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abduction - to move a limb or some other body part away from the midline of the body
ABG - arterial blood gas reading
acetaminophen - a nonsalicylate analgesic-antipyretic (Tylenol)
ACE - angiotension-converting enzyme
ACLS - advanced cardiac life support; includes electricity (defibrillator) and drugs for life
threatening arrhythmias
acidotic - abnormally high acidity of body fluids and tissues
acute - sudden, intense flare-up
adenosine - a drug used to help a patient with Supraventricular tachycardia convert to normal
sinus rhythm
agonal - a word used to describe a major negative change in a patient's condition, usually
preceding immediate death, such as a complete cessation of breathing or a dire change in the
patient's EEG or EKG
albuterol - a bronchodilator used on asthma patients and patients having bronchial spasms to
dilate the bronchia and improve breathing
ALOC - abbreviation for Acute Loss of Consciousness
alzheimer's disease - a progressive disease with specific brain abnormalities marked by
memory loss and progressive inability to function normally at even the simplest tasks
AMA - against medical advice or American Medical Association
ambu-bag - handheld squeeze bag attached to a face mask. see also bagging
amitriptyline - a tricyclic antidepressant
amoxicillin - an antibiotic
amp - abbreviation for Ampule, which is a sealed plastic or glass capsule containing a single
dose of a drug in a sterile solution for injection.
anaphylactic shock - an extreme allergic reaction that usually involves heart failure, circulatory
collapse, a severe asthma-like difficulty in breathing and sometimes results in death.
ancef - a cephalosporin antibiotic
anemia - chronically low hematocrit
aneurysm - a balloonlike swelling in the wall of an artery
angina pectoris - a severe acute attack of cardiac pain
angioplasty - plastic surgery of blood vessels during which a balloon is passed into the artery
and inflated to enlarge it and increase blood flow
anhidrosis - the abnormal absence of sweat
anterior - word used to describe the front surface of an organ, muscle, etc
antivert - a drug prescribed for nausea and dizziness
aortic calcification - hardening of the aorta, the main artery coming out of the left ventricle of
the heart, usually from cholesterol deposits or some other organic substance
aortic coarctation - a dangerous narrowing of the aorta
aortic dissection - a tear in the aorta
aortic rupture - when the aorta bursts
arterial stick - insertion of an IV line into an artery
arrhythmia - when the beat of the heart is no longer originating from the sinus node, and the
rhythm is abnormal
ASA - the abbreviation for acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
astrocytoma - a slowly growing tumor of the glial tissue of the brain and the spinal cord
asystole - a condition in which the heart no longer beats and usually cannot be restarted
ativan - a minor tranquilizer drug (lorazepam) used for anxiety, tension, agitation, or fatigue
atropine - a drug to increase the heart rate
atypical angina - a form of angina pectoris that does not manifest the typical angina
symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, etc, but which comes on suddenly and occurs
without a predisposing cause
AZT - an antiviral drug (zidovudine) prescribed for the treatment of AIDS

Babinski's reflex - also known as the plantar reflex; the movement of the big toe upward
instead of downward; used to test injury to, or diseases of, the upper motor neurons
bactrim - the trade name for cotrimoxazole and sulfamethoxizole, an antibacterial agent
particularly useful for urinary infections
bagging - manual respiration for a patient having breathing trouble that uses a handheld
squeeze bag attached to a face mask
Barlow's syndrome - infantile scurvy
Betadine - trade name for povidone-iodine, a preparation used as a surgical scrub that is
available in liquid and aerosol forms
bilateral hemothorax - blood in both sides of the pleura, the membrane covering the lung
blood culture - incubating a blood sample so that suspected infectious bacteria can multiply
and thus be identified
blood gas - a test to determine the gas-phase components of blood, including oxygen,
carbon dioxide, pH balance, etc
blood pressure - a measure of how well blood circulates through your arteries, listen in the
format of the systolic pressure over the diastolic pressure. Normal blood pressure is about
120/80
blood swab - a blood sample taken with a cotton-tipped stick
BLS - abbreviation for basic life support; includes CPR and removal of foreign body airway
obstruction
body packer - a drug courier who swallows condoms filled with cocaine or heroin in order to
smuggle them into a country and then passes them rectally after he's safe
bolus - a large dose of a drug that is given (usually intravenously) at the beginning of
treatment to raise blood-level concentrations to a therapeutic level
bounceback - a patient who returns to the ER with the same complaint shortly after being
released
bowel disimpaction - manual removal of impacted fecal matter from a patient's rectum
BP - abbreviation for blood pressure
bradycardic - a slowing of the heart rate to less than 50 beats per minute
breath sounds - the sounds heard through a stethoscope placed on the chest over the lungs
bronchoscopy - the use of an endoscope to examine and take biopsies from the interior of
the bronchia
BUN - abbreviation for blood urea nitrogen

c-section - shorthand for cesarean section, which is surgical delivery of a baby through the
abdominal wall
c-spine - shorthand for cervical spine, or the neck
calcium oxalate stone - a kidney stone
Calot's triangle - the cystic duct, the common duct, and the liver
calyx - a cup-shaped part of the kidneys
capillary refill - when a fingernail is pressed, the nail bed turns white. Capillary refill refers to
the return of the nail bed to pink color. Good cap refill is two seconds or less
capoten - see captopril captopril - an antihypertensive and ACE inhibitor prescribed for high
blood failure and congestive heart failure. It is also sold under the trade
name capoten (captopril is the drug's generic name)
carboxyhemoglobin - a substance formed when the poisonous gas carbon monoxide
combines with hemoglobin in the blood. Carboxyhemoglobin is incapable of transporting
oxygen to the body's organs. Large amounts of this compound are found in carbon monoxide
poisoning
cardiac effusion - see pericardial effusion
cardiac enzymes - creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate transaminase
cardiomyopathy - a disorder of the heart muscle that can often be fatal
cardiac tamponade - compression of the heart from fluid such as an effusion or blood
CAT scan - Computerized axial tomography
catcher's mask - a device used for a patient with bleeding varices in the throat that allows a
tube with two balloons attached to be positioned securely in the throat and inflated. The
balloons then put pressure on the enlarged veins in order to stop the bleeding
CBC - abbreviation for complete blood count, which is an all-purpose blood test; combining
diagnostic evaluations of red blood cell count, white cell count, erythrocyte
indices, hematocrit, and a differential blood count
cc - abbreviation for cubic centimeters
cecum - a pouch at the junction of the large and small intestine. The lower end bears the
vermiform appendix
ceftriaxone - a cephalosporin antibiotic
cellulitis - a skin infection
central line - the central location in the circulation of the vein used, usually in the internal
jugular and subclavian veins in the neck, or the femoral veins in the groin. This has the benefit
of being able to send more fluid into the body
cephalosporin - an antibiotic
cesarean section - surgical delivery of a baby through the abdominal wall
champagne tap - a successful lumbar puncture with no red blood cells found, which means it
is as clean as possible. So-called because the supervising resident has to, by custom, buy the
student a bottle champagne
Chem 7 - a battery of blood chemistry tests; the seven parts of a Chem 7; sodium, potassium,
chloride, bicarbonate, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and glucose
chest film - a chest X-ray
CHF - abbreviation for congestive heart failure, see pulmonary edema
claudication - limping caused by impaired blood supply to the legs
coag panel - a blood test used to determine the clotting factors of a patient's blood
code brown - term used when a patient doesn't make it to the bathroom in time
compazine - a drug (prochlorperazine) prescribed for severe nausea and vomiting and also
for treatment of psychotic disorders and anxiety
cordotomy - surgical severing of the nerves in the spinal cord to relieve intractable pain in the
pelvis and lower limbs
crasher - a person who passes out in the ER, often not a patient but a family member who is
upset over what's going on with a loved one
cricothyroidotomy - a procedure used to surgically establish an airway in the patient's throat
when intubation isn't possibly because of swelling or bleeding
cricothyrotomy - see cricothyroidotomy
crispy critter - irreverent ER slang for a seriously burned patient
crit - short for hematocrit
CPK - creatine phosphokinase, an enzyme that elevates in the blood when a heart attack
occurs, used as a confirmation of a heart attack and as a gauge of damage
CT scan - See CAT scan
CVA - abbreviation for cerebrovascular accident, ie stroke
cyanotic - when a patient's skin and mucous membranes are bluish in color from an
inadequate supply of oxygen in the blood
cystic fibrosis - a lung disease that causes the production of thick mucus in the lungs,
hampering breathing

