Common Nursing Abbreviations

Abd

Abdominal

a.c.

Before meals

ADA Diet

American Diabetes Association

ADL

Activities of daily living

ad lib

As desired

AKA

Above knee amputation

AMA

Against medical advice

am

Morning

AOx3

Alert and oriented x 3

ASA

Aspirin

A.R.O.M

Active range of motion

ASAP

As soon as possible

as tol

As tolerated

AD

Right ear

AS

Left ear

AU

Both ears

b.i.d

Twice a day

BKA

Below knee amputation

BM

Bowel movement

BP

Blood pressure

bpm

Beats per minute

BR

Bedrest

bs

Bowel sounds

BRP

Bathroom privileges

BUN

Blood urea nitrogen

bx

Biopsy

c

with

C&S

Culture and sensitivity

CA

Cancer

CAD

Coronary Artery Disease

CABG

Coronary Artery Bypass Disease

CBC

Complete blood count

cc

Cubic centimeter

CHF

Congestive heart failure

cl liq

Clear liquids

CNA

Certified nursing assistant

CNS

Central nervous system

c/o

Complains of

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

CPAP

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

CPR

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

COTA

Certified Occupational Therapy

CRNP

Certified registered nurse practitioner

CT

Computed tomography

CVA

Cerebrovascular Accident

CXR

Chest X-Ray

d

Day

d/c

Discontinue or discharge

DAT

Diet as tolerated