Medical Abbreviations Final Study Guide

A comprehensive collection of medical abbreviations and roots from the study guide, including meanings, Latin origins, and related medical contexts.

a.c.

Before meals (Derived from Latin ante cibum).

ad lib.

As desired (Short for ad libitum); indicates the patient can move or eat without restriction.

AMI

Acute Myocardial Infarction; the clinical term for a heart attack.

b.i.d.

Twice a day (From Latin bis in die).

BP

Blood pressure; the force of blood against arterial walls (e.g. $120/80\,mmHg$).

BRP

Bathroom privileges; indicates a patient is allowed to leave bed to use the restroom.

c/o

Complains of; used in charting to document a patient's symptoms.

Ca

Cancer / Calcium; shorthand for Carcinoma or the element Calcium.

CHF

Congestive Heart Failure; a chronic condition where the heart doesn't pump blood effectively.

CNS

Central Nervous System; consists of the brain and spinal cord.

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe.

CSF

Cerebrospinal fluid; the clear fluid found in the brain and spinal cord.

CVA

Cerebrovascular Accident; the medical term for a stroke.

d/c

Discontinue or Discharge; can mean stopping a medication or sending a patient home.

DNR

Do not resuscitate; a legal order to withhold CPR or life support.

DX

Diagnosis; the identification of the nature of an illness.

ECG / EKG

Electrocardiogram; a record of the electrical activity of the heart.

EEG

Electroencephalogram; a record of the electrical activity of the brain.

FBS

Fasting blood sugar; a test to determine glucose levels after a period of not eating.

FUO

Fever of unknown origin; used when a patient has a high temperature that cannot be explained.

fx

Fracture; shorthand for a break in a bone.

GI

Gastrointestinal; pertaining to the stomach and intestines.

gtt

Drops (From Latin guttae); used in liquid medication dosages.

h.s.

At bedtime (From Latin hora somni).

Hx

History; used to denote a patient's medical background.

ICU

Intensive Care Unit; specialized hospital department for critically ill patients.

I&O

Intake and output; measuring all fluids taken in and excreted by a patient.

IV

Intravenous; within a vein.

L&D

Labor and delivery; the hospital unit where childbirth occurs.

MI

Myocardial Infarction; heart attack; the death of heart muscle due to lack of oxygen.

n.p.o.

Nothing by mouth (From Latin nil per os); usually required before surgery.

NSR

Normal sinus rhythm; the characteristic rhythm of a healthy heart.

OTC

Over-the-counter; medications purchased without a prescription.

p.c.

After meals (From Latin post cibum).

p.o.

By mouth (From Latin per os); oral administration of medication.

p.r.n.

Whenever necessary (From Latin pro re nata).

q.d.

Every day (From Latin quaque die). Note: 'daily' is now the preferred term to avoid errors.

q.h.

Every hour (From Latin quaque hora).

q.i.d.

Four times a day (From Latin quater in die).

ROM

Range of motion; the full movement potential of a joint.

RX

Prescription; usually refers to a drug or a treatment plan.

s/s

Signs and symptoms; the objective and subjective evidence of a disease.

STAT

Immediately (From Latin statim); used in emergencies.

SX

Symptoms / Surgery; refers to patient complaints or a procedure depending on context.

t.i.d.

Three times a day (From Latin ter in die).

TPR

Temp, pulse, and respiration; the three primary vital signs.

TX

Treatment; the medical care given to a patient for an illness or injury.

UA

Urinalysis; a laboratory test of urine.

URI

Upper Respiratory Infection; commonly known as the 'common cold.'

VS

Vital signs; includes pulse, BP, temperature, and respiration rate.