
BSA body surface area
C with
cc cubic centimeter
cm centimeter
diptheria, tetanus, and acellular
DtaP pertussis vaccine
ETT endotracheal tube
FS B S finger stick blood sugar
gm gram
G-tube gastrostomy tube
HHN hand held nebulizer
hr hour
HS at bedtime
IM intramuscular
IPPB intermittent positive pressure breathing
IPV inactivated polio vaccine
IV intravenous
J-tube jejunostomy tube
kg kilogram
L liter
m2 meter squared
MDI metered dose inhaler
mEq milliequivalent
mg milligram
min minute
ml milliliter
mm millimeter
mMol millimole
MMR measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine
NG nasogastric
NPO nothing by mouth
OG orogastric
OPV oral polio vaccine
oz ounce
PEG percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
pc after meals
PC A patient controlled analgesia
PIV peripheral IV
PICC peripherally inserted central catheter
PN parenteral nutrition
PO by mouth
PPD purified protein derivative
PR per rectum
PRN as needed
Q1H, (also Q2h, Q4h, etc.) every x hour(s)
QID four times a day
Q AM every morning
Q HS at bedtime
SL sublingual
SSI sliding scale insulin
STAT immediately
UAC umbilical artery catheter
UVC umbilical venous catheter
Prohibited Abbreviations Recommendations to
Enhance Medication
Proper
Dangerous
Documentaion
Instead of the
Safety
Abbreviations Abbreviation Misinterpretation Medication management is a complex process, involving
AU, AS, AD Latin abbreviation for Misinterpreted as the multiple caregivers and multiple steps across four principal
both ears; left ear; Latin abbreviation for stages – ordering, preparation, administration and monitoring
right ear "OU" (both eyes); "OS" - each susceptible to error. Studies have shown that 49% of
medication errors originate in the ordering phase and that
(left eye); "OD" (right eye)
many are due to orders that are illegible, incomplete or
mcg and mg microgram Mistaken for "mg" when unclear.
written resulting in an
overdose Medication orders, indeed ALL orders, are the basic written
o.d. or OD once daily Misinterpreted as "right communication tool for patient care. What an order says, or
eye" (OD - oculus dexter) is interpreted to say, directly impacts the care of the patient.
In carrying out an order, there are many “hand-offs” by
and administration of oral
physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other health care
medication in the eye
professionals. If it is not written clearly, each individual who
q.o.d. or QOD every other day Misinterpreted as ""q.d."" acts on the order may interpret it a different way. Most
(daily) or ""q.i.d."" (four importantly, errors can occur when orders are misinterpreted.
times daily) if the ""o"" is
poorly written To reduce the chance for error, prescribers must avoid
sub q Subcutaneoussc Mistaken for SL dangerous abbreviations and include the required elements
in all medication orders.
(sublingual)
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL ORDER WRITING

U or u unit Mistaken as zero or a four
(4) resulting in overdose BE CAREFUL WITH DECIMALS - Ten-fold errors in drug
(4U seen as "40" or 4u strength and dosage have occurred with decimals due to the
se e n a s " 4 4 " ) use of a trailing zero (1.0 mg) or the absence of a leading
IU international unit Misread as IV zero (.5 mg). A terminal or trailing zero should NEVER be
(intravenous) used after a decimal and a leading zero should always
precede a decimal expression of less than one.
x3d for three days Mistaken for "three
d o se s" NEED TO GIVE A VERBAL ORDER? - Communicate verbal
ss sliding scale (insulin) Mistaken for "55" orders clearly and succinctly. Have the person on the receiving
or ½ (apothecary) end REPEAT back the order to you to ensure that the order
ssi is taken correctly.
NEED TO CHANGE AN ORDER? - Correcting errant orders

the right way is important. Cross out the entire order and
REWRITE IT. Initial beside the erroneous order along with
the word “error” and date.
NEED TO ADD AN ORDER? - If you need to ADD an

additional order AFTER you have written orders and completed
that section of the order sheet, BEGIN A NEW ORDER
SECTION.
NEED TO DISCONTINUE AN ORDER? - Every action on a

patient’s medication profile requires an order, so BE EXPLICIT
in your order writing. If an action such as discontinuation is
required, write it out. DO NOT ASSUME an action will be
taken if it is not ordered.
Required Elements for
Inpatient and Clinic Medication Orders
Adults Pediatrics
(≤ 17 years of age [except for obstetrics])
Approved abbreviations must be used on ALL orders. Approved abbreviations must be used on ALL orders.
Date and Time Date and Time
Allergies
Allergies
Weight (kg or gm)
Need ONLY for those drugs that are dosed based on Weight (kg or gm)
weight (i.e., chemotherapy) For ALL pediatric patients
Drug Name
• Generic names are preferred Drug Name
• Specification of appropriate salts (i.e., potassium • Generic names are preferred
chloride or potassium phosphate) must be written on • Specification of appropriate salts (i.e., potassium
ALL orders chloride or potassium phosphate) must be written on
• Chemical names for electrolytes are acceptable ALL orders
(i.e., MgSO4 for magnesium sulfate) • Chemical names for electrolytes are acceptable
(i.e., MgSO4 for magnesium sulfate)
Dose
Dose
• Dose/kg/interval for all patients < 40 kg (i.e., mg/kg/
dose or mg/kg/day)
• For medications given in combination, the dose/kg/
Dosage Units interval should be specified for one of the medications
Metric units only (except for standard “unit-based” dosing, in the combination
i.e. insulin) • Elemental preparations (i.e., iron and zinc) should be
If a dose is specified as a volume, specify the ordered based on the desired dose of the element (not
concentration as well (i.e., mg/mL) the salt).
Dosage Units
Metric units only (except for standard “unit-based” dosing,
Diluent i.e. insulin) If a dose is specified as a volume, specify the
Specify if requiring diluent OTHER THAN the standards concentration as well (i.e., mg/mL)
(5% Dextrose or 0.9% NaCl)
Diluent
Route of Administration Specify if requiring diluent OTHER THAN the standards
(5% Dextrose or 0.9% NaCl)
Frequency or Interval
All orders for PRN medication must include an interval and Route of Administration
an indication
Frequency or Interval
Signature (including credentials) and Pager Number All orders for PRN medication must include an interval and
an indication
Signature (including credentials) and Pager Number

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V ...................... volts, vesicle

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL ORDER WRITING

NEED TO CHANGE AN ORDER? - Correcting errant orders

NEED TO ADD AN ORDER? - If you need to ADD an

NEED TO DISCONTINUE AN ORDER? - Every action on a

Signature (including credentials) and Pager Number

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