Medical Abbreviations (O-U) Flashcards

Abbreviations for Medical Terminology

• od: Refers to "right eye" in prescriptions and medical documentation.
• os: Denotes "left eye," commonly used in eye care contexts.
• ou: Stands for "both eyes," indicating treatments or observations related to both ocular organs.

Medical Directions for Administration

• pc: Indicates administration of medication "after meals," useful for timing doses.
• pm: Refers to medication taken in the "evening," specifying time for dosing.
• po: Means "by mouth," describing the route of oral medication administration.
• pr: Signifies that medication is to be administered "rectally."
• pv: Indicates administration "vaginally" for certain treatments.

Frequency and Dosage Instructions

• prn: Abbreviation for "as needed" (from Latin pro re nata), indicating when to administer a treatment based on necessity.
• q: Stands for "every," often used in prescription writing to indicate frequency.
• qd: Indicates "every day" or "daily," specifying a once-a-day regimen.
• QID: Represents "four times a day," detailing a frequent dosing schedule.
• QOD: Means "every other day," providing a less frequent dosing approach.
• qs: Refers to "sufficient quantity," often used to indicate the amount needed.

Routes of Administration

• SQ (or SC): Denotes "subcutaneously," referring to injections given into the layering of fat under the skin.
• sig: Short for "write on label," guiding labeling directions on medication containers.
• SL: Stands for "sublingually," indicating medication that is placed under the tongue for absorption.

Measurement Units

• tbsp: Abbreviation for "tablespoon," a unit of volume often used in dosing.
• tsp: Means "teaspoon," commonly used for smaller doses in medication administration.

Additional Dosing Instructions

• tid: Signifies "three times daily," commonly used in prescriptions for frequent daily dosing.
• utd: Stands for "as directed," indicating that administration should follow specific instructions from a healthcare professional.

Test your knowledge of medical abbreviations from O to U with this set of flashcards. Each card includes a common abbreviation and its definition. Perfect for medical students and healthcare professionals looking to sharpen their skills.