Healthcare Abbreviations and Terms

These flashcards cover important medical abbreviations and terms essential for understanding healthcare contexts.

AM

Ante Meridiem; morning; means 'before noon'.

AD

Alzheimer’s Disease; a progressive brain disorder that destroys memory and thinking skills.

ADL

Activities of Daily Living; fundamental self-care tasks performed daily.

AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; advanced stage of HIV infection.

bid

Twice a day; used in medical settings for medication frequency.

BP

Blood Pressure; the force of blood against artery walls.

cc

Cubic centimeter; a unit of volume equivalent to a milliliter (mL).

CDC

Centers for Disease Control; national public health agency in the U.S.

CEP

Competency Evaluation Program; assesses healthcare workers' skills.

CPR

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; emergency procedure for cardiac arrest.

CVA

Cardiovascular accident; also known as a stroke.

EMS

Emergency Medical Service; system providing emergency medical care.

mmHg

Millimeters of mercury; unit for measuring blood pressure.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus; virus that attacks the immune system.

I & O

Intake and Output; measures fluids entering and leaving the body.

IV

Intravenous; administration of fluids/medications into a vein.

LTC

Long-Term Care; services for ongoing health and personal care needs.

mL

Milliliter; a unit of volume equal to one-thousandth of a liter.

mm

Millimeter; unit of length for measuring small objects.

MDS

Minimum Data Set; tool for clinical assessments in nursing homes.

MRSA

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus; antibiotic-resistant staph infection.

MSDS

Material Safety Data Sheet; document detailing chemical hazards.

NPO

Nothing By Mouth; medical instruction for no food or water.

OBRA

Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987; nursing home regulations.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment; clothing for protection against hazards.

SOB

Shortness of Breath; feeling of not being able to breathe enough.

STAT

Urgent; indicates immediate action is required.

T

Temperature; measurement of body heat.

CNA

Certified Nursing Assistant; a trained healthcare provider.

TB

Tuberculosis; infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

TPR

Temperature/Pulse/Respiration; vital signs overview.

USDA

US Department of Agriculture; agency for food and agriculture leadership.

VRE

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus; antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection.

abd

Abdomen; part of the body containing digestive organs.

ac

Before meals; instruction for medication timing.

ad lib

As desired; indicates freedom to take action without restrictions.

amb

Ambulate; refers to walking or moving independently.

AP

Apical pulse; pulse felt at the apex of the heart.

BM

Bowel movement; act of expelling fecal matter.

c/o

Complaints of; used to document symptoms or concerns.

CHF

Congestive Heart Failure; condition where heart cannot pump effectively.

DNR

Do Not Resuscitate; medical order against performing CPR.

dx

Diagnosis; identifying a disease or condition.

FBS

Fasting Blood Sugar; test measuring blood glucose levels.

FWB

Full Weight Bearing; ability to bear full weight on an injured limb.

GI

Gastrointestinal; relating to the digestive system.

NKDA

No Known Drug Allergy; indicates no known medication allergies.

NKA

No Known Allergy; indicates no known allergies of any kind.

NWB

Non-Weight Bearing; no weight on an injured limb.

O2

Oxygen; vital gas necessary for human life.

OOB

Out of Bed; indicates a patient can get out and move.

pc

After meals; indicates timing for medication.

PO

By mouth; instruction for oral medication.

prn

As needed; indicates medication is taken as necessary.

PWB

Partial Weight Bearing; some weight allowed on an injured limb.

q

Every; indicates frequency in medical instructions.

ROM

Range of Motion; measure of joint flexibility.

tid

Three times a day; standard frequency in prescriptions.

w/c

Wheelchair; mobility equipment for sitting.