@
@
At
<
Less Than
>
Greater Than
A
a
Artery
A (see acc.)
Accommodation (see acc.)
A
Acetum
A
Angström Unit
A
Anode
A
Anterior
A&D (see Adm.)
Admission and Discharge
A&E
Accident and Emergency
A/CA
Accommodative/Convergence Accommodation Ratio
A/G, or A-G ratio
Albumin/Globulin Ratio
a¯
Before
aa
Of Each, Equal Parts, Arteries
AAA
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
AAPB
Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback
AARP
American Association of Retired Persons
AASM
American Academy of Sleep Medicine
AAT
Animal-Assisted Therapy
AATH
American Association for Therapeutic Humor
ABC
Airway, Breathing, Circulation
ABD, Abd, Abdo
Abdominal, or Abdomen
ABG
Arterial Blood Gases
ABI
Ankle-Brachial Index
ABO
Blood Types
ABR
Absolute Bed Rest (See CBR)
AC
Adrenal Cortex, Air Conduction, Alternating Current, or Axiocervical
ac or a.c.
Before Meals
acc. (see A)
Accommodation (see A)
ACE
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme
ACIP
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
ACLS
Advanced Cardiac Life Support
ACS
American Cancer Society
ACTH
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
AD
Alzheimer's Disease
AD
Right Ear
AD
Admitting Diagnosis
AD
Advance Directive
ad lib
Freely, as Desired, if the Patient So Desires
ad sat.
To Saturation
Ad. Spec.
Admission Urine Specimen
ADA
Americans With Disabilities Act
ADH
Antidiuretic Hormone
ADHD
Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder
ADL
Activities of Daily Living
Adm. (see A&D)
Admission and Discharge
admov.
Apply
ADN
Associate Degree Nurse (Nursing)
AEB
As Evidenced By
AED
Antiepileptic Drug
AF
Atrial Fibrillation
AFB
Acid-Fast Bacillus
AFP
Alpha-Fetoprotein
AGC
Atypical Glandular Cells
AHA
American Hospital Association
AHCA
American Health Care Association
AHCPR
Agency for Health Care Policy and Research
AHF
Antihemophilic Factor
AHNA
American Holistic Nurses' Association
AHRQ
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
AI
Adequate Intake
AI
Aortic Incompetence, or Aortic Insufficiency
AICD
Automatic Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator
AIDS
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
AK
Above the Knee
AKA
Above Knee Amputation
ALFA
Assisted Living Federation of America
ALT
Alanine Aminotransferase
AM/am/A.M./a.m.
Morning (After Midnight and Before Midday)
AMA
Against Medical Advice
AMA
American Medical Association
Amb
Ambulatory, Walking, Able to Walk
Amt
Amount
ANA
American Nurses Association
ANA
Antinuclear Antibody
Angio
Angiogram
AoA
Administration on Aging
AP
Anterior/Posterior
AP
Apical Pulse
AP
Appendectomy
APIC
Association for Practitioners In Infection Control and Epidemiology
Approx.
Approximately
APRN
Advance Practice Registered Nurse
APS
Adult Protective Services
APS
American Pain Society
APTT
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time
aqua
Water or H2O
AROM
Active Range of Motion
AS
Left Ear
ASA
Acetylsalicylic Acid
ASO
Antistreptolysin-O
AST
Aspartate Aminotransferase
AT
Axillary Temperature
ATC
Around the Clock
ATP
Adenosine Triphosphatase
AU
Both Ears
AV
Atrioventricular
B
B1
Thiamine
B12
Cobalamin
B2
Riboflavin
B6
Pyridoxine
Ba
Barium
BA
Bowel Action
Ba Meal
Barium Meal
BBA
Balanced Budget Act
BCC
Basal Cell Carcinoma
BD, bd, or bid
Twice A Day
BE
Base Excess
BGL
Blood Glucose Level
BK
Below Knee
BKA
Below Knee Amputation
BMD
Bone Mineral Density
BMI
Body Mass Index
BMR
Basal Metabolic Rate
BNO
Bowels Not Opened
BO
Bowels Opened
BP or B/P
Blood Pressure
BPH
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
BPM
Beats Per Minute
BSA
Body Surface Area
BSE
Breast Self-Examination
BSI
Body Substance Isolation
BSL
Blood Sugar Level
BSN
Bachelor of Science In Nursing
BUN
Blood Urea Nitrogen
BWO
Bowels Wide Opened
C
c
Cup
C
Celsius
C & S
Culture and Sensitivity
C/A
Complementary/Alternative
C/O
Complaint Of
c¯
With
Ca
Calcium or Cancer
Ca++
Calcium Ion
CaBG
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
CaCl2
Calcium Chloride
CAD
Coronary Artery Disease
