Common Abbreviations and Acronyms

Medical Terminology

Abd

Abdomen

ABGs

Arterial blood gases

a.c.

Before meals

ACLS

Advance cardiac life support

Ad lib

As desired

ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

AKA

Above-the-knee amputation

AMA

Against medical advice

ASA

Aspirin

BE

Barium enema

BKA

Below-the-knee amputation

BM

Bowel movement

BRP

Bathroom privileges

BUN

Blood urea nitrogen

Ca

calcium; cancer

CABG

Coronary artery bypass graft

CAD

Coronary art

CP

Chest pain

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Cv

Cardiovascular

D&C

Dilation and curettage

D/C, dc

discharge, discontinue

DM

Diabetes mellitus

DTap

Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine

FBS, FBG

Fasting blood sugar/glucose

FUO

Fever of unknown origin

GU

Genitourinary

MS

Multiple sclerosis

OOB

Out of bed

p.c.

after meals (post cibos)

TIA

Transient ischemic attack