Common Medical Abbreviations Flashcards

Common Medical Abbreviations

• AFib: Atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder.
• Abx: Refers to antibiotics, which are medications used to treat bacterial infections.
• AMS: Altered mental status indicating changes in cognition or consciousness.
• ASA: Aspirin, a medication commonly used for pain relief and cardiovascular protection.
• bpm: Beats per minute, a measure of heart rate.
• c/o: Complaints of; often used in patient documentation to express what the patient is experiencing.
• c/w: Consistent with; used to compare symptoms or findings with a diagnosis.
• CA: Cancer; a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth.
• CMT: Cervical motion tenderness, often assessed during pelvic examination to check for inflammation or infection.
• CPR: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, an emergency lifesaving procedure.
• CT: Computed tomography scan, a diagnostic imaging tool.
• CTA: Clear to auscultation; indicates normal lung sounds during examination.
• CXR: Chest x-ray; a common imaging method for evaluating lung and heart conditions.
• DNR: Do not resuscitate; an order indicating that a person does not want life-saving measures.
• DOE: Dyspnea on exertion, a term denoting shortness of breath with activity.
• DDx: Differential diagnosis, the process of distinguishing one disease from another.
• Dx: Diagnosis, the identification of a disease or condition.
• EKG/ECG: Electrocardiogram, a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
• EF: Ejection fraction, a measurement of the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart's chambers.
• EMR: Electronic medical record, a digital version of a patient’s paper chart.
• EOMI: Extraocular movements intact, indicates normal eye movement function.
• ETT/ET tube: Endotracheal tube, used to maintain an open airway in unconscious patients.
• f/u: Follow up; typically indicates a scheduled return visit or additional evaluation.
• Fx: Fracture, a break in a bone.
• G/P/A: Number of pregnancies (#), live births (#), and miscarriages or abortions (#).
• H & H: Hemoglobin and hematocrit, tests used to evaluate blood components.
• h/o: History of; used to denote previous medical conditions.
• HA: Headache; a common symptom with various causes.
• Hct: Hematocrit, the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells.
• Hgb: Hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
• Hx: History; refers to past medical history or patient’s previous conditions.
• IM: Intramuscular; a method of medication administration.
• IUP: Intrauterine pregnancy; a pregnancy located in the uterus.
• IV: Intravenous; related to administration of fluids or medications directly into the veins.
• IVDA: IV drug abuse, indicating substance misuse through intravenous methods.
• JVD: Jugular venous distention; a sign of heart failure or fluid overload.
• LLE: Left lower extremity, refers to the left leg region.
• LUE: Left upper extremity; refers to the left arm region.
• LNMP: Last Normal Menstruation Period, relevant for assessing reproductive health.
• LOC: Loss of consciousness; indicates a person is unresponsive or unconscious.
• MVA: Motor vehicle accident; used in medical records related to trauma.
• N/V/D: Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea; symptoms often associated with gastrointestinal distress.
• NAD: No acute distress, indicates the absence of significant health issues.
• NKDA: No known drug allergies; important information for medical management.
• nml/nl: Normal; indicates findings that are within the expected range.
• NPO: Nothing by mouth; a medical instruction to avoid food and drink.
• NS: Normal saline, a common IV fluid used for hydration and medication delivery.
• NSR: Normal sinus rhythm; indicates a regular heart rhythm.
• NTG: Nitroglycerin, used primarily for chest pain related to heart conditions.
• PCP: Primary care provider; the medical professional managing overall patient health.
• PCN: Penicillin, an antibiotic used to treat various infections.
• PERRL: Pupils equally round and reactive to light; a neurological examination finding.
• PHI: Protected health information, sensitive patient information protected by law.
• PO: Per oral (by mouth); method of medication administration.
• ppd: Packs per day; commonly used to quantify tobacco use.
• PRN: As needed; a term for medications that are not scheduled but used as required.
• Pt or pt: Patient; the individual receiving medical care.
• RLE: Right lower extremity, refers to the right leg region.
• RUE: Right upper extremity; refers to the right arm region.
• ROM: Range of motion; the extent of movement of a joint.
• RRR: Regular rate and rhythm; used to describe normal heart activity.
• Rx: Prescription; a direction for the preparation and administration of a medicine.
• s/p: Status post; indicates the condition of a patient after a procedure or event.
• Sx(s): Symptoms; clinical signs indicating a condition.
• TM: Tympanic membrane; part of the ear, often referred to in examinations for infections.
• TTP: Tenderness to palpation; sensitivity noted during physical examination.
• Tx: Treatment; the management and care of a patient for disease or condition.
• URI: Upper respiratory infection; a common viral infection affecting the nose and throat.
• WNL: Within normal limits; indicates that findings are normal and expected.
• BID: Twice daily; medication dosing schedule.
• PR: Per rectum; route of medication or examination.
• SC/SQ: Subcutaneous; refers to medication administered under the skin.
• Q#H: Every # of hours; indicates a dosing schedule.
• QAM: Once in the morning; a specific medication administration time.
• QD: Once daily; indicates medication is taken once every day.
• QHS: Once at bedtime; a specific instruction for medication taking.
• QID: Four times daily; medication dosing schedule.
• TID: Three times daily; medication dosing schedule.