D
D5 - the abbreviation for dextrose (glucose) given in a 5 percent normal saline solution
Darvocet - a drug (propoxyphene hydrochloride) prescribed for pain
DB - ER abbreviation for a dead body
dead shovel - ER slang for a fat man who dies while shoveling snow
debridement - cleaning an open wound by removing foreign material and dead tissue.
Debridement of burns is extremely painful
decerebration - the progressive loss of cerebral function; advanced decerebration (and the
resultant deep unconsciousness) occurs with severe damage to the cerebrum, the largest part
of the brain
deep vein thrombosis - a blood clot in a deep vein
defibrillation - the cessation of fibrillation of the cardiac muscle and restoration of a normal
rhythm
delusional - having an irrational belief that cannot be changed by a rational argument, often
found in schizophrenia and manic-depressive psychosis
demerol - trade name for meperidine, a synthetic analgesic often used as a substitute for
morphine
diabetic ketoacidosis - depletion of the body's alkali reserves due to diabetes, causing a major
disruption in the body's acid-base balance. The breath smells fruity and the patient is usually
comatose.
diagnosis - determining what's wrong with a patient by using the patient's symptoms, signs,
test results, medical background, and other factors
dialysis - the procedure to filter blood for patients with kidney failure, also used to remove
absorbed toxins from overdosing and poisoning
diaphoresis - sweating
diastolic - pressure during the relaxing of the heart
DIC - abbreviation for disseminated intravascular coagulation (no blood clotting). (In many
hospitals, ER personnel also interpret DIC to mean "death is coming" since disseminated
intravascular coagulation usually means death is imminent) differential diagnosis - diagnosis
made by ruling out many disorders. The patient usually presents with symptoms that can be
shared by many conditions. For example, chest pain can be caused by many diseases or
conditions, and each one must be ruled out to arrive at the correct diagnosis
digitalis - a drug prescribed for congestive heart failure
dilantin - an anticonvulsant drug used to prevent seizures
diplopia - double vision
disaster protocol color coding - the following color tags are used to
immediately triage patients during a mass casualty event: Green is walking wounded; yellow is
urgent; red is critical; black is DOA
distal pulse - the pulse farthest from the heart
diuresis - the increased production of urine
diuretic - drug used to increased diuresis, ie lasix
diverticulitis - inflammation of the colon
DNR - the abbreviation for do not resuscitate, which is requested or ordered for terminally ill
patients
DOA - abbreviation for dead on arrival
dopamine - a catecholamine neurotransmitter, similar to adrenaline. It is used during surgery
to increase cardiac output and renal blood flow
DTP - a diphtheria tetanus pertussis toxoid injection
dyspnea - shortness of breath
dystocia - difficult labor due to some fetal problem, such as dislocation of the shoulders

ECG - electrocardiogram. measures heart activity

EEG - electroencephalogram. measures brain activity
EKG - see ECG
eclampsia - a serious condition affecting pregnant women in which the entire body is affected
by convulsions and the patient eventually passes into a coma
ectopic pregnancy - the development of the fetus in the fallopian tube instead of in the
womb
edema - excessive accumulation of fluid
elavil - trade name for amitriptyline
electrolyte analysis - tests the basic chemicals in the body; sodium, potassium, chloride, and
bicarbonate
embolectomy - surgical removal of an embolus
embolus - a blood clot
EMS - abbreviation for emergency medical services. The term EMS is used in the American
Heart Association protocols for BLS and ACLS
EMT - abbreviation for emergency medical technician
endocarditis - inflammation of cardiac tissue, usually caused by bacterial infection
endoscope - a long flexible tube with its own special lighting
epi - adrenaline, used to make heart beat faster and raise blood pressure
epidermis - the outer layer of the skin
epidural - an epidural block; an injection through a catheter of a local anesthetic to relieve
pain during labor, usually done at the lumbar level of the spine
epiglottitis - inflammation of the epiglottis
epinephrine - adrenaline
esmolol - a beta-blocking drug
ETA - abbreviation for Estimated Time of Arrival

F
Feldene - a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (piroxicam) prescribed for arthritis and other
forms of joint and bone inflammation
fentanyl - a short-acting morphine like narcotic analgesic of high poitency, often used in
conjunction with other drugs. Fentanyl can enhance the effect of certain narcotics (including
morphine)
fetal distress - a term used to describe a number of critical conditions threatening the live
delivery of a fetus
FHT - abbreviation for fetal heart tones
fibrillation - an uncoordinated, quivering of the heart muscle resulting in a completely
irregular pulse
first-degree burn - a burn affecting only the epidermis. The color of the burn is red, capillary
refill is present, the skin texture is normal, and the burn heals in five to ten days with no
scarring
flexeril - a potent muscle relaxant
fluconazole - an antifungal drug used for infections of the mouth, blood, and throat.
Fluconazole is often used by AIDS patients to combat oral thrush and other infections
fluoroscope - an X-ray machine
Focused H and P - a history and physical examination. H and P is the term used to describe an
examination that results in a patient history and makes an assessment of his or her condition.
The patient is physically examined and then talked to regarding his or her complaint and the
doctor then makes a probably diagnosis. Focused means do not examine a patient's feet or
do a rectal if they're complaining of a headache and double vision
foley - a foley (indwelling) catheter. This is a thin flexible tube inserted into the urethra in
order to drain the bladder

gastric lavage - irrigation of the stomach when poisoning or bleeding is suspected, or to

remove ingested toxins before they enter the blood stream
GCS - see Glasgow coma scale
gentamicin - an antibiotic
GGF1 - an abbreviation for grandpa's got a fever, which is shorthand for a battery of tests
performed when an elderly male presents with a fever of unknown origin. The tests included
in a GGF1 are a CBC, Chem 7, chest film, U/A, and blood cultures times two
GI cocktail - a commonly used mixture of liquid donnatal (which stops gastrointestinal
spasms), viscous lidocaine and mylanta (which counteracts the stomach acid and soothes the
stomach). This concoction is often given to patients presenting with severe heartburn, signs of
an ulcer, or indications of an excess production of stomach acid
giardiasis - intestinal infection with the giardia bacteria
Glasgow coma scale - this scale is used to quickly determine the status and degree of injury of
a trauma victim to the head
"Glove up and dig in" - see bowel disimpaction
golden hour - also known as the golden window. When treating a patient who has had
a myocardial infarction, emergency personnel must be extremely careful during the first hour.
The ventricles are very sensitive during this period and life threatening arrythmias can occur
gomer - ER slang for "Get Out of My Emergency Room" and is a derogatory term for geriatric
patients with multiple complicated medical problems
gorked - ER slang for unconscious (as in "gorked patient"). Also used as a noun, as in "I've got
a gork in 2"
Gram's stain - a stain test that identifies various forms of bacterial microorganisms
granuloma - a tumor
GSW - abbreviation for gunshot wound
guiac - a test of stool with a gloved finger inserted looking for blood

H and P - see also Focused H and P, history and physical: the initial evaluation and
examination of a patient
haldol - a drug (haloperidol) used for psychotic disorders, Tourette's syndrome, and
hyperactivity in children
heart/lung bypass - using a machine to breathe and circulate blood for a patient for any
number of clinical or surgical reasons, like to also used to rewarm the blood of severely
hypothermic patient
heimlich maneuver - a first-aid measure used to dislodge something caught in a person's
throat that is obstructing breathing
Hematochezia - maroon stools, usually from a lower GI bleed
hematocrit - the proportion, by volume, of red blood cells in a CBC
hemiparesis - paralysis or weakness on one side of the body
hemorrhage - the dramatic and sudden loss of blood
hemoperfusion - dialysis of the blood to remove foreign substances such as poisons or drugs
hemopneumothorax - blood and air in the pleura. Also often referred to as a collapsed lung
heparin - a blood anticoagulant
hepatolenticular degeneration - excessive accumulation of copper in the kidney, liver, and
brain, which if untreated, is invariably fatal
holosystolic murmur - a heart murmur that begins with the heart sound S1 and occupying all
of the systole, then reaching S2. S1 and S2 refer to heart sounds noted during palpation
Horner's syndrome - the term used to describe the clinical profile of myosis, ptosis,
and anhidrosis, which usually follows paralysis of the cervical sympathetic nerves on one side
of the body
hydralazine - a synthetic compound that lowers blood pressure
hyperaldosteronism - overproduction of the adrenal hormone aldosterone, causing
abnormalities in the sodium, water, and potassium levels in the body
hypercalcemia - an abnormally high concentration of calcium in the blood
hyperglycemia - high values of glucose in the blood
hyperlipidemia - excessive fat in the blood
hypoglycemia - low values of glucose in the blood
hypohemia - a lack of blood in the body
hypotension - abnormally low blood pressure
hypothermia - when the body temperature reaches significantly below normal body
temperatures (usually below 95 degrees)
hypothyroidism - subnormal activity of the thyroid gland
hypovolemia - a decrease in the volume of circulating blood; also referred to as being in
shock
hypoxia - a severe deficiency of oxygen in the blood and tissues

ileectomy - surgical removal of the small intestine

IM - abbreviation for intramuscular (pertaining to injections)
infarction - an area of tissue dead due to a local lack of oxygen
infiltrate - an abnormal substance (eg. a cancer cell) in a tissue or organ
intracerebral - inside the brain
intubation - insertion of an endotracheal tube to help an unconscious patient breathe
irritable bowel syndrome - a chronic and unpleasant gastrointestinal condition marked by
abdominal cramping, and diarrhea or constipation
ischemia - when the heart is starving for oxygen
Isordil - an antianginal agent
IV - abbreviation for intravenous, meaning through the vein
IV push - injecting medication rapidly into a vein to hit the blood system all at once

