Medical Abbreviations Flashcards

Medical Abbreviations: Key Definitions

• BKA: Refers to a below knee amputation, a surgical procedure to remove a leg below the knee.
• BSA: Stands for body surface area, often used to calculate dosages of medications and assess metabolic processes.
• BSO: Abbreviation for bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, a surgery involving the removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
• BTL: Represents bilateral tubal ligation, a sterilization procedure for women that blocks the fallopian tubes.
• Bx: Short for biopsy, a diagnostic procedure to remove and examine tissue from the body.
• CABG: Refers to coronary artery bypass graft, a surgical procedure to improve blood flow to the heart.
• cap: Abbreviation for capsule, a type of medication formulation that encloses the drug in a soluble container.
• CAD: Stands for coronary artery disease, a condition characterized by narrowed arteries leading to the heart.
• CT/CAT: This refers to computed tomography or computer axial tomography, advanced imaging techniques to create detailed body scans.
• CBI: Represents continuous bladder irrigation, a procedure to maintain patency of the bladder after surgery.
• cc: Abbreviation for cubic centimeter, a unit of volume commonly used in medication administration.
• CCU: Stands for coronary care unit, a specialized hospital unit focused on patients with heart conditions.
• CHD: Refers to congestive heart disease, a condition where the heart's ability to pump is impaired.
• COPD: Stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a progressive lung disease characterized by difficulty breathing.
• CPM: Represents continuous passive motion machine, used in rehabilitation to promote recovery after joint surgery.
• C-Section: Abbreviation for Caesarean Section, a surgical procedure to deliver a baby through the abdomen.
• dc, D/C: Short for discontinue, used in medical orders to stop treatment or medication.
• DIC: Stands for disseminated intravascular coagulation, a serious condition that affects blood clotting.
• DJD: Refers to degenerative joint disease, commonly known as osteoarthritis, where joint cartilage wears down.
• DNR: Stands for do not resuscitate, a medical order indicating that a patient does not wish to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• DOB: Abbreviation for date of birth, used in patient records and identification.
• DVT: Represents deep vein thrombosis, a condition involving blood clots forming in deep veins, usually in the legs.
• Dx: Stands for diagnosis, the identification of a disease or condition based on signs and symptoms.

Test your knowledge of commonly used medical abbreviations with this engaging flashcard quiz. Each card features a specific abbreviation and its definition, helping you enhance your medical vocabulary effectively.