CAI
Computer-Assisted Instruction
CAM
Complementary/Alternative Medicine
cap
Capsule
Card
Cardiac
CARF
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities
CAT
Computed Axial Tomography
CAT
Computerized Adaptive Testing
Cath
Catheter
CBC
Complete Blood Count
CBD
Common Bile Duct
CBE
Charting By Exception
CBR
Complete Bed Rest (See ABR)
cc
Cubic Centimeter
CCF (see CHF)
Congestive Cardiac Failure (See CHF)
CCRC
Continuing Care Retirement Community
CCU (see CICU)
Coronary Care Unit, or Cardiac Care Unit (See CICU)
CDC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CEA
Carcinoembryonic Antigen
CEPN-LTC™
Certification Examination for Practical and Vocational Nurses In Long-Term Care
CEU
Continuing Education Unit
CHAP
Community Health Accreditation Program
CHD
Coronary Heart Disease
CHF (see CCF)
Congestive Heart Failure (See CCF)
CHIP
Children's Health Insurance Program
CHO
Carbohydrate (Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen)
CHON
Protein (Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen)
CICU (see CCU)
Coronary Care Unit, or Cardiac Care Unit (See CCU)
CK or CPK
Creatine Kinase or Creatine Phosphokinase
Cl
Chlorine, Chloride
Cl−
Chloride Ion
CLTC
Certified In Long-Term Care
cm
Centimeter
CMS
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
CN
Cranial Nerve
CNA
Certified Nursing Assistant
CNC
Clinical Nursing Consultant
CNM
Certified Nurse Midwife
CNO
Community Nursing Organization
CNS
Central Nervous System
CNS
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Co
Cobalt
consult
Consultation
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
CO2−
Carbon Dioxide Ion
COBRA
Comprehensive Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
COOH
Carboxyl Group
COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
CPAP
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
CPNP
Council of Practical Nursing Programs
CPR
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
CPR
Computerized Patient Record
Cr
Chromium
CRNA
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
CRP
C-Reactive Protein
C&S
Culture and Sensitivity
CSF
Cerebrospinal Fluid
CSM
Circulation, Sensation, Motion
CT
Computed Tomography
CT scan
Computerized Axial Tomography Scan
Cu
Copper
CVA
Cerebrovascular Accident or Stroke
CVC
Central Venous Catheter
CXR
Chest X-Ray
CWMS
Color, Warmth, Movement, Sensation
D
D5W
Dextrose 5% In Water
D & C
Dilatation and Curettage
DAR
Document, Action, Response
DC or d/c
Discontinue or Discharge
DDB
Disciplinary Data Bank
DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
DEA
Drug Enforcement Agency
DHHS
Department of Health and Human Services
DIC
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
DICC
Dynamic Infusion Cavernosometry and Cavernosography
dL
Deciliter
DMD
Diabetes Mellitus
DMD
Doctor of Dental Medicine
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic Acid
DNR
Do Not Resuscitate
DO
Doctor of Osteopathy
DOA
Dead on Arrival
DOB
Date of Birth
DPAHC
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
dr
Dram
DRG
Diagnosis-Related Group
DRI
Dietary Reference Intake
DSM-V
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition
DST
Dexamethasone Suppression Test
DT
Delirium Tremens
DTaP
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Acellular Pertussis
DTP
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis
DVT
Deep Vein Thrombosis
DX
Diagnosis
E
EAR
Estimated Average Requirement
ECF
Extended Care Facility
ECF
Extracellular Fluid
ECG (EKG)
Electrocardiogram
ED
Emergency Department
EDTA
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid
EEG
Electroencephalograph/Electroencephalogram
EGD
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
EKG (ECG)
Electrocardiogram
ELISA
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
elix
Elixir
EMG
Electromyogram
EMLA
Eutectic (Cream) Mixture of Local Anesthetics
EMS
Emergency Medical Services
EMT
Emergency Medical Technician
EMT-P
Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
EPO
Exclusive Provider Organization