K-Y - K-Y jelly. A widely used water-soluble lubricant

KCl - (pronounced kay se-el) a potassium supplement, used to replace lost potassium in a
patient
KUB - shorthand for kidney, ureter, and bladder tests

lac - abbreviation for laceration (pronounced "lack")

laparotomy - any surgery involving an incision in the abdominal wall
laryngoscope - an instrument for examining the larynx, also to properly visualize the vocal
cords for endotracheal intubation
larynx - the "voice box"
lasix - a drug for diuresis, gets its name in that it usually lasts six hours
LFT - abbreviation for liver function test
LOL - abbreviation for "Little Old Lady"
lidocaine - a local anesthetic, also used to reduce cardiac muscle automaticity, given
intravenously
lithium - a drug commonly used to treat manic-depressive illness
lithotripsy - breaking up the renal calculi (kidney stones) with sound waves so they can be
passed in the urine
lumbar puncture - the withdrawal of cerebrospinal fluid through a hollow needle inserted into
the lumbar region between the L4 and L5 vertebrae. Also referred to as a spinal tap
lytes - abbreviation for an electrolyte analysis (pronounced "lights")

macrodantin - an anti-infective antibiotic used to prevent and treat urinary tract infections
macrosomic - fetal weight of more than 4,000 grams
magnesium sulfate - epsom salts, a fast-acting laxative
mannitol - a natural sugar that acts as a diuretic, used in cases of drug overdoses and cerebral
swelling
meds - short for medications, or drugs
melena - when a person is bleeding from an ulcer, consisting of black tarry stools indicative of
upper GI bleeds
meningitis - an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and
spinal cord
meperedine - the chemical name for the narcotic painkiller demerol
metacarpal fracture - a fracture of one of the five bones that form that part of the hand
between the wrist and the fingers
methylprednisolone - an anti-inflammatory steroid
mg - abbreviation for milligrams
MI - abbreviation for myocardial infarction
MRI - abbreviation for magnetic resonance imaging. Imaging by computer using a strong
magnetic field and radio frequencies
MVA - abbreviation used in ERs for a motor vehicle accident
myocardial infarction - a heart attack
myosis - excessive contraction of the pupil in the eye
M&M - abbreviation for Morbidity/Mortality, is a conference held by many departments on
cases that either ended in death (where there was an interesting diagnosis)--mortality, or
someone with a good diagnosis--morbidity. More malignant programs use it to embarrass
residents and their mistakes. If refreshments are served, often the nickname is death and
donuts (D&D)

N
narcan - naloxone, a drug used to counteract drug overdoses
necrotic - dead, as in "necrotic tissue"
needle cricothyroidotomy - see cricothyroidotomy
NG tube - abbreviation for a nasogastric tube
NICU - abbreviation for the neonatal intensive care unit
nitro drip - an IV infusion of nitroglycerine
nitroglycerine - an antianginal agent
norcuron - vecuronium, a neuromuscular blocking agent used to paralyze for rapid-sequence
intubation
normal sinus rhythm - a normal heart rate, which is between 60 and 80 beats per minute in an
adult
nosocomial infections - opportunistic infections contracted while in the hospital, eg a urinary
tract infection a patient develops from his foley catheter
NPO - abbreviation for nothing by mouth (from the Latin Nil peros)
NS - abbreviation for normal saline solution
NSAID - abbreviation for a nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drug (eg Motrin, Advil, etc)

O neg - type O, Rhesus negative blood; also called universal donor blood since any human
can receive O negative blood without complication
orbital fracture - a fracture of the bony socket that holds the eyeball
osteosarcoma - bone cancer
otitis media - an infection of the middle ear

palp - this refers to blood pressure taken under emergency conditions when listening for
the systolic and diastolic pressures with a stethoscope is impossible. Taken by feeling
(palpation) the pulse
pancreatitis - chronic or acute inflammation of the pancreas
pancreatotomy - surgical removal of the pancreas
papilledema - edema of the optic disk, often indicative of increased intracranial pressure
paresis - partial or slight paralysis
path urine - urinalysis
pavulon - trade name for the muscle relaxant pancuronium bromide. Pavulon produces
complete paralysis, but with no alteration of consciousness
PCP - Phencyclidine, a veterinary anesthetic that causes euphoria and hallucinations in
humans
pedal - related to the foot
perfed appy - when an infected appendix bursts opens and spills into the gut
pericardial centesis - the draining of fluid from the pericardium
pericardial effusion - blood or fluid leaking into the pericardium
pericardium - the sac that envelops the heart
peritoneal lavage - irrigation of the peritoneum
peritoneum - a transparent membrane enclosing the abdominal cavity
PID - abbreviation for pelvic inflammatory disease
pitocin - synthetic oxytocin, a pituitary hormone that causes uterine contractions and is often
used to induce labor
placental abruption - the placenta separates from the lining of the womb too early, resulting
in pain and bleeding
platelets - components of blood designed to form clots and plug leaks from bleeding arteries
and veins
pleura - the lining around the lung
PO2 - the oxygen tension in arterial blood
PQRST - A mnemonic device used to quickly evaluate chest pain. P stands for "palliative and
provoking": Does anything make the pain better or worse?; Q stands for "quality"; What,
precisely does the pain feel like? Is it stabbing and knife-like or dull and throbbing?; R stands
for "radiation": Does the pain radiate anywhere beyond the chest, such as into the arm or
jaw?; S stands for "severity": On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being almost no pain at all and 10
being the worst pain imaginable, what number does the pain rank?; T stands for "timing":
What specifically, were you doing when the pain began and how long have you had it?
preeclampsia - the physical condition of pregnant woman prior to eclampsia. Symptoms
include blood pressure greater than 140/90; persistent proteinuria (protein in the urine);
and edema
preemie - slang expression for a baby born before full term, usually defined as a child born
weighing less than five and a half pounds
procardia - a calcium channel blocker prescribed for Raynaud's phenomena and high blood
pressure
Prolixin - a drug (fluphenazine hydrochloride) used for psychotic disorders, moderate to
severe depression, control of agitation, intractable pain, senility, and alcohol withdrawal
symptoms
PT - prothrombine time, a clotting factor test for blood
PTT - partial prothrombine time, see PT
ptosis - drooping of the eyelid
pulmonary edema - fluid in the lungs
pulmonary embolism - a blood clot in the lungs
pulsatile - beating, as in a pulsatile mass
pulse - a pulsating artery that gives evidence that the heart is beating, usually about 70 times
per minute
puls/ox - pulse oximetry, a measure of the saturation of hemoglobin by oxygen, or how well
the person is breathing
pulsus paradoxus - a condition in which the pulse pressure declines during respiratory
inspiration
PVCs - premature cardiac ventricular contractions
pyelogram - an x-ray of the kidneys using an intravenously inserted dye

q - every iteration, ie a med of Q5min would be every five minutes, or Q6h is every 6 hours

rape kit - a package containing envelopes for the collection of hair, sperm, and blood samples
of a rape victims, as well as the official reporting forms
rapid infuser - a device that transports blood into the system at a fast rate to help
prevent hypohemia
reflux - moving backward in the esophagus
renogram - an x-ray of the kidneys
respirations - breaths; the act of inhaling and exhaling
retrocecal - behind the cecum
rifampin - an antibiotic used to treat meningitis, tuberculosis, Legionnaire's disease, leprosy,
and staph infections
rifabutin - a drug used to help prevent mycobacterium avium complex disease in patients
with HIV infections
Ringer's solution - an intravenous solution consisting of salt, potassium, and calcium boiled in
water used to treat dehydration

