Medical Abbreviations Quiz

Common Medical Abbreviations

• ABC: Refers to the critical order of emergency care: Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
• ABD: Indicates the abdomen, an essential area in physical examinations.
• ABG: Stands for Arterial Blood Gases, crucial for assessing gas exchange in the lungs.
• ac: Instruction for patients to take medication or partake in activities before meals.
• ad lib: Means that a patient can engage in activities freely as desired.
• ADL: Refers to Activities of Daily Living, vital for evaluating a patient's functional capacity.
• AEB: Used to indicate findings, as evidenced by specific observations or symptoms.
• AKA: Denotes Above Knee Amputation, relevant in surgical and rehabilitation contexts.
• AMA: A warning indicating that a patient has chosen to leave Against Medical Advice.
• Amb: Short for ambulatory, describing a patient's ability to walk independently.
• Amt: Represents the quantity or amount, often related to medications or fluids.
• AP: Apical Pulse, a measurement taken at the apex of the heart, important for assessing heart rate.
• ATC: Refers to administering treatments or medications Around the Clock for consistent management.
• AV: Atrioventricular, describes aspects of heart function related to its chambers.
• BID: Indicates medication or treatment is to be taken Twice a Day.
• BMI: Body Mass Index, a measure used to assess nutritional status and weight management.
• BP: Blood Pressure, a vital sign indicating the circulatory system's health.
• BPM: Beats Per Minute, a measurement relevant to heart rate assessment.
• BSA: Body Surface Area, important in dosing medications and assessing organ function.
• C&S: Culture and Sensitivity, tests to identify pathogens and their responsiveness to treatments.
• CBE: Charting By Exception, a documentation method focusing on significant deviations from norms.
• CMS: Circulation, Motion, Sensation; essential assessments for limb functionality.
• CVC: Central Venous Catheter, a device for delivering medication or fluids directly into large veins.
• CXR: Chest X-ray, a diagnostic imaging tool for evaluating lung and heart conditions.
• DC: Abbreviation for discontinue or discharge, used in treatment plans.
• DNR: Do Not Resuscitate order, indicating that a patient prefers not to receive resuscitation measures.
• DOB: Date of Birth, typically required for patient identification and record-keeping.
• DX: Diagnosis, the conclusion reached regarding a patient's condition.
• ECF: Extended Care Facility, places that provide long-term care for patients with chronic conditions.
• ECG: Electrocardiogram, a test monitoring electrical activity of the heart.
• ED: Emergency Department, a crucial facility for immediate medical care.
• FBS: Fasting Blood Sugar, a measure used to diagnose diabetes and monitor glucose levels.
• H&H: Hemoglobin and Hematocrit, lab values assessing blood health and oxygen-carrying capacity.
• hs: Hour of Sleep, often used in prescribing medications to be taken at bedtime.
• I&O: Intake and Output, a measure of fluid balance in patients.
• ICU: Intensive Care Unit, specialized facility for critically ill patients requiring close monitoring.
• IM: Intramuscular, a route for medication administration.
• IV: Intravenous, a method for delivering fluids and medications directly into the bloodstream.
• KVO: Keep Vein Open, a medical order to maintain venous access for future medications.
• LMP: Last Menstrual Period, important for obstetric and gynecological assessments.
• LPM: Liters Per Minute, often used for measuring oxygen flow rates.
• MDRO: Multidrug Resistant Organism, a significant concern in infection control.
• MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet, documentation addressing the safe use of hazardous substances.
• NPO: Nothing By Mouth, a guideline for patients prior to surgery or certain tests.
• O2: Oxygen, essential for respiration and often administered to patients with breathing difficulties.
• OTC: Over the Counter, medications available without a prescription.
• PCA: Patient Controlled Analgesia, a system allowing patients to manage their own pain relief.
• PCP: Primary Care Provider, the main healthcare provider managing overall patient care.
• PO: By Mouth, a common route for medication administration.
• PPE: Personal Protective Equipment, essential for healthcare workers to prevent infection.
• qd: Prescribing frequency of Every Day.
• qh: Frequency of Every Hour.
• qid: Frequency of Four Times a Day.
• qs: Quantity Sufficient, indicating that an adequate amount is needed.
• R/T: Related To, often used for documenting patient conditions or symptoms.
• SC/SQ: Subcutaneous, referring to a method for administering medications.
• SL: Sublingual, indicating medications taken under the tongue for rapid absorption.
• SNF: Skilled Nursing Facility, providing patients with care services requiring professional skills.
• SOB: Shortness of Breath, a symptom that can indicate various respiratory or cardiac conditions.
• STAT: Medical term signifying immediacy, requiring prompt action.
• Susp: Abbreviation for suspension, typically used for certain formulations of medications.
• Tab: Tablet, a common form of medication.
• TID: Indicating medication to be taken Three Times a Day.
• TPN: Total Parenteral Nutrition, a method of feeding that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract.
• TPR: Temperature, Pulse, Respiration, essential vital signs in patient assessments.
• UA: Urinalysis, a test to assess urinary tract health and diagnose conditions.
• UAP: Unlicensed Assistive Personnel, support staff assisting licensed healthcare providers.
• UTI: Urinary Tract Infection, a common condition necessitating specific treatments.
• VS: Vital Signs, fundamental indicators of a patient’s health status.
• W/C: Wheelchair, equipment for patients with mobility limitations.
• WNL: Within Normal Limits, a term indicating results are normal and acceptable.

Test your knowledge of common medical abbreviations in this informative quiz. From airway management to daily living activities, assess your understanding of acronyms used in the healthcare field. Perfect for nursing students and medical professionals alike!