COMMON MEDICAL ABBREVIATIONS

• *Rx*= Prescription • *RTx* = Radiotherapy

• *Hx* = History • *CTx* = Chemotherapy
• *Dx* = Diagnosis • *R/O* = rule out
• *q* = Every • *s.p* = status post
• *qd* = Every day • *PMH(x)* = post medical history
• *qod* = Every other day • *Px* = Prognosis
• *qh* = Every Hour • *Ix* = Indication
• *S* = without • *CIx* = contraindication
• *SS* = One & half • *Bx* = biopsy
• *C* = With • *Cx* = complication
• *SOS* = If needed • *DDx* =differential Diagnosis
• *AC* = Before Meals • *Tx* = Treatment
• *PC* = After meals
• *BID* = Twice a Day
• *TID* = Thrice a Day
• *QID* = Four times a day
• *OD* = Once a Day
• *BT* = Bed Time
• *hs* = Bed Time
• *BBF* = Before Breakfast
• *BD* = Before Dinner
• *Tw* = Twice a week
• *SQ* = subcutaneous
• *IM* = Intramuscular
• *ID* = Intradermal
• *IV* = Intravenous
• *Q4H* = (every 4 hours)
• *QOD* = (every other day)
• *HS* = (at bedtime)
• *PRN* = (as needed)
• *PO or "per os"* (by mouth)
• *Mg* = (milligrams)
• *Mcg/ug* = (micrograms)
• *G or Gm* = (grams)
• *1TSF* (Teaspoon) = 5 ml
• *1 Tablespoonful* = 15ml
KNOWLEDGE ABOUT BLOOD

1. Which is known as ‘River of Life’?

ー Answer: Blood
2. Blood circulation was discovered by?
ー Answer: William Harvey
3. The total blood volume in an adult?
ー Answer: 5-6 Liters
4. The pH value of Human blood?
ー Answer: 7.35-7.45
5. The normal blood cholesterol level?
ー Answer: 150-250 mg/100 ml
6. The fluid part of blood?
ー Answer: Plasma
7. Plasma protein fibrinogen has an active role in?
ー Answer: Clotting of blood
8. Plasma protein globulins functions as?
ー Answer: Antibodies
9. Plasma proteins maintain the blood pH?
ー Answer: Albumins
10. Biconcave disk shaped blood cell?
ー Answer: RBC (Erythrocytes)
11. Non nucleated blood cells?
ー Answer: RBC (Erythrocytes)
12. Respiratory pigments present in RBC?
ー Answer: Hemoglobin
13. Red pigment present in RBC?
ー Answer: Hemoglobin
14. RBC produced in the?
ー Answer: Bone marrow
15. Iron containing pigment of Haemoglobin?
ー Answer: Haem
16. Protein containing pigment of Haemoglobin?
ー Answer: Globin
17. Graveyard of RBC?
ー Answer: Spleen
18. Blood bank in the body?
ー Answer: Spleen
19. Lifespan of RBC?
ー Answer: 120 Days
20. Total count is measured by an instrument known as?
ー Answer: Haemocytometer
21. A decrease in RBC count is known as?
ー Answer: Anemia
22. An increase in RBC count is known as?
ー Answer: Polycythemia
23. A high concentration of bilirubin in the blood causes
ー Answer: Jaundice
24. The disease resistant blood cell?
ー Answer: WBC (leucocytes)
25. Which WBC is known as soldiers of the body?
ー Answer: Neutrophils
26. Largest WBC?
ー Answer: Monocytes
27. Smallest WBC?
ー Answer: Lymphocytes
28. Antibodies producing WBC?
ー Answer: Lymphocytes
29. Life span of WBC?
ー Answer: 10-15 days
30. Blood cells perform an important role in blood clotting?
ー Answer: Thrombocytes (Platelets)
31. Vessels are called?
ー Answer: Thrombus
32. Anticoagulant present in Blood?
ー Answer: Heparin
33. A hereditary bleeding disease?
ー Answer: Hemophilia
34. Bleeder’s disease?
ー Answer: Hemophilia
35. Christmas disease?
ー Answer: Hemophilia
36. A type of Anemia with sickle shaped RBC?
ー Answer: Sickle cell anemia
37. Viscosity of Blood?
ー Answer: 4.5 to 5.5
38. Instrument used to measure hemoglobin?
ー Answer: Haemoglobinometer
39. Who demonstrated blood groups?
ー Answer: Karl Landsteiner
40. Who demonstrated the Rh factor?
ー Answer: Karl Landsteiner
41. Blood group which is called Universal donor?
ー Answer: O
42. Blood group which is called Universal recipient?
ー Answer: AB
43. Blood group is most common among Asians?
ー Answer: B

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
ー Everybody should know the basic functioning of Human Body and its main parts in order to
express and explain their ailment to the Doctor and at the same time one should be able to
understand the diagnosis expressed by the Doctor in the medical terminology. For easy
recognition of the Compounded Words used in the Medical Terminology for naming the disease,
Suffixes are added to Prefixes. For this hereunder giving you a few such prefixes for your ready
reference and understanding.