saline solution - a blood volume substitute made of salt and water, a temporary substitute for
lost blood
schizophrenia - a mental disorder marked by hallucinations, delusions, and disintegration of
the thought processes
scoop and run - a term used by EMTs and ER personnel for a situation where no treatment is
possible at an accident scene and all they can do it "scoop" up the victims and "run" with
them to the ER
second-degree burn - there are two levels of second-degree burn: The first level is a burn in
which both the epidermis and the underlying dermis are damaged. The color of the burn is
red (and there may be blistering); capillary refill is present; the skin texture is edematous (filled
with fluid), and the burn heals in 10 to 21 days with no or minimal scarring. The second level
is a damaging, deep partial-thickness burn that is pink or white in color; capillary refill might
or might not be present; the skin texture is thick; and the burn heals in 25-60 days with a
dense scar
sed rate - erythrocyte sedimentation rate, a red blood count used to determine inflammation
and tissue destruction
sepsis - a very severe infection
serum amylase enzyme test - a test for pancreatitis
shock - a circulatory disturbance marked by a severe drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse,
clammy skin, pallor, and a rapid heart rate
solu-medrol - methylprednisolone, a form or prednisone, an adrenal corticosteroid, a
powerful steroid
spinal tap - see lumbar puncture
spleen - a part of lymphatic system, helps filter blood of bacteria and impurities
splenectomy - surgical removal of the spleen
stasis - a slowing or stopping of blood flow
stat - from the Latin statinum, meaning immediately
STD - abbreviation for sexually transmitted disease
sternotomy - surgical opening of the breast bone
stomach pumping - a large tube called an Ewald is inserted into the stomach, sucks out the
contents, then the stomach is flushed out with clear water then charcoal and a cathartic (a
fluid that passes through the bowel quickly)
streptokinase - an enzyme that can break up and liquefy blood clots
stridor - what breathing sounds like when the larynx or trachea is obstructed
subdural - outside the brain
sublingual - a medication that is taken by dissolving under the tongue
succinylcholine - a short-acting muscle relaxant
systolic - pressure during the contraction of the heart systolic murmur - a cardiac murmur
that occurs between the first and second heart sounds

T3, T4, etc - Third thoracic vertebrae; fourth thoracic vertebrae, etc
tachycardia - an extremely rapid heart rate, usually signified by a pulse over 100 beats per
minute
tamoxifen - the chemotherapy drug of choice for postmenopausal metastatic breast cancer
tension pneumothorax - a collapsed lung
tetralogy of Fallot - a surgically correctable congenital heart defect that consists of pulmonary
stenoisis. hypertrophy (enlargement), of the right ventricle, a ventricular septal defect, and a
shift of the aorta to the right
third-degree burn - a burn that damages (or destroys) the full thickness of the skin and the
tissues underneath. The color of the burn is white, black, or brown; capillary refill is absent; the
skin texture is leathery; and there is no spontaneous healing
thoracotomy - surgery on the thoracic (chest cavity)
thorazine - a multipurpose drug (chlorpromazine) that works as a sedative, an antiemetic, an
antispasmodic, and a hypotensive. It is often used in the management of psychiatric and
senile patients
thrill - a vibration that a doctor or nurse can feel by touch, often used to describe cardiac
murmurs that can be felt through the chest wall
thrombosis - a blood clot
tib-fib fracture - fracture of the tibia & fibula in part of the leg below the knee
timoptic - a drug prescribed for high blood pressure and to reduce the possibility of another
heart attack
toradol - ketorolac, an injectable nonsteroid antiinflammatory agent often used as a
substitute for morphine in intoxicated patients or for those patients suspected of seeking
narcotics
torsades de pointes - a type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in which the heart races at
extremely high rates in an arrhythmia
tox screen - toxicological analysis of the blood, ordered when a drug overdose is suspected
and the drugs need to be identified
tPA - the abbreviation for tissue plasminogen activator, a drug used as an alternative
to angioplasty to break up blood clots during a heart attack
tracheal shift - a physical shift of the windpipe due to trauma
trauma center - an emergency room with a trauma surgeon on duty
triage - the system of prioritizing patients in an emergency situation in which there are a
great number of injured or ill
type and crossmatch - blood typing to identify patient's blood type

U/A - urinalysis, used to test for kidney failure, dehydration, diabetes, undernourishment, or
bladder or kidney infection
ulcerative colitis - an inflammatory and ulcerative condition of the colon
ultrasound - a test similar to an x-ray, but which uses sound waves
unstable angina - angina pectoris in which the cardiac pain has changed in pattern
uric acid - an acid formed in the breakdown of nucleoproteins in tissues; often tested when
gout is suspected since a high uric acid content in the blood often causes gout symptoms and
the formation of stones
UTI - abbreviation for urinary tract infection

V/Q scan - a ventilation-perfusion scan, used to confirm a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism

valsalva maneuver - when a patient is instructed to blow on his or her thumb to maximize
intrathoracic pressure.. It is used when cardiac trouble is suspected
vecuronium - see norcuron
venipuncture - the drawing of blood from a vein
ventricular septal rupture - rupture of the ventricular septum caused by mechanical failure
of infarcted cardiac tissue
verapamil - a calcium channel blocker prescribed for angina pectoris, high blood pressure,
and supraventricular tachycardia
versed - a benzodiazepine muscle relaxant used to sedate, often in conjunction with the
paralyzing agent pavulon
vitamin H - ER shorthand for haldol
V-fib - ventricular fibrillation
V-tach - ventricular tachycardia

WBC - abbreviation for white blood cell count, used to determine how many white blood cells
there are in the body to defend against bacteria
wheezer - an asthmatic patient, or any patient having difficulty breathing
Whipple procedure - a pancreatotomy, where the distal stomach, gallbladder, and duodenum
are usually also taken out during the surgery, and they usually leave a little of the distal
pancreas behind.