ER
Emergency Room
ERCP
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram
ERG
Electroretinogram
ERT
Estrogen Replacement Therapy
ESR
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
ET
Ear (Tympanic) Temperature
EVAD
Explantable Venous Access Device
F
F
Fahrenheit
FAS
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
FBS
Fasting Blood Sugar
FCA
False Claims Act
FDA
Food and Drug Administration
Fe
Iron
FeSO4
Iron Sulfate
FF
Forced Feeding, or Forced Fluids
fl
Fluid
Fl
Fluorine
FOBT
Fecal Occult Blood Test
FSH
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
ft
Foot or Feet
FVD
Fluid Volume Deficit
Fx
Fracture
G
g
Gram
GAO
General Accounting Office
GAS
General Adaptation Syndrome
GCS
Glasgow Coma Scale
g/dL
Grams Per Deciliter
GED
General Education Development
GER
Gastroesophageal Reflux
GFR
Glomerular Filtration Rate
GGT (see GGTP)
Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase (see GGTP)
GGTP (see GGT)
Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase (see GGT)
GH
Growth Hormone
GHB
Glycosylated Hemoglobin
GI
Gastrointestinal
gr
Grain
gtt
Drop
GTT
Glucose Tolerance Test
gtt/min
Drops Per Minute
GU
Genitourinary
Gyn
Gynecology
H
h
Hour(S)
H+
Hydrogen Ion
H2CO3
Carbonic Acid
H2O
Water
H&H
Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
HB5AG
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
HBV
Hepatitis B Virus
HCFA
Health Care Financing Administration
hCG
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
HCl
Hydrochloric Acid, Hydrochloride
HCO3−
Bicarbonate Ion
Hct
Hematocrit
HCV
Hepatitis C Virus
HDL
High Density Lipoprotein
HDV
Hepatitis D Virus
Hep B
Hepatitis B
HFA
Hospice Foundation of America
Hg
Mercury
Hgb
Hemoglobin
HICPAC
Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee
HIS
Hospital Information System
HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HLA
Human Leukocyte Antigen
HMO
Health Maintenance Organization
HOB
Head of Bed
HPO4
Phosphate
HR
Heart Rate
HRSA
Health Resources and Services Administration
h.s.
Hour of Sleep
I
I
Iodine
I&O
Intake and Output
IADLs
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
IASP
International Association for the Study of Pain
ICF
Intermediate Care Facility
ICF
Intracellular Fluid
ICN
International Council of Nurses
ICU
Intensive Care Unit
ID
Identification
ID
Intradermal
IgG
Immunoglobulin G
IgM
Immunoglobulin M
IHCT
Interdisciplinary Health Care Team
IM
Intramuscular
in
Inch
INR
International Normalized Ratio
I&O
Intake and Output
IOL
Intraocular Lens
IOM
Institute of Medicine
Isol
Isolation
ITT
Insulin Tolerance Test
IV
Intravenous
IVAD
Implantable Vascular Access Device
IVP
Intravenous Push, Intravenous Pyelogram
IVPB
Intravenous Piggyback
J
JCAHO
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
K
K
Potassium
K+
Potassium Ion
kcal
Kilocalorie
KCl
Potassium Chloride
kg
Kilogram
KS
Ketosteroids
KUB
Kidneys/Ureters/Bladder
KVO
Keep Vein Open
L
L
Liter
LAS
Local Adaptation Syndrome
lb
Pound
LDH
Lactic Dehydrogenase
LDL
Low Density Lipoprotein
LE
Lupus Erythematosus
LES
Lower Esophageal Sphincter
LFT
Liver Function Test
LH
Luteinizing Hormone
LLQ
Left Lower Quadrant
LMP
Last Menstrual Period
L/min
Liters Per Minute
LOC
Level of Consciousness
LP
Lumbar Puncture
LP/VN
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse
LPN
Licensed Practical Nurse
LUQ
Left Upper Quadrant
LVN
Licensed Vocational Nurse
M
m
Meter
m2
Square Meter
MAO
Monoamine Oxidase
MAOI
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor
MAR
Medication Administration Record
mcg (or μg)
Microgram
MD
Doctor of Medicine
MDI
Metered-Dose Inhaler
MDR
Multidrug-Resistant
MDR-TB
Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis
MDS
Minimum Data Set
mEq
Milliequivalent
mEq/L
Milliequivalents Per Liter
mg
Milligram
mg/dL
Milligrams Per Deciliter
Mg
Magnesium
Mg++
Magnesium Ion
MgCl
Magnesium Chloride
MgSO4
Magnesium Sulfate
MI
Myocardial Infarction
min
Minute
mL
Milliliter
mm3
Cubic Millimeter
mm Hg
Millimeters of Mercury
mmol/L
