Nursing Abbreviations

ABGs

arterial blood gases

ACS

acute coronary syndrome

AKA

above the knee amputation

AKI

acute kidney injury

ALOC

altered level of consciousness

AMA

against medical advice

Amb

ambulate

ARU

acute rehabilitation unit

ASA

acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin

BIB

brought in by

BKA

below the knee amputation

BM

bowel movement

BP

blood pressure

BPH

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

BR

bed rest

BSC

bedside commode

C/S

culture and sensitivity

Ca

cancer or calcium

CABG

coronary artery bypass grafting

CAD

coronary artery disease

CBC

complete blood count

CBI

continuous bladder irrigation

CHF

congestive heart failure

CMP

comprehensive metabolic panel

COPD

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

CP

chest pain

CRF (ESRD)

chronic renal failure, end-stage renal disease

CT

computed tomography (CAT scan)

CVA

cerebral vascular accident (stroke)

CXR

chest x-ray

D/C

discontinue or discharge

DJD

degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis)

DKA

diabetic ketoacidosis

DM

diabetes mellitus

DNA

do not announce

DNR

do not resuscitate

DSD

dry sterile dressing

DTs

delirium tremens

DVT

deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)

Dx

diagnosis

EBL

estimated blood loss

ECG or EKG

electrocardiogram

EGD

esophagogastroduodenoscopy

ERCP

endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

ESBL

extended-spectrum beta lactamase

ETOH

alcohol

FBS

fasting blood sugar

F/C

foley catheter

GERD

gastro-esophageal reflux disease

GSW

gunshot wound

GYN

gynecology

H&H

hemoglobin & hematocrit

H/A

headache

Hct

hematocrit

HCAHPS

hospital consumer assessment of healthcare providers and systems

HCTZ

hydrochlorothiazide

Hgb

hemoglobin

HIPAA

health insurance portability and accountability act

HOB

head of bed

H&P

history and physical

HOH

hard of hearing

HS

hours of sleep (at bedtime)

HTN

hypertension

I&D

incision an drainage

IM

intramuscular

IV

intravenous

IVPB

intravenous piggyback (medication)

JVD

jugular vein distention

K

potassium

KUB

kidneys, ureters, bladder

KVO

keep vein open

Lap

laparotomy

LOS

length of stay

LBO

large bowel obstruction

LIS

low intermittent suction

LFT

liver function test

LLQ or RLQ

left or right lower quadrant

LOC

level of consciousness

LUQ or RUQ

left or right upper quadrant

LVH

left ventricular hypertrophy

Lytes

electrolyte blood work

MI

myocardial infarction

MRA

magnetic resonance angiography

MRSA

methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus

MS

mental status, morphine sulfate, multiple sclerosis

MVA

motor vehicle accident

N&V

nausea and vomiting

NAD

no apparent distress

NC

nasal cannula

NKA

no known allergies

NKDA

no known drug allergies

NPO

nothing by mouth

NSAID

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

NWB

non weight bearing

O&P

ova and parasites

OA

osteoarthritis

OB

obstetrics or occult blood

OOB

out of bed

ORIF

open reduction internal fixation

OT

occupational therapy