A accommodation; acetum; angström unit; anode; anterior

a artery
a before
A2 aortic second sound
aa of each; arteries
AAA abdominal aortic aneurysm
abd abdominal/abdomen
ABG arterial blood gas
ABI ankle-brachial index
ABO three basic blood groups
AC adrenal cortex; air conduction; alternating current; axiocervical
a.c., ac before a meal
acc. accommodation
A/CA accommodative/convergence accommodation ratio
ACE angiotensin-converting enzyme
ACh acetylcholine
AChE acetylcholinesterase
AChR acetylcholine receptor
ACLS advanced cardiac life support
ACTH adrenocorticotropic hormone
AD advance directive
ad to; up to
ADH antidiuretic hormone
ADHD attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
ADL, ADLs activities of daily living
ad lib. freely; as desired
admov. apply
ad sat. to saturation
AED antiepileptic drug
AF atrial fibrillation
AFB acid-fast bacillus
AFP alpha-fetoprotein
A/G; A-G ratio albumin/globulin ratio
Ag silver; antigen
AGC atypical glandular cells
AgNO3 silver nitrate
ah hypermetropic astigmatism
AHF antihemophilic factor
AI aortic incompetence; aortic insufficiency
AICD automatic implantable cardiac defibrillator
AIDS acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
AK above the knee
Al aluminum
Alb albumin
ALL acute lymphocytic leukemia
ALP alkaline phosphatase
ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
ALT alanine aminotransferase
alt. dieb. every other day
alt. hor. every other hour
alt. noc. every other night
AM morning
Am mixed astigmatism
a.m.a. against medical advice
AMI acute myocardial infarction
AML acute myelogenous (myeloblastic) leukemia
AMLS Advanced Medical Life Support
amp ampule; amputation
ANA antinuclear antibody
anat anatomy or anatomic
ANNA anti-neuronal nuclear antibody
ANP atrial natriuretic peptide
ant. anterior
anti-CCP anticyclic citrullinated peptide
Ao. aorta
A-P anterior-posterior
A&P auscultation and percussion
ap before dinner
APAP acetaminophen
aPTT activated partial thromboplastin
AQ, aq water
aq. dest. distilled water
aq. frig. cold water
ARC AIDS-related complex
ARDS acute respiratory distress syndrome
ARMD age-related macular degeneration
AS ankylosing spondylitis; aortic stenosis; auris sinistra (left ear)
As. astigmatism
ASA acetylsalicylic acid
ASC atypical squamous cells
asc. ascending
ASCA anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody
ASC-US atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance
ASCVD atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
ASD atrial septal defect
AsH hypermetropic astigmatism
AsM myopic astigmatism
AST aspartate aminotransferase
Ast astigmatism
ATCC American Type Culture Collection
at. wt. atomic weight
Au gold
A-V; AV; A/V arteriovenous; atrioventricular
av. avoirdupois
AVM arteriovenous malformation
AVP arginine vasopressin
B boron; bacillus
Ba barium
BAC blood alcohol concentration
BBB blood-brain barrier; bundle branch block
BBT basal body temperature
BCG bacille Calmette-Guérin
BCLS basic cardiac life support
BCP birth control pills
BD Buerger disease
BE barium enema
Be beryllium
BHS beta-hemolytic streptococci
Bi bismuth
b. bone
bib. drink
b.i.d., bid twice a day
b.i.n. twice a night
bipap bilevel positive airway pressure
BK below the knee
BLS basic life support
BM bowel movement
BMI body mass index
BMR basal metabolic rate
BMS bone marrow suppression
BMT bone marrow transplantation
BNP brain natriuretic peptide
bol. pill
BP blood pressure
B.P. British Pharmacopeia
BPH benign prostatic hyperplasia
bpm beats per minute
BRM biologic response modifier
BROW barley, rye, oats, and wheat
BSA body surface area
BSE breast self-examination
BUN blood urea nitrogen
BW birth weight; body weight
Bx biopsy
C Calorie (kilocalorie); Celsius
c calorie (small calorie)
c with
CA coronary artery
ca. about; approximately; cancer
CABG coronary artery bypass graft
CaCO3 calcium carbonate
CAD coronary artery disease
CAH chronic active hepatitis
Cal large calorie
CAP let (the patient) take
cap. capsule
C&S culture and sensitivity
cath catheter
CBC complete blood count
CBI continuous bladder irrigation
CBRNE chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive agents
CBT cognitive behavioral therapy
CC chief complaint
cc cubic centimeter
CCl 4 carbon tetrachloride
CCU coronary care unit; critical care unit
CD4 T-helper cells
CD8 cytotoxic cells
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CEA carcinoembryonic antigen
CF cystic fibrosis; Christmas factor
CFTR cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator
cg centigram
CHD congenital heart disease; coronary heart disease
ChE cholinesterase
CHF congestive heart failure
CI cardiac index
Ci curie
CIN cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
CIS carcinoma in situ
CK creatine kinase
CK-MB serum creatine kinase, myocardial-bound
Cl chlorine
CLL chronic lymphocytic leukemia
cm centimeter
c.m.s. to be taken tomorrow morning
CMT certified medication technician
CMV cytomegalovirus
c.n. tomorrow night
CNS central nervous system
c.n.s. to be taken tomorrow night
CO carbon monoxide; cardiac output
CO2 carbon dioxide
Co cobalt
c/o complains of
COLD chronic obstructive lung disease
comp. compound; compounded of
COMT catechol-O-methyltransferase
COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
COX-2 cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors
CP cerebral palsy; cleft palate
CPAP continuous positive airway pressure
CPC clinicopathologic conference
CPD cephalopelvic disproportion
CPHSS Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale
CPK creatine phosphokinase
CPM continuous passive motion
CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CR conditioned reflex; controlled release; crown-rump length
CREST calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia
(cluster of features of systemic sclerosis scleroderma)
CRP c. reactive protein
CRS-R Conners Rating Scales-Revised
CS cardiogenic shock; cesarean section; culture and sensitivity
CSF cerebrospinal fluid; colony-stimulating factor
CSH combat support hospital
CT computed/computerized tomography
Cu copper
CV cardiovascular
CVA cardiovascular accident; cerebrovascular accident; costovertebral angle
CVC central venous catheter
CVP central venous pressure
CVRB critical value read back
CVS chorionic villi sampling
CXR chest x-ray
D diopter; dose
D5/0.9 NaCl 5% dextrose and normal saline solution (0.9% NaCl)
D5/½ /NS 5% dextrose and half-normal saline solution (0.45% NaCl)
D5W 5% dextrose in water
d density; right
/d per day
D and C dilatation and curettage
dB decibel
DBP diastolic blood pressure
DC direct current; doctor of chiropractic
dc discontinue
Derm dermatology
det. let it be given
DEXA dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry
DFV Doppler flow velocimetry
DHT dihydrotestosterone
DI diabetes insipidus
DIC disseminated intravascular coagulation
dieb. alt. every other day
dieb. tert. every third day
dil. dilute; diluted
dim. halved
DISIDA (scan) diisopropyl iminodiacetic acid (cholescintigraphy)
DJD degenerative joint disease
DKA diabetic ketoacidosis
dL deciliter
DM diabetes mellitus
DMARD disease-modulating antirheumatic drug
DNA deoxyribonucleic acid
DNH do not hospitalize
DNR do not resuscitate
DOA dead on arrival
DOB date of birth
DOE dyspnea on exertion
DPat diphtheria-acellular pertussis tetanus (vaccine)
DPT diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (vaccine)
dr. dram
DRE digital rectal examination
DRG diagnosis-related group
DSM-IV-TR Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision
DTR deep tendon reflex(es)
DTs delirium tremens
dur. dolor while pain lasts
DVT deep vein thrombosis
Dx diagnosis
D5W dextrose 5% in water
DWI driving while intoxicated
E eye; Escherichia
EBV Epstein-Barr virus
ECF extended care facility; extracellular fluid
ECG electrocardiogram, electrocardiograph
ECHO echocardiography
ECMO extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
ECT electroconvulsive therapy
ED emergency department; effective dose; erythema dose; erectile dysfunction
EDD estimated date of delivery (formerly EDC: estimated date of confinement)
EEG electroencephalogram
EENT eye, ear, nose, and throat
EF ejection fraction
EGD esophagogastroduodenoscopy
EIA enzyme immunosorbent assay
EKG electrocardiogram; electrocardiograph
ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
elix. elixir
Em emmetropia
EMA-IgA immunoglobulin A antiendomysial
EMG electromyogram, electromyography
EMS emergency medical service
Endo endocrine
ENT ear, nose, and throat
EOM extraocular muscles
EP extrapyramidal
EPS extrapyramidal symptoms
ER Emergency Room, extended-release
ERCP endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
ESR erythrocyte sedimentation rate
ESRD end-stage renal disease
EST electroshock therapy
ESWL extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
ET-1 endothelin-1
ETOH, EtOH ethyl alcohol
ext. extensor; external
F Fahrenheit
f female
FA fatty acid
F and E fluid and electrolyte
FAP familial adenomatous polyposis
FBS fasting blood sugar
FD fatal dose; focal distance
FDA (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration
Fe iron
FEV forced expiratory volume
FFP fresh frozen plasma
FHT fetal heart tone
FISH fluorescence in situ hybridization
fl. flexor
Fld fluid
FP family practice; family practitioner
FSH follicle-stimulating hormone
FTT failure to thrive
FUO fever of unknown origin
G, g, gm gram
GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid
GABAB gamma-aminobutyric acid type B
GABRB3 GABAA receptor gene
garg gargle
GB gallbladder; Guillain-Barré
GC gonococcus or gonorrheal
GDM gestational diabetes mellitus
GDS Geriatric Depression Scale
GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease
GFR glomerular filtration rate
GGT gamma-glutamyl transferase
GH growth hormone
GI gastrointestinal
GnRH gonadotropin-releasing hormone
GP general practitioner
G6PD glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
gr grain
grad by degrees
GRAS generally recognized as safe
GSW gunshot wound
GTT glucose tolerance test
Gtt, gtt drops
GU genitourinary
guttat. drop by drop
GVHD graft-versus-host disease
GYN gynecology
H hydrogen
H+ hydrogen ion
h, hr hour
H&H hematocrit and hemoglobin
H1N1 hemagglutinin type 1 and neuraminidase type 1
H2 histamine 2
HAART highly active antiretroviral therapy
HAV hepatitis A virus
HBV hepatitis B virus
HCG human chorionic gonadotropin
HCP health care professional
HCT, Hct hematocrit
HCV hepatitis C virus
HD hearing distance
HDL high-density lipoprotein
HDV hepatitis D
HEENT head, eye, ear, nose, and throat
HELLP hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets
HEPA high-efficiency particulate air
HER2 human EGF (epidermal growth factor) receptor 2
HEV hepatitis E
HF heart failure
Hg mercury
hgb hemoglobin
HGSIL high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
Hib Haemophilus influenzae type B
HIDA hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (cholescintigraphy)
HIV human immunodeficiency virus
HLA human leukocyteantigen
h/o history of
HOB head of bed
H2O water
H2O2 hydrogen peroxide
hor. decub. bedtime
hor. som, h.s. bedtime
HPI history of present illness
HPV human papillomavirus
HR heart rate
HRT hormone replacement therapy
HSIL high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
HSV herpes simplex virus
HTLV-III human T lymphotropic virus type III
HTN hypertension
hx, Hx history
Hy hyperopia
Hz hertz (cycles per second)
I iodine
131I radioactive isotope of iodine (atomic weight 131)
132I radioactive isotope of iodine (atomic weight 132)
I&O intake and output
IBW ideal body weight
IC inspiratory capacity
ICD implantable cardioverter defibrillator
ICP intracranial pressure
ICS intercostal space
ICSH interstitial cell-stimulating hormone
ICU intensive care unit
Id. the same
IDDM insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
IDM infants of diabetic mothers
IED improvised explosive device
Ig immunoglobulin
IgE immunoglobulin E
IgG immunoglobulin G
IL-1 interleukin 1
IL-8 interleukin 8
IM intramuscular
in d. daily
INF interferon
inf. inferior
inj. injection
INR international normalized ratio
instill. instillation
int. internal
