ABBREV.

AD

Admitting Diagnosis

First diagnosis at admission

Ad Lib

As desired

Often for movement or diet

Dx

Diagnosis

Final or working diagnosis

D/C

Discontinue or Discharge

Often used in orders

Hx

History

Medical or surgical history

Stat

Immediately

Urgent; time-sensitive

Fx

Fracture

May require immobilization

Pt

Patient

Common shorthand

s̄

Without

(From Latin “sine”)

c̄

With

(From Latin “cum”)

BP

Blood Pressure

Normal: ~120/80 mmHg

HR

Heart Rate

Normal: 60–100 bpm

RR

Respiratory Rate

Normal: 12–20 bpm

T

Temperature

Normal: 97.8–99°F

VS

Vital Signs

BP, HR, RR, T, SpO2

SpO2

Oxygen Saturation

Normal: 95–100%

MAP

Mean Arterial Pressure

Normal: ~70–110 mmHg

I&O

Intake & Output

Important for fluid balance

CRT

Capillary Refill Time

Normal: <2–3 seconds

CHF

Congestive Heart Failure

Monitor for edema, SOB

CAD

Coronary Artery Disease

Risk for MI

CVA

Cerebrovascular Accident

Stroke

MI

Myocardial Infarction

Heart attack

PVC

Premature Ventricular Contraction

Irregular heart rhythm

CPR

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Emergency lifesaving

CCU

Cardiac Care Unit

Specialized ICU

HOB

Head of Bed

Often ordered to elevate in CHF

PRBC

Packed Red Blood Cells

Used for blood transfusion

WBC

White Blood Cells

Infection indicator

RBC

Red Blood Cells

Oxygen transport

CBC

Complete Blood Count

Includes RBC, WBC, Hgb, Hct, Plt

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis

SOB

Shortness of Breath

Subjective respiratory complaint

RT

Respiratory Therapy/Therapist

Specialist in airway management

O2

Oxygen

Often delivered via nasal cannula or mask

SpO2

Oxygen Saturation

Use pulse oximeter

ETT

Endotracheal Tube

Intubation tool

AP

Anteroposterior

View on chest x-ray

TPN

Total Parenteral Nutrition

Often ordered in patients without GI access

LOC

Level of Consciousness

A&O x4, lethargic, comatose

TIA

Transient Ischemic Attack

“Mini stroke”

SIADH

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone

Causes fluid overload

CVA

Cerebrovascular Accident

Stroke

DM

Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 or Type 2

DKA

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Emergency in Type 1 DM

FBS

Fasting Blood Sugar

<100 mg/dL (normal)

GTT

Glucose Tolerance Test

Used in pregnancy

DI

Diabetes Insipidus

Electrolyte imbalance (not blood sugar-related)

GI

Gastrointestinal

Includes stomach, intestines

GTT

Glucose Tolerance Test

Screening for gestational diabetes

NPO

Nothing by Mouth

“Nil Per Os” – pre-op or GI rest

PO

By Mouth

Medication route

NG or NGT

Nasogastric Tube

Used for suction or feeding

BUN

Blood Urea Nitrogen

Kidney function test

CKD

Chronic Kidney Disease

May progress to ESRD

BUN

Blood Urea Nitrogen

Monitors renal function

UTI

Urinary Tract Infection

Common cause of confusion in elderly

UA

Urinalysis

Looks for infection, glucose, blood

I&O

Intake and Output

Strictly measured in renal patients

LMP

Last Menstrual Period

Helps date pregnancy

GYN

Gynecology

Women’s health focus

OB

Obstetrics

Pregnancy & childbirth

TURP

Transurethral Resection of Prostate

BPH treatment

C&S

Culture & Sensitivity

Determines antibiotic treatment

TB

Tuberculosis

Infectious lung disease

STD

Sexually Transmitted Disease

Screen routinely in high-risk patients

WBC

White Blood Cells

Normal: 4,500–11,000/mm³

ABX

Antibiotics

Not on list but useful abbreviation

ICU

Intensive Care Unit

Critical care unit

ED

Emergency Department

ER/urgent care

OR

Operating Room

Surgical suite

PT

Physical Therapy / Therapist

Post-op rehab

OT

Occupational Therapy / Therapist

ADL rehab

RN

Registered Nurse

Licensed professional nurse

LPN/LVN

Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse

Works under RN

UAP

Unlicensed Assistive Personnel

CNAs or patient care techs

BLS/ACLS

Basic/Advanced Life Support

CPR, emergency response

AC

Before Meals

Medication timing

PC

After Meals

Medication timing

PRN

As Needed

Example: PRN pain meds

BID, TID

Twice, Three times a day

Common med frequencies

Pre-op

Before Surgery

Often includes labs or NPO

SBAR

Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation

Handoff tool