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.