IOP intraocular pressure
IPPB intermittent positive pressure breathing
IQ intelligence quotient
IRV inspiratory reserve volume
I.U. a international unit
IUCD intrauterine contraceptive device
IUD intrauterine device
IUFD intrauterine fetal death
IV intravenous
IVP intravenous pyelogram
J joule
JNC 7 The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection,
Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure
JRA juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
jt. joint
K potassium
kg kilogram
KI potassium iodine
KOH potassium hydroxide
KS Kaposi sarcoma
KUB kidney, ureter, and bladder
kv kilovolt
KVO keep vein open
L liter
L&D labor and delivery
lab laboratory
lat lateral
lb pound
LBW low birth weight
LD50 lethal dose, median
LDH lactate dehydrogenase
LDL low-density lipoprotein
LE lower extremity; lupus erythematosus
LEEP loop electrosurgical excision procedure
LFT liver function test
LGA large for gestational age
LH luteinizing hormone
Li lithium
lig ligament
liq. liquid; fluid
LLE left lower extremity
LLL left lower lobe
LLQ left lower quadrant
lmp last menstrual period
LOC level/loss of consciousness
LP lumbar puncture
LR lactated Ringer (solution)
LSIL low-grade squamous epithelial lesion
LTD lowest tolerated dose
LUE left upper extremity
LUL left upper lobe
LUQ left upper quadrant
LV left ventricle
LVAD left ventricular assist device
LVH left ventricular hypertrophy
M master; medicine; molar; thousand; muscle
m male; meter; minim; mole; meta; muscle
MA mental age
MAO-B monoamine oxidase-B
man. prim. first thing in the morning
MAP mean arterial pressure
MAT Miller Analogies Test
MBD minimal brain dysfunction
mc; mCi millicurie
mcg microgram
MCH mean corpuscular hemoglobin
MCHC mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration
MCV mean corpuscular volume
MD muscular dystrophy
MDI metered-dose inhaler
MED minimum effective dose
med medial
MELD Model for End-Stage Liver Disease
µEq microequivalent
mEq milliequivalent
mEq/L milliequivalent per liter
ME ratio myeloid/erythroid ratio
MG myasthenia gravis
Mg magnesium
MgSO4 magnesium sulfate
µg microgram
mg milligram
MI myocardial infarction
MID minimum infective dose
mist. a mixture
ml milliliter
MLD minimum lethal dose
MLF medial longitudinal fasciculus
MM mucous membrane; multiple myeloma
mm millimeter
mm Hg millimeters of mercury
mMol millimole
MMR measles-mumps-rubella (vaccine)
MMSE Mini-Mental Status Examination
Mn manganese
mol wt molecular weight
mor. dict. as directed
mor. sol. as accustomed
MPC maximum permitted concentration
MPN most probable number
mr milliroentgen
MRA magnetic resonance angiography
MRgFUS MR-guided focused ultrasound surgery
MRI magnetic resonance imaging
MS mitral stenosis; multiple sclerosis
MV mitral valve
mV millivolt
MVA motor vehicle accident
MW molecular weight
My myopia
N nitrogen
n nerve
N/A not applicable
Na sodium
NAA nucleic acid amplification
NAD no acute distress
n.b. note well
nCi nanocurie
NDC National Drug Code
NG, ng nasogastric
NGT nasogastric tube
NH3 ammonia
Ni nickel
NICU neonatal intensive care unit
NIDDM noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
NIH National Institutes of Health
NK natural killer
NKA no known allergies
NMDA N-methyl D-aspartate
NMJ neuromuscular junction
NMS neuroleptic malignant syndrome
nn nerves
noct. in the night
noct. maneq. night and morning
non rep; n.r. do not repeat
NPN nonprotein nitrogen
NPO; n.p.o. nothing by mouth
NRC normal retinal correspondence
NS normal saline
NSAID nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
NSR normal sinus rhythm
N&V, N/V nausea and vomiting
O pint
O2 oxygen
OB obstetrics
OC oral contraceptive
OCD obsessive-compulsive disorder
O.D. right eye
ol. oil
om. mane vel noc. every morning or night
omn. hor. every hour
omn. noct. every night
OmPC outer membrane porin C
OOB out of bed
OPD outpatient department
OR operating room
ORIF open reduction with/and internal fixation
O.S. left eye
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OT occupational therapy
OTC over-the-counter
OU each eye
oz ounce
P, p melting point
p after
P2 pulmonic second sound
P-A; PA; pa placenta abruption; posteroanterior; pulmonary artery
PABA para-aminobenzoic acid (vitamin B10)
Paco2 partial pressure of carbon dioxide in alveolar gas
PACU postanesthesia care unit
PAD peripheral arterial disease
PALS pediatric advanced life support
P-ANCA perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody
PAO 2 alveolar oxygen partial pressure
Pap, Pap test Papanicolaou smear
part. vic in divided doses
Pb lead
PBI protein-bound iodine
p.c. after meals
PCA patient-controlled analgesia
Pco 2 carbon dioxide pressure
PCOS polycystic ovarian syndrome
PCP Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia; primary care physician; primary care provider
PCR polymerase chain reaction
PCWP pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
PD interpupillary distance; Parkinson disease; peritoneal dialysis
pd prism diopter; pupillary distance
PDA patent ductus arteriosus
PDR Physicians' Desk Reference
PE physical examination; pulmonary embolism
PEEP positive end expiratory pressure
PEFR peak expiratory flow rate
PEG percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
per through or by
PERRLA pupils equal, regular, react to light and accommodation
PET positron emission tomography
PFP, P4P pay for performance
PFT pulmonary function test
pH hydrogen ion concentration
Pharm; Phar. pharmacy
PI present illness; previous illness
PICC peripherally inserted central catheter
PID pelvic inflammatory disease
PIH pregnancy-induced hypertension
pil. pill
PIP proximal interphalangeal
PIPDA (scan) 99mTc-para-isopropylacetanilido-iminodiaacetic acid (cholescintigraphy)
PKU phenylketonuria
PM afternoon/evening
PMH past medical history
PMI point of maximal impulse
PMN polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes
PMS premenstrual syndrome
PND paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
PNH paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
PNS peripheral nervous system
PO; p.o. orally
POLST physician orders for life-sustaining therapy
post. posterior
PP placenta previa
PPD purified protein derivative (TB test)
ppm parts per million
p.r. through the rectum
PRBCs packed red blood cells
p.r.n. as needed
pro time/PT prothrombin time
PSA prostate-specific antigen
PSV prostate-specific antigen
PT prothrombin time; physical therapy
Pt platinum; patient
pt pint
PTT partial thromboplastin time
Pu plutonium
PUBS percutaneous umbilical blood sampling
PUVA psoralen ultraviolet A
p.v. through the vagina
PVC premature ventricular contraction
PVR peripheral vascular resistance
q every
q.d.† every day
QFT-G QuantiFERON-TB Gold
q.h. every hour
q.2h. every 2 hours
q.3h. every 3 hours
q.4h. every 4 hours
q.i.d. a four times a day
q.l. as much as wanted
qns quantity not sufficient
q.o.d. a every other day
q.p. as much as desired
q.s. as much as needed
qt quart
q.v. as much as you please
RA rheumatoid arthritis
Ra radium
rad radiation absorbed dose
RAI radioactive iodine
RAIU radioactive iodine uptake
RBC red blood cell; red blood count
RD Raynaud disease
RDA recommended daily/dietary allowance
RDS respiratory distress syndrome
RE right eye
Re rhenium
REM rapid eye movement
RF rheumatoid factor
RFT renal function test
Rh rhesus factor; rhodium
RHD rheumatic heart disease
RLE right lower extremity
RLL right lower lobe
RLQ right lower quadrant
RML right middle lobe of lung
Rn radon
RNA ribonucleic acid
R/O rule out
ROM range of motion
ROS review of systems
RPM revolutions per minute
RQ respiratory quotient
RR recovery room; respiratory rate
RSV respiratory syncytial virus
RT radiation therapy; respiratory therapy
R/T related to
RUE right upper extremity
RUL right upper lobe
RUQ right upper quadrant
S mark
s without
S. sacral
S-A; S/A; SA sinoatrial
SAD seasonal affective disorder
SARS severe acute respiratory syndrome
SB small bowel
Sb antimony
SBP systolic blood pressure
SC, sc, s.c. subcutaneous(ly)
SCI spinal cord injury
S.D. standard deviation
SDAT senile dementia of the Alzheimer type
S.E. standard error
Se selenium
Sed rate sedimentation rate
semih. half an hour
SERM selective estrogen receptor modulator
SGA small for gestational age
SI international system of units
Si silicon
SIADH syndrome of inappropriate diuretic hormone
SIDS sudden infant death syndrome
Sig. write on label
SJS Stevens-Johnson syndrome
SLE systemic lupus erythematosus
SLP speech-language pathology
Sn tin
SNF skilled nursing facility
SNRI serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
SNS sympathetic nervous system
SOB shortness of breath
sol solution, dissolved
s.o.s. if necessary
S/P no change after
SPECT single-photon emission computed tomography
sp gr specific gravity
SPF skin protection factor
sph spherical
spt. spirit
s.q. subcutaneous(ly)
Sr strontium
ss a half
SSRI selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
SSS sick sinus syndrome
st. let it/them stand
Staph Staphylococcus
stat. immediately
STD sexually transmitted disease
Strep Streptococcus
STS serologic test for syphilis
STU skin test unit
sup. superior
supf. superficial
SV stroke volume; supraventricular
SVC superior vena cava
Sx symptoms
syr. syrup
T temperature
T3 triiodothyronine
T4 tetraiodothyronine; thyroxine
T6 thoracic nerve pair 6
TA toxin-antitoxin
Ta tantalum
T&A tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
TAH total abdominal hysterectomy
TAT thematic apperception test
T.A.T. toxin-antitoxin
TB tuberculin; tuberculosis; tubercle bacillus
Tb terbium
t.d.s. to be taken three times daily
Te tellurium; tetanus
TEE transesophageal echocardiogram
TEN toxic epidermal necrolysis
TENS transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
TG thyroglobulin
Th thorium
THR total hip replacement
TIA transient ischemic attack
TIBC total iron-binding capacity
t.i.d. three times a day
t.i.n. three times a night
tinct., tr tincture
TKR total knee replacement
Tl thallium
TLC, tlc tender loving care; thin layer chromatography; total lung capacity
TM tympanic membrane
TMJ temporomandibular joint
TN trigeminal nerve
TNF tumor necrosis factor
TNF-I tumor necrosis factor inhibitor
TNF-α tumor necrosis factor alpha
TNM tumor-node-metastasis
TNT trinitrotoluene
TNTM too numerous to mention
top. topically
TORB telephone order read back
TPI Treponema pallidum immobilization test for syphilis
TPN total parenteral nutrition
TPO thyroid peroxidase
TPR temperature, pulse, and respiration
tr, tinct. tincture
TRAP criteria tremor, rigidity, akinesia or postural instablity bradykinesia, and postural
instability
Treg regulatory T cell
trit. triturate, grind
TSD time since death
TSE testicular self-examination
TSH thyroid-stimulating hormone
tTG antitransglutaminase
TUMA transurethral microwave antenna
TUR transurethral resection
TURP transurethral resection of the prostate
Tx treatment
U a uranium; unit a
UA urinalysis
UC ulcerative colitis
UE upper extremity
UHF ultrahigh frequency
ult. praes. the last ordered
Umb; umb umbilicus
ung. ointment
URI upper respiratory infection
US ultrasonic, ultrasound
USAN United States Adopted Name
USP United States Pharmacopeia
ut. dict. as directed
UTI urinary tract infection
UV ultraviolet
v vein
VA visual acuity
VC vital capacity
VD venereal disease
VDRL Venereal Disease Research Laboratories
VF ventricular fibrillation
Vf field of vision
VLBW very low birth weight
VLDL very low density lipoprotein
VMA vanillylmandelic acid
VOE VistA-Office Electronic Health Record
vol. volume
vol % volume percent
VORB verbal order read back
V/Q ventilation/perfusion
VS volumetric solution; vesicular sound; vital signs
VSD ventricular septal defect
VT ventricular tachycardia
vv veins
VZIG varicella zoster immune globulin
W tungsten
w watt
WAIS Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
WAP written action plan
WBC white blood cell; white blood count
WDWN well-developed, well-nourished
WF/BF white female/black female
WH well-hydrated
WM/BM white male/black male
WN well-nourished
WNL within normal limits
wt. weight
w/v. weight in volume
x multiplied by
y yocto-
yo years old
yr year
Z atomic number
Zn zinc

