Many abbreviations for medical terms and procedures. However, it’s important to use them correctly and avoid ambiguity or confusion. Some commonly used abbreviations in nursing include:
Here is an A-Z list of common medical abbreviations:
- a: Before
- aa: Of each
- abd: Abdomen
- ac: Before meals
- ad lib: As desired
- adm: Admission
- ADR: Adverse drug reaction
- AIDS: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
- alb: Albumin
- alt dieb: Every other day
- amt: Amount
- approx: Approximately
- ASA: Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin)
- AV: Atrioventricular
- BCG: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (vaccine)
- bid: Twice a day
- BKA: Below knee amputation
- BM: Bowel movement
- BP: Blood pressure
- BPD: Bipolar disorder
- bpm: Beats per minute
- BRBPR: Bright red blood per rectum
- BS: Bowel sounds or Blood sugar
- BUN: Blood urea nitrogen
- c: With
- Ca: Calcium or Cancer
- CABG: Coronary artery bypass graft
- CAD: Coronary artery disease
- cap: Capsule
- CBC: Complete blood count
- cc: Cubic centimeter
- CDM: Charge description master
- CEA: Carcinoembryonic antigen
- CHD: Coronary heart disease
- CHF: Congestive heart failure
- CK: Creatine kinase
- cm: Centimeter
- CNS: Central nervous system
- CO: Carbon monoxide
- CO2: Carbon dioxide
- COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure
- CPR: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- C&S: Culture and sensitivity
- CSF: Cerebrospinal fluid
- CVA: Cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
- CXR: Chest x-ray
- D/C: Discontinue or Discharge
- D5W: 5% dextrose in water
- DAT: Diet as tolerated
- DBP: Diastolic blood pressure
- DEXA: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
- DKA: Diabetic ketoacidosis
- DNR: Do not resuscitate
- DOA: Dead on arrival
- DOE: Dyspnea on exertion
- DVT: Deep vein thrombosis
- Dx: Diagnosis
- ECG: Electrocardiogram
- EEG: Electroencephalogram
- EKG: Electrocardiogram
- EMG: Electromyogram
- ENT: Ear, nose, and throat
- ESR: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- ET: Endotracheal
- ETOH: Ethanol (alcohol)
- ETT: Endotracheal tube
- FBS: Fasting blood sugar
- FDA: Food and Drug Administration
- Fe: Iron
- FF: Force fluids
- FFP: Fresh frozen plasma
- FH: Family history
- FUO: Fever of unknown origin
- FWB: Full weight bearing
- g: Gram
- GCS: Glasgow Coma Scale
- GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- GI: Gastrointestinal
- gm: Gram
- gr: Grain
- GSW: Gunshot wound
- Gtt: Drop(s)
- GU: Genitourinary
- GYN: Gynecology
- H&H: Hemoglobin and hematocrit
- H2O: Water
- HbA1c: Glycated hemoglobin (blood test for
- Hx – history
- ICU – intensive care unit
- IM – intramuscular
- IV – intravenous
- NPO – nothing by mouth
- OTC – over the counter
- PO – by mouth
- PRN – as needed
- PT – physical therapy
- Rx – prescription
- SOB – shortness of breath
- STAT – immediately
- TID – three times a day
- UA – urinalysis
- UTI – urinary tract infection
- WBC – white blood cell count
- X-ray – radiograph
These abbreviations can save time and space in medical records, but they can also be a source of confusion or misunderstanding if used improperly. It’s important for healthcare professionals to be aware of the standard abbreviations used in their field and to use them consistently and appropriately.