PREFIX - MEANINGS

1. Adeno - Glandular
2. An - Not 21. Laryngo - Larynx
3. Anti - Against 22. Leuco - White
4. Aorto - Aorta 23. Metro - Uterus
5. Artho - joint 24. Myelo - Spinal cord
6. Bleph - Eyelid 25. Myo - Muscle
7. Broncho - Bronchi 26. Nephro - Kidney
8. Cardio - Heart 27. Neuro - Nerve
9. Cephal - Head 28. Odonto - Tooth
10. Cerebro - Brain 29. Orchido - Testis
11. Cervico - Cervix 30. Osteo - Bone
12. Cholecysto - Gallbladder 31. Oto - Ear
13. Coli - Bowel 32. Pharyngo - Pharynx
14. Colpo - Vagina 33. Pio - Pus
15. Entero - Intestine 34. Pneumo - Lung
16. Gastro - Stomach 35. Ren - Kidney
17. Glosso - Tongue 36. Rhin - Nose
18. Haema - Blood 37. Spleno - Spleen
19. Hepa - Liver 38. Thyro - Thyroid Gland
20. Hystero - Uterus 39. Urethro - Urethra
21. Laryngo - Larynx 40. Vesico – Bladder

Here are the Suffixes used in Medical terminology. Check out!

SUFFIX - MEANINGS
1. -aemia : Blood
2. -algia : Pain
3. -derm : skin
4. -dynia : pain
5. -ectomy : removal
6. -Itis : inflammation
7. -lithiasis : Presence of Stone
8. -malacia : softening
9. -oma : tumor
10. -opia : eye
11. -osis : Condition,excess
12. -otomy : incision of
13. -phobia : fear
14. -plasty : surgery
15. -plegia : paralysis
16. -ptosis : falling
17. -rhoea : excessive discharge
18. -rhage : to burst forth
19. -rhythmia : rhythm.
20. -stasis : stoppage of movement
21. -sthenia : weakness
22. -stomy : outlet
23. -tomy : removal
24. -trophy : nourishment
25. -uria : urine
CONFOUNDED WORDS - MEANINGS

1. Anaemia - Deficiency of hemoglobin in the blood

2. Analgesic - Medicine which alleviates pain
3. Arthralgia - Pain in a joint
4. Cephalalgia - Headache
5. Nephralgia - Pain in the kidney
6. Neuralgia - Nerve pain
7. Myalgia - Muscle pain
8. Otalgia - Ear ache
9. Gastralgia - Pain in the stomach
10. Pyoderma - Skin infection with pus formation
11. Leucoderma - Defective skin pigmentation
12. Hystero Dynia - Pain in the uterus
13. Hysterectomy - Excision of the uterus
14. Nephrectomy - Excision of a kidney
15. Adenectomy - Excision of a gland
16. Cholecystectomy - Excision of gallbladder
17. Thyroidectomy - Excision of thyroid gland
18. Arthritis - Inflammation of a joint
19. Bronchitis - Inflammation of the bronchi
20. Carditis - Inflammation of the heart
21. Cervicitis - Inflammation of the cervix
22. Colitis - Inflammation of the colon
23. Colpitis - Inflammation of the vagina
24. Cystitis - Inflammation of the urinary bladder
25. Enteritis - Inflammation of the intestines
26. Gastritis - Inflammation of the stomach
27. Glossitis - Inflammation of the tongue
28. Hepatitis - Inflammation of the liver
29. Laryngitis - Inflammation of the larynx
30. Metritis - Inflammation of the uterus
31. Myelitis - Inflammation of the spinal cord
32. Nephritis - Inflammation of the kidney
33. Pharyngitis - Inflammation of the pharynx
34. Blepharitis - Inflammation of the eyelids
35. Cholelithiasis - Stone in the gallbladder
36. Nephrolithiasis - Stone in the kidney
37. Osteomalacia - Softening of bones through deficiency of calcium or D vitamin
38. Adenoma -Benign tumors of glandular tissue
39. Myoma - Tumor of muscle
40. Diplopia - Double vision
41. Thrombosis - Formation of a blood clot
42. Pyloromyotomy - Incision of pyloric sphincter muscle
43. Hydrophobia - Fear of water (Rabies in humans)
44. Neuroplasty - Surgical repair of nerves
45. Pyeloplasty - Incision of plastic pylorus to widen passage
46. Hemiplegia - Paralysis of one side of the body
47. Nephroptosis - Downward displacement of the kidney
48. Amenorrhoea - Absence of menstrual discharge
49. Dysmenorrhoea - Painful menstruation
50. Leucorrhoea - Whitish vaginal discharge
51. Menorrhoea - Menstrual bleeding
52. Haemorrhage - Escape of blood from a vessel
53. Arrhythmia - Any deviation of normal rhythm of heart
54. Cholestasis - Diminution in the flow of bile
55. Haemostasis - Arrest of bleeding
56. Neurasthenia - Nervous debility
57. Cystostomy - Surgical opening made into the bladder
58. Cystotomy - Incision into the urinary bladder
59. Hypertrophy - Increase in the size of tissues
60. Haematuria - Blood in the urine
61. Glycosuria - Presence of sugar in the urine
62. Albuminuria - Presence of albumin in the urine