Millimoles Per Liter
MMR
Measles, Mumps, Rubella
Mn
Manganese
Mo
Molybdenum
MOM
Milk of Magnesia
mOsm/kg
Milliosmoles/Kilogram
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRSA
Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus Aureus
MS
Morphine Sulfate
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet
MUGA
Multi-Gated Acquisition
N
N2
Nitrogen
Na
Sodium
Na+
Sodium Ion
Na2SO4
Sodium Sulfate
NaCl
Sodium Chloride
NA
Not Applicable
NADSA
National Adult Day Services Associations
NaH2PO4
Sodium Dihydrogen Phosphate
Na2HPO4
Disodium Phosphate
NAHC
National Association for Home Care
NaHCO3
Sodium Bicarbonate
NaHPO4
Sodium Monohydrogen Phosphate
NANDA
North American Nursing Diagnosis Association
NaOH
Sodium Hydroxide
NAPNE
National Association of Practical Nurse Education
NAPNES
National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Services
NCCAM
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
NCHS
National Center for Health Statistics
NCLEX®
National Council Licensure Examination
NCLEX-PN®
National Council Licensure Examination—Practical Nurse
NCLEX-RN®
National Council Licensure Examination—Registered Nurse
NCLD
National Center for Learning Disabilities
NCOA
National Council on Aging
NCSBN
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
NCVHS
National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics
NF
National Formulary
NFLPN
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses, Inc.
NG
Nasogastric
NH2
Amino Group
NHO
National Hospice Organization
NIA
National Institute on Aging
NIC
Nursing Interventions Classification
NICU
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
NIH
National Institutes of Health
NIOSH
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
NIS
Nursing Information System
NLEA
Nutrition, Labeling, and Education Act
NLN
National League for Nursing
NLNAC
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
NMDS
Nursing Minimum Data Set
NOC
Nursing Outcomes Classification
Noct
At Night
NP
Nurse Practitioner
NPDB
National Practitioner Data Bank
NPO
Nil per os, Latin for “Nothing By Mouth”
NREM
Non-Rapid Eye Movement
NS
Normal Saline
NSAID
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug
NSF
National Sleep Foundation
NPO
Nothing By Mouth
O
O&P
Ova and Parasite
O2
Oxygen
OAM
Office of Alternative Medicine
OBRA
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
OD
Right Eye
OH−
Hydroxyl
OR
Operating Room
ORIF
Open Reduction/Internal Fixation
OS
Left Eye
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OT
Occupational Therapist
OT
Oral Temperature
OTC
Over-The-Counter
OU
Both Eyes
oz
Ounce
P
p¯
After
P
Phosphorus
P
Pulse
PA
Physician's Assistant
PA
Posteroanterior
PaCO2
Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide
PaO2
Partial Pressure of Oxygen
Pap
Papanicolaou Test
PAR
Postanesthesia Room
p.c.
After Meals
PCA
Patient-Controlled Analgesia
PCO2(PaCO2)
Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide
PCP
Primary Care Provider
PCR
Polymerase Chain Reaction
PCV
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
PDPH
Postdural Puncture Headache
PEG
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy
PERRLA
Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation
PET
Positron Emission Tomography
PFT
Pulmonary Function Test
pH
Potential Hydrogen
PICC
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter
PICU
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
PIE
Problem, Implementation, Evaluation
PKU
Phenylketonuria
PLMS
Periodic Limb Movements In Sleep
PMI
Point of Maximum Intensity
PMR
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
PMS
Premenstrual Syndrome
PNI
Psychoneuroimmunology
PNS
Peripheral Nervous System
PO
By Mouth (Per os In Latin)
PO2(PaO2)
Partial Pressure of Oxygen
PO4−−
Phosphate Ion
POMR
Problem-Oriented Medical Record
POR
Problem-Oriented Record
Post op spec
After Surgery Urine Specimen
PPBS
Post Prandial Blood Sugar
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment
PPG
Post Prandial Glucose
PPO
