MA Medical Abbreviations Flashcards

Medical Abbreviations

• bid: Indicates medication to be taken twice daily.
• mg: Stands for milligram, a unit of mass.
• L: Represents liter, a metric unit of volume.
• C/O: Abbreviation for "complains of," commonly used in patient assessments.
• IV: Refers to intravenous, a method of delivering fluids or medication directly into the bloodstream.
• NPO: Meaning "nothing by mouth," indicates a patient should not consume food or drink.
• gtts: Represents the term "drops," often used in liquid medication dosages.
• q4h: Every 4 hours; frequently used in prescribing medication schedules.
• q6h: Specifies medication to be taken every 6 hours.
• Rx: Designates a prescription; a written order for medication.
• ac: Means "before meals," indicating timing for medication or dietary restrictions.
• PRN: As needed; signifies medication that can be taken at the patient's discretion.
• ASA: Abbreviation for Aspirin, a common analgesic and anti-inflammatory medication.
• STAT: Urgent; indicates that something is to be done immediately.
• IM: Stands for intramuscular, a method of injection into the muscle.
• p with a line: Means "post" or "after," often used in medical notation.
• AKA: Above knee amputation, a surgical procedure involving the removal of the leg above the knee.
• BKA: Below knee amputation, involving removal of the leg below the knee joint.
• S/S: Signs and symptoms, or the sliding scale of a specific condition.
• tid: Three times a day, used in medication scheduling.
• s: Abbreviation for "without."
• c with a line: Means "with."
• OTC: Over-the-counter; medications available without a prescription.
• ad lib: As desired, often related to dietary and activity instructions.
• HTN: Hypertension, a medical condition defined by high blood pressure.
• CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure, a treatment for apnea disorders.
• CPR: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, emergency procedure for cardiac arrest.
• ID: Intradermal, a method of injection within the skin.
• Subq: Subcutaneous, pertaining to injections under the skin.
• pc: After meals; used for medication timing.
• qhs: Every night, often used in sleep-related medication instructions.
• hs: Refers to hours of sleep or night.
• meds: Short for medications, refers to prescribed drugs.
• po: By mouth, signifying oral administration of medication.
• H&P: History and physical; documentation of a patient's medical history and physical examination.
• B/P: Blood pressure, a vital sign measured to assess health.
• Cap: Capsule; a form of medication delivery.
• CABG: Coronary artery bypass graft, a surgery to improve blood flow to the heart; treats severe coronary heart disease.
• CHD: Coronary heart disease; buildup of plaque in coronary arteries, leading to heart issues.
• CAD: Coronary artery disease, the most common heart disease caused by hardened arteries.
• CSF: Cerebrospinal fluid; the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
• CVA: Cerebrovascular accident, commonly known as a stroke.
• Ca++: Calcium, an essential mineral in the body.
• APAP: Acetaminophen, a common pain reliever.
• AM: Morning, often used in scheduling.
• AIDS: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a chronic disease affecting the immune system.
• PCN: Penicillin, a type of antibiotic used to treat infections.
• qd: Every day; a dosage frequency.
• P: Pulse, a vital sign indicative of heart rate.
• Respirations: Often abbreviated as R or Resp, a measure of breathing rate.
• NKDA: No known drug allergies; vital information in patient care.
• NKA: No known allergies, indicating the patient has no reported allergies.
• AMA: Against medical advice; signifies a patient leaving care against recommendations.
• LWBS: Left without being seen; used when a patient departs without receiving care.
• DOB: Date of birth; personal identifying information.
• DVT: Deep vein thrombosis, a medical condition involving blood clots in deep veins.
• Bx: Biopsy, a procedure to remove and examine tissue for disease.
• Hx: History; information regarding a patient's past medical issues.
• Fx: Fracture, a break in a bone.
• CA: Cancer; a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth.
• CBC: Complete blood count; a common blood test to evaluate overall health.
• CF: Cystic fibrosis; a genetic disorder affecting the lungs and digestive system.
• CXR: Chest x-ray; an imaging test to visualize lung and heart conditions.
• CHF: Congestive heart failure, a chronic condition where the heart can't pump effectively.
• CNS: Central nervous system, comprising the brain and spinal cord.
• CTS: Carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition causing numbness and tingling in the hand.
• C&S: Culture and sensitivity; tests to determine effective antibiotics against infections.
• D&C: Dilation and curettage, a surgical procedure involving the removal of tissue from the uterus.
• DOA: Dead on arrival; a term used in emergency situations when a patient is found deceased.