† To avoid errors in the administration of medications and infusions, spell out the word
instead of using the indicated abbreviation. For example, use “international unit” instead of
I.U.”; “every day” instead of “q.d.”; “every other day” instead of “q.o.d.”; and “unit” instead of
“U.”

General Terms

These general medical terms are oftentimes abbreviated for ease of communication.

AA - amino acid

ABG - arterial blood gas

ADM - admission, admitted

ALS - advanced life support

AMA - against medical advice (or American Medical Association)

ASAP - as soon as possible

A&W - alive and well

C - centigrade, celsius

CC - cubic centimeter, chief complaint, critical care

C/O - complains of, care of

CO2 - carbon dioxide

D/C - discontinue or discharge

DNR - do not resuscitate

DO - disorder

DOA - dead on arrival or date of admission

DOB - date of birth

DOT - directly observed therapy

DSM - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

EDC - estimated date of confinement

EDD - estimated delivery date

EGA - estimated gestational age

ER - emergency room

F - fahrenheit

H&P - history and physical examination

HPI - history of present illness

H/O - history of

HR - heart rate or hour

HS - hour of sleep (bedtime)

ICU - intensive care unit

ID - infectious diseases

IP - inpatient

IQ - intelligence quotient

IU - international units

MCO - managed care organization

MG - milligram

MVA - motor vehicle accident

ML - milliliter

NKDA - no known drug allergies

NTG - nitroglycerin

O2 - oxygen

OPD - outpatient department

P - pulse

Post-op - postoperative (after surgery)

Pre-op - preoperative (before surgery)

PA or PT - patient

PCP - primary care physician

PPE - personal protection equipment

RBC - red blood cell

RF - risk factor

S - without (sans)

SX - symptoms

S/S - signs and symptoms

STAT - immediately

T - temperature

TPR - temperature, pulse, respiration

USOH - usual state of health

VS - vital signs

VSS - vital signs stable

WB - whole blood

WBC - white blood cell

WNL - within normal limits

Prescription

These abbreviations are used in the context of prescription drugs.

ABX - antibiotics

AC - before meals

Ad lib - at will, as desired

BID - bis in dies (twice a day)

CAP - capsule

GTT - drop-liquid measurement

i-1

ii - 2

iii - 3

iv - 4

v-5

MDD - maximum daily dose

NPO - nothing by mouth

OCP - oral contraceptive pill

OPV - oral polio vaccine

OTC - over the counter

PC - after meals

PCN - penicillin

PNV - prenatal vitamins

PO - per os (by mouth)

PRN - as needed

q2h - every 2 hours

q3h - every 3 hours

qam - every morning

qd - once a day

qh - once every hour

qhs - at bedtime

qid - four times a day

qod - every other day

qpm - every evening

RDI - recommended daily intake

Rx - prescription, treatment

SC/SQ - subcutaneous

TAB - tablet

TIW - three times a week

Care

When it comes to medical care, a variety of medical abbreviations are also commonly used.