Preferred Provider Organization
PPS
Prospective Payment System
PRA
Plasma Renin Activity
PRL
Prolactin Level
PRN
Pro Re Nata, Latin for “As Required”
PRO
Peer Review Organization
PROM
Passive Range of Motion
PSA
Prostate Specific Antigen
PSDA
Patient Self-Determination Act
PSP
Phenolsulfonphthalein
pt
Pint
PT
Patient
PT
Physical Therapist
PT
Prothrombin Time
PTH
Parathyroid Hormone
PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTT
Partial Thromboplastin Time
PVD
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Q
q
Quaque, Latin for “Every”
qd
Every Day
qh
Every Hour
qid
Four Times A Day
qod
Every Other Day
qs
Quantity Sufficient
q2h
Every 2 Hours
qt
Quart
R
R (Resp)
Respiration
RAIU
Radioactive Iodine Uptake
RAST
Radio Allergosorbent Test
RBC
Red Blood Count, Red Blood Cell
RD
Registered Dietician
RDA
Recommended Dietary Allowance
REM
Rapid Eye Movement
RF
Rheumatoid Factor
RLQ
Right Lower Quadrant
RLS
Restless Leg Syndrome
RN
Registered Nurse
RNA
Ribonucleic Acid
RNFA
Registered Nurse First Assistant
ROM
Range of Motion
ROS
Review of Systems
RPCH
Rural Primary Care Hospital
RPh
Registered Pharmacist
RPR
Rapid Plasma Reagin
RR
Recovery Room
RSV
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
R/T
Related To
RT
Rectal Temperature
RT
Respiratory Therapist
RTI
Respiratory Tract Infection
RUGS
Resource Utilization Group System
RUQ
Right Upper Quadrant
RWJF
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
S
s¯
Without
S
Sulfur
SAMe
S-Adenosylmethionine
SaO2
Oxygen Saturation
SBC
School-Based Clinic
SC/SQ
Subcutaneous
SCHIP
State Children's Health Insurance Program
Se
Selenium
SGOT
Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase
SGPT
Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase
SL
Sublingual
SNF
Skilled Nursing Facility
SOAP
Subjective Data, Objective Data, Assessment, Plan
SOAPIE
Subjective Data, Objective Data, Assessment, Plan, Implementation, Evaluation
SOAPIER
Subjective Data, Objective Data, Assessment, Plan, Implementation, Evaluation, Revision
SOB
Shortness of Breath
SPF
Sun Protection Factor
s¯s¯
One Half
SSA
Social Security Administration
STAT/Stat
Immediately, (Statim In Latin)
STD
Sexually Transmitted Disease
supp
Suppository
susp
Suspension
SW
Social Worker
T
T
Temperature
T3
Triiodothyronine
T4
Thyroxine
tab
Tablet
TAC
Tetracaine, Adrenaline, Cocaine
TB
Tuberculosis
Tbsp
Tablespoon
Td
Tetanus/Diphtheria
TDD
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf
TEFRA
Tax Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act
TENS
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
TF
Tube Feeding
THA
Total Hip Arthroplasty
TIA
Transient Ischemic Attack
TIBC
Total Iron Binding Capacity
TICU
Trauma Intensive Care Unit
t.i.d.
Three Times A Day
TMJ
Temporomandibular Joint
t.o.
Telephone Order
TPN
Total Parenteral Nutrition
TPR
Temperature, Pulse, Respiration
Tr or tinct
Tincture
TRH
Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone
TSE
Testicular Self Examination
TSH
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone
tsp
Teaspoon
U
U
Unit
U/L
Unit Per Liter
UA or U/A
Routine Urinalysis
UAP
Unlicensed Assistive Personnel
UIS
Universal Intellectual Standards
UL
Upper Intake Level
UMLS
Universal Medical Language System
UNOS
United Network for Organ Sharing
U-100
100 Units Insulin Per Cc
UPP
Urethra Pressure Profile
URQ
Upper Right Quadrant
USDHHS
United States Department of Health and Human Services
USP
United States Pharmacopeia
USPHS
United States Public Health Service
UTI
Urinary Tract Infection
V
VA
Veterans Administration, Veterans Affairs
VAD
Ventricular Assist Device, Vascular Access Device
VAS
Visual Analog Scale
VDRL
Venereal Disease Research Laboratory
VLDL
Very Low-Density Lipoprotein
VMA
Vanillymandelic Acid
VRE
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci
VS
Vital Signs
W
W/C
Wheel Chair
WBC
White Blood Cell, White Blood Count
WHO
World Health Organization
WNL
Within Normal Limits
WPM
Words Per Minute
wt
Weight
Y
YWCA
Young Women's Christian Association
Z
Zn
Zinc