EVERY NURSING STUDENT SHOULD KNOW THESE:

1. Number of Bones - 206

2. Number of Muscles - 639
3. Number of Kidneys - 2
4. Number of Milk Teeth - 20
5. Number of Ribs - 24 (12 pair)
6. Number of Heart Chamber - 4
7. Largest artery - Aorta
8. Normal blood pressure - 120/80mmHg
9. Ph of Blood - 7.4
10. Number of vertebrae in the Spine - 33
11. Number of vertebrae in the Neck - 7
12. Number of Bones in Middle Ear - 6
13. Number of Bones in Face - 24
14. Number of Bones in Skull - 22
15. Number of Bones in Chest - 25
16. Number of Bones in Arms - 6
17. Number of Muscles in Human Arm - 72
18. Number of Pumps in Heart - 2
19. Largest Organ - Skin
20. Largest gland - Liver
21. Biggest cell - Female Ovum
22. Smallest cell - Male Sperm
23. Smallest Bone - Stapes
24. First transplanted Organ - Heart
25. Average length of Small Intestine - 7m
26. Average length of Large Intestine - 1.5m
27. Average weight of new Born baby - 2.6kg
28. Pulse rate in One Minute - 72 times
29. Normal body temperature - 37 C° (98.4 F°)
30. Average Blood Volume - 4 to 5 liters
31. Life Span of RBC - 120 days
32. Life Span of WBC - 10 to 15 days
33. Pregnancy Period - 280 days (40 week)
34. Number of Bones in Human Foot - 33
35. Number of Bones in Each wrist - 8
36. Number of Bones in Hand - 27
37. Largest Endocrine gland - Thyroid
38. Largest Lymphatic Organ - Spleen
39. Largest part of Brain - Cerebrum
40. Largest & Strongest Bone - Femur
41. Smallest Muscle - Stapedius (Middle Ear)
41. Number of Chromosome - 46 (23 pair)
42. Number of Bones in new Born baby - 306
43. Viscosity of Blood - 4.5 to 5.5
44. Universal Donor Blood Group - O
45. Universal Recipient Blood Group - AB
46. Largest WBC - Monocyte
47. Smallest WBC - Lymphocyte
48. Increase RBC count called - Polycythemia
49. Blood Bank in the Body is - Spleen
50. Non Nucleated Blood cell is - RBC
51. RBC produced in the - Bone Marrow
52. River of Life is Called - Blood
53. Normal Blood Cholesterol level - 250 mg/dl
54. Fluid part of Blood is - Plasma
MEDICAL ABBREVIATIONS (A-Z)

LETTER A
• a.c.: Before meals. As in taking medicine before meals.
• a/g ratio: Albumin to globulin ratio.
• ACL: Anterior cruciate ligament. ACL injuries are one of the most common ligament
injuries to the knee. The ACL can be sprained or completely torn from trauma and or
degeneration.
• Ad lib: At liberty. For example, a patient may be permitted to move out of bed freely
and orders would, therefore, be for activities to be ad lib.
• AFR: Acute renal failure
• ADHD: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• ADR: Adverse drug reaction. If a patient is taking a prescription drug to treat high
blood pressure disease
• AIDS: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
• AKA: Above the knee amputation.
• Anuric: Not producing urine. A person who is anuric is often critical and may require
dialysis .
• ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no
evidence of disease.
• ADH: Antidiuretic hormone
• ARDS: Acute respiratory distress syndrome .
• ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
• ASCVD: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease . A form of heart disease .

