A&P Medical Abbreviations Flashcards

Medical Abbreviations

• A&P: Refers to anatomy and physiology, essential fields of study in medicine focusing on body structures and functions.
• ACLS: Advanced cardiac life support, a set of clinical protocols for responding to cardiac emergencies.
• bid: Abbreviation for "twice a day," commonly used in medication dosing instructions.
• BM: Stands for bowel movement, a vital sign of digestive health.
• BP: Indicates blood pressure, a measure of the force of blood against artery walls.
• CA: Refers to cancer, a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth.
• CAD: Coronary artery disease, a condition narrowing coronary arteries, often leading to heart problems.
• CBC: Complete blood count, a blood test providing essential information about overall health.
• CPR: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, an emergency procedure to restore breathing and circulation.
• CVA: Cerebrovascular accident, commonly known as a stroke; occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted.
• CXR: Chest x-ray, an imaging test used to examine the lungs and heart.
• Dx: Diagnosis, the identifying of a disease based on symptoms and diagnostic tests.
• GI: Gastrointestinal, referring to the digestive tract.
• ICU: Intensive care unit, a specialized department for critically ill patients needing constant care.
• IM: Intramuscular, referring to injections delivered into the muscle.
• IV: Intravenous, indicating administration of fluids or medications directly into the bloodstream.
• MI: Myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, caused by blood flow blockage to the heart muscle.
• NPO: Nothing by mouth (nil per os), a medical instruction for patients not to consume food or fluids.
• PO: Orally, indicates that medication or substances are taken by mouth.
• PRN: As needed, a term for medications or actions taken based on a patient's requirements.
• Q: Every, commonly used with frequency in medication dosing.
• SOB: Shortness of breath, a symptom of various medical conditions indicating respiratory distress.
• STAT: Indicates that something needs to be done immediately; often used in emergency settings.
• tid: Means three times a day, used in medication prescriptions.
• ER: Emergency room, a medical facility specializing in acute care for urgent health issues.
• ED: Emergency department, often used interchangeably with ER, focusing on immediate medical attention.