AXR - abdominal x-ray

BAC - blood alcohol content

BC - birth control

BE - barium enema

BMT - bone marrow transplant

Bx - biopsy

BRP - bathroom privileges

CPR - cardiopulmonary resuscitation

CXR - chest x-ray

ECC - emergency cardiac care

ECG or EKG - electrocardiogram

ECMO - extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

ECT - electroconvulsive therapy

ECV - external cephalic version

FB - foreign body

FNA - fine needle aspiration

FOBT - fecal occult blood testing

GLT - glucose loading test

GTT - glucose tolerance test

H20 - water

I&D - incision and drainage

IM - intramuscular

I&O - intake and output

IV - intravenous

IUPC - intrauterine pressure catheter

In vitro - in the laboratory

In vivo - in the body

KUB - kidney, ureter, bladder (x-ray)

OGTT - oral glucose tolerance test

PAP - pulmonary artery pressure; Papanicolaou test

PEEP - positive end expiratory pressure

PT - physical therapy

T&C - type and cross (blood)

TPA - tissue plasminogen activator (dissolve clots), total parenteral alimentation (intravenous
nutritional needs)

UA - urinalysis

US - ultrasound

XRT - external radiation therapy

Diagnosis or Condition

When describing the condition of a patient or assigning a diagnosis, medical staff may use
some of these abbreviations.

ADHD - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

AF - acid-fast

AIDS - acquired immune deficiency syndrome

ALS - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease)

A&O - alert and oriented

AOB - alcohol on breath

ARDS - adult respiratory distress syndrome

ARF - acute renal failure, acute rheumatic fever

BAD - bipolar affective disorder

BM - bowel movement

BP - blood pressure

CA - cancer

CAB - carotid artery bruit

CABG - coronary artery bypass graft

CAD - coronary artery disease

CBC - complete blood count

CF - cystic fibrosis

C/F - chills, fever

CFT - complement fixation testing

CHD - congenital heart disease

CHF - congestive heart failure

COLD - chronic obstructive lung disease

COPD - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

CP - chest pain

CP - cerebral palsy

C/S - cesarean section

CV - cardiovascular

CVA - cerebral vascular accident (stroke)

DTR - deep tendon reflex

DVT - deep venous thrombosis

Dx - diagnosis
EBL - estimated blood loss

EBV - Epstein-Barr virus

EC - eye contact

ECASA - enteric coated acetylsalicylic acid

EGC - early gastric cancer

FAS - fetal alcohol syndrome

FB - foreign body

F/C - fever, chills

FEF - forced expiratory flow

FHR - fetal heart rate

FM - fetal movement

FRC - functional residual capacity

FSE - fetal scalp electrode

FSH - follicle stimulating hormone

FT - full term

FX - fracture

GA - gestational age

GH - growth hormone

GHRH - growth hormone releasing hormone

GI - gastrointestinal

GLT - glucose loading test

GSW - gunshot wound

GTT - glucose tolerance test

GU - genitourinary

HA - headache

HA - hemolytic anemia
HAV - hepatitis A virus

HBV - hepatitis B virus

Hb - hemoglobin

HCV - hepatitis C virus

HDL - high density lipoprotein

HDV - hepatitis D virus

HIV - human immunodeficiency virus

HPA - hypothalamic suppression test

HR - heart rate

HTN - hypertension

IBD - inflammatory bowel disease

IBS - inflammatory bowel syndrome

ICP - intracranial pressure

IDDM - insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

IPF - idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

IUI - intrauterine insemination

IUP - intrauterine pregnancy

IVF - in vitro fertilization

IVIG - intravenous immune globulin

IVP - intravenous push

JCV - JC virus

JRA - juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

JVD - jugular venous distension

KS - Kaposi sarcoma

LAD - leukocyte adhesion deficiency

LBP - lower back pain

LBW - low birth weight

LIH - left inguinal hernia

LOF - loss of fluid

MD - muscular dystrophy

MR - mental retardation

MS - multiple sclerosis

NAD - no acute distress

Nat/O - birth

NIDDM - non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

NM - neuromuscular

N/V - nausea vomiting

NVD - normal vaginal delivery

OCD - obsessive compulsive disorder

ON - optic neuritis

OSA - obstructive sleep apnea

PD - Parkinson's disease

PE - pulmonary embolism

PKD - polycystic kidney disease

PID - pelvic inflammatory disease

PIH - pregnancy induced hypertension

PMS - premenstrual syndrome

PTSD - post-traumatic stress disorder

RA - rheumatoid arthritis

RAD - reactive airway disease

RDS - respiratory distress syndrome

REM - rapid eye movements

RHD - rheumatic heart disease

RXN - reaction

SAB - spontaneous abortion

SBO - small bowel obstruction

SBS - shaken baby syndrome

SOB - shortness of breath

STD - sexually transmitted disease

TAH - total abdominal hysterectomy

TB - tuberculosis

TBI - traumatic brain injury

TGA - transient global amnesia

UC - ulcerative colitis

UO - urine output

URI - upper respiratory infection

UTI - urinary tract infection

VB - vaginal bleeding

VBAC - vaginal birth after caesarean section

VF - ventricular fibrillation

VH - vaginal hysterectomy, hallucination

VIP - voluntary interruption of pregnancy

Body Description

Medical professionals may refer to different parts of the body using abbreviations too.

ABD - abdomen

AD - right ear

AL - left ear

AU - both ears
BMD - bone mass density

BMI - body mass index

BMR - basal metabolic rate

CBD - common bile duct

CBF - cerebral blood flow

FL - femur length

FROM - free range of motion

HC - head circumference

IBW - ideal body weight

LLL - left lower lobe

LLQ - left lower quadrant

LUL - left upper lobe

LUQ - left upper quadrant

LV - left ventricle

OD - right eye

OS - left eye

OU - both eyes

PNS - peripheral nervous system

RA - right atrium

RUL - right upper lobe

RUQ - right upper quadrant

RV - right ventricle, residual volume

TLC - total lung capacity

UE - upper extremity

WT - weight

AE Adverse effect
AI Adequate Intake

Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Dietary Salt

ANHMRCDSSMC
Study Management Committee

ATBC Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Lung Cancer Prevention Study

BMI Body mass index

BP Blood pressure

CABG Coronary artery bypass graft

CCCC Chin-Shan Community Cardiovascular Cohort Study

CCT Controlled clinical trial

CDSR Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

CHD Coronary heart disease

CHNS Chinese Health and Nutrition Survey

CI Confidence interval

CIRCS Circulatory Risk in the Community Study

CKD Chronic kidney disease

CrCl Creatinine clearance

CRIC Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort study

CV Cardiovascular

CVD Cardiovascular disease

D Day

DBP Diastolic blood pressure

DM Diabetes mellitus
DONALD Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed Study

DRI Dietary Reference Intakes

EAR Estimated Average Requirement

eGFR Estimated glomerular filtration rate

EPC Evidence-based Practice Center

ESRD End Stage Renal Disease

GFR Glomerular filtration rate

GI Gastrointestinal

Hg Mercury

HPFUS Health Professionals Follow-Up Study

HPT Hypertension Prevention Trial

HPTRG Hypertension Prevention Trial Research Group

HR Hazard ratio

HTN Hypertension

IHD Ischemic heart disease

IOM Institute of Medicine

IQR Interquartile range

ITT Intention-to-treat

K Potassium

KCl potassium chloride

KQ Key Question
LV Left ventricular

MD Mean difference

MDRD Modification of Diet in Renal Disease trial

MI Myocardial infarction

Mm Millimeters

Mmol Millimoles

MMSHT Minnesota Mount Sinai Hypertension Trial

N/A Not applicable

Na Sodium

Na-K Sodium-Potassium

NGHS The NHLBI Growth and Health Study

NHANES National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

NHLBI National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

N/R Not reported

NSTEMI non-ST elevation myocardial infarction

PAPSS Potassium and Protein Supplementation Study

Population, intervention/exposure, comparison group, outcome, time,

PICOTSS
setting, and study design

PREVEND Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-Stage Disease Study

PTCA Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

RCT Randomized controlled trial

RDA Recommended Daily Allowance

RoB Risk of bias

RR Relative risk

RRID Renal Risk in Derby study

SBP Systolic blood pressure

SCr Serum creatinine

SD Standard deviation

SHS Strong Heart Study

SoE Strength of evidence

SRDR Systematic Review Data Repository

STEMI ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

TCSSSCG The China Salt Substitute Study Collaborative Group

TAIM Trial of Antihypertensive Interventions and Management

TEP Technical expert panel

TIA Transient ischemic attack

TOHP I Phase I of the Trials of Hypertension Prevention

TOHP II Phase II of the Trials of Hypertension Prevention

TONE US Trial of Nonpharmacologic Interventions on the Elderly

UK United Kingdom

UL Tolerable Upper Intake Level

WHI OS Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study

WHO World Health Organization