Medical Terminology: Common Abbreviations

Questions and Answers

What does 'amb' stand for?

Ambulance

Ambivalent

Ambush

Ambulatory (correct)

What is the abbreviation for Bedrest?

What does 'ad lib' mean?

Ambulatory as desired

What does 'BR c BRP' mean?

Bedrest with bathroom privileges Signup and view all the answers

What does 'OOB' stand for?

Out of bed Signup and view all the answers

What is the abbreviation for Head of Bed?

HOB Signup and view all the answers

What does 'FOB' stand for?

Foot of Bed Signup and view all the answers

What does 'ROM' stand for?

Range of motion Signup and view all the answers

What does 'IPPB' stand for?

Intermittent positive pressure breathing Signup and view all the answers

What does 'NPO' stand for?

Nothing by mouth Signup and view all the answers

What is the abbreviation for Clear Liquid?

Cl liq Signup and view all the answers

What does 'F liq' mean?

Full liquid Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Low NA' stand for?

Low sodium Signup and view all the answers

What does 'I & O' mean?

Intake and output Signup and view all the answers

What does 'NG' refer to?

Nasogastric Signup and view all the answers

What is the abbreviation for Indwelling Urinary Catheterization?

Foley Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Straight cath' mean?

Intermittent Urinary Catheterization Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Trach' stand for?

Tracheostomy Signup and view all the answers

What is the abbreviation for Open, Unobstructed?

Patent Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Irrigate' mean?

Flush with solution Signup and view all the answers

What does 'a.c.' signify?

Before meals Signup and view all the answers

What does 'ADL's' stand for?

Activities of daily living Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'AMA'?

Against medical advice Signup and view all the answers

What does 'DNR' stand for?

Do not resuscitate Signup and view all the answers

What does 'BP' stand for?

Blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the abbreviation for 'by mouth'?

po Signup and view all the answers

What does 'q.i.d.' signify?

Four times a day Signup and view all the answers

What does 'stat' mean?

Immediately Signup and view all the answers

What does 'SOB' stand for?

Shortness of breath Signup and view all the answers

What does 'F' represent in terms of temperature?

Fahrenheit Signup and view all the answers

What does 'fx' mean?

Fracture Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Common Medical Abbreviations

Ambulatory (Amb): Refers to the ability to walk or move about.
Bedrest (BR): Indicates a recommendation for a patient to remain in bed.
Ambulatory as desired (Ad lib): Patients can walk or move as they wish without restrictions.
Bedrest with bathroom privileges (BR c BRP): Bedrest is advised but permits bathroom visits.
Out of bed (OOB): Patient is allowed to leave the bed.
Head of bed (HOB): Refers to the elevated position of the head of the patient's bed.
Foot of bed (FOB): Refers to the end of the bed by the patient's feet.
Range of motion (ROM): Exercises and movements to maintain joint flexibility.
Intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB): A type of mechanical breathing support.
Nothing by mouth (NPO): Indicates that a patient should not consume any food or liquids.
Clear liquid (Cl liq): A diet consisting only of clear liquids, often prescribed before surgeries.
Full liquid (F liq): Allows all liquids, as well as liquid foods.
Low sodium (Low NA): A dietary restriction on the intake of sodium.
Intake and output (I & O): Measurement of the fluids a patient consumes and excretes.
Nasogastric (NG): Refers to a tube inserted through the nose into the stomach.
Indwelling Urinary Catheterization (Foley): A catheter placed in the bladder that remains in place.
Intermittent Urinary Catheterization (IC): Involves inserting the catheter temporarily.
Tracheostomy (Trach): A procedure to create an opening in the neck for respiratory support.
Open, Unobstructed (Patent): Describes a passage that is clear and not blocked.
Flush with solution (Irrigate): The process of cleaning or rinsing out with a liquid solution.

Additional Abbreviations

Activities of daily living (ADL's): Routine tasks individuals perform daily.
Against medical advice (AMA): When a patient chooses to leave the hospital against doctor's recommendations.
Twice a day (b.i.d.): Refers to a dosing schedule.
Blood pressure (BP): Measurement of the force of blood against the arterial walls.
Celsius (C) and Fahrenheit (F): Scales for measuring temperature.
Do not resuscitate (DNR): Medical order not to perform CPR in case of cardiac arrest.
Extracellular (h/o) and history of present illness (HPI): Medical documentation focusing on previous conditions.

Clinical Procedures and Measurements

Chief complaint (C.C.): The main issue or symptom that leads a patient to seek medical attention.
Physical exam (PE): A comprehensive examination performed by a healthcare provider.
Intravenous (IV): Delivery of fluids or medications directly into a vein.
Shortness of breath (SOB): A symptom that may indicate respiratory distress.
Immediately (STAT): Urgent action required in healthcare settings.
Symptoms or surgery (Sx): Refers to clinical signs experienced by a patient or surgical interventions.

General Terms

Temperature, pulse, respiration (TPR): Vital signs monitored to assess a patient's health status.
Subcutaneous (SQ, SC): Refers to the layer of tissue beneath the skin where medications can be administered.
Tablet (tab): Refers to a solid dosage form of medication for oral consumption.

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Test your knowledge of common medical abbreviations with this flashcard quiz. Each flashcard presents a term and its abbreviation for you to identify. Perfect for medical students or anyone interested in healthcare terminology.