LETTER B
• b.i.d.: Twice daily. As in taking medicine twice daily.
• bld: Blood. Blood was visible on the patient’s scalp .
• Bandemia: Slang for elevated level of band forms of white blood cells.
• Bibasilar: At the bases of both lungs. For example, someone with pneumonia in both
lungs might have abnormal bibasilar breath sounds.
• BKA: Below the knee amputation.
• BMP: Basic metabolic panel. Electrolytes (potassium, sodium, carbon dioxide, and
chloride) and creatinine and glucose.
• BP: Blood pressure . Blood pressure is recorded as part of the physical examination. It
is one of the "vital signs."
• BPD: Borderline personality disorder . A personality disorder.
• BSO: Bilateral salpingo- oophorectomy . A BSO is the removal of both of the ovaries
and adjacent Fallopian tubes and often is performed as part of a total abdominal
hysterectomy .

LETTER C
• C&S: Culture and sensitivity, performed to detect infection.
• C/O: Complaint of. The patient's expressed concern.
cap: Capsule.
• Ca: Cancer ; carcinoma . For example, a patient who is undergoing treatment for
cancer should assure that they are eating and drinking enough fluids daily, both during
and after treatment.
• CABG. Coronary artery bypass graft . A surgery involving the heart.
• CBC: Complete blood count.
• CC: Chief complaint. The patient's main concern.
• CDE: Complete dental (oral) evaluation.
• cc: Cubic centimeters. For example, the amount of fluid removed from the body is
recorded in ccs.
• Chem panel: Chemistry panel. A comprehensive screening blood test that indicates
the status of the liver, kidneys, and electrolytes.
• CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
• COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• CT: Chemotherapy . A type of treatment therapy for cancer.
• CVA: Cerebrovascular accident (Stroke).

LETTER D
• D/C or DC: Discontinue or discharge. For example, a doctor will D/C a drug.
ー Alternatively, the doctor might DC a patient from the hospital.
• DCIS: Ductal Carcinoma In Situ.
ー A type of breast cancer. The patient is receiving treatment for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ.
• DDX: Differential diagnosis.
ー A vari diagnostic possibilities are being considered to diagnose the type of cancer present in
the patient.
• DJD: Degenerative joint disease.
ー Another term for osteoarthritis .
• DM: Diabetes mellitus.
• DNC, D&C, or D and C: Dilation and curettage.
ー Widening the cervix and scraping with a curette for the purpose of removing tissue lining the
inner surface of the womb (uterus).
• DNR: Do not resuscitate.
ー This is a specific order not to revive a patient artificially if they succumb to illness. If a
patient is given a DNR order, they are not resuscitated if they are near death and no code blue is
called.
• DOE: Dyspnea on exertion.
ー Shortness of breath with activity.
• DTR: Deep tendon reflexes.
ー These are reflexes that the doctor tests by banging on the tendons with a rubber hammer.
• DVT: Deep venous thrombosis (blood clot in large vein).

LETTER E
• ETOH: Alcohol. ETOH intake history is often recorded as part of a patient history.
• ECT: Electroconvulsive therapy.
ー A procedure used to control seizures (convulsions).

LETTER F
• FX: Fracture.

LETTER G
• g: gram, a unit of weight.
ー The cream is available in both 30 and 60 gram tubes.
• GOMER: Slang for "Get Out of My Emergency Room."
• GvHD: Graft vs. host disease.
ー It is complicated by the syndromes of acute and chronic graft-vs-host disease (GVHD).
• gtt: Drops.

LETTER H
• H&H: Hemoglobin and hematocrit.
ー When the H & H is low, anemia is present. The H&H can be elevated in persons who have
lung disease from long term smoking or from disease,
such as polycythemia rubra vera .
• H&P: History and physical examination.
• h.s.: At bedtime.
ー As in taking medicine at bedtime.
• H/O or h/o: History of.
ー A past event that occurred.
• HA: Headache.
• HRT: Hormone replacement or hormone replacement therapy.
• HTN: Hypertension.
LETTER I
• I&D: Incision and drainage.
• IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease .
ー A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative
colitis.
• ICD: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
• ICU: Intensive care unit.
ー The patient was moved to the intensive care unit.
• IM: Intramuscular.
ー This is a typical notation when noting or ordering an injection (shot) given into muscle, such
as with B12 for pernicious anemia.
• IMP: Impression.
ー This is the summary conclusion of the patient's condition by the healthcare professional at
that particular date and time.
• ITU: Intensive therapy unit
• in vitro: In the laboratory
• in vivo: In the body
• IPF: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
ー A type of lung disease.
• IU: International units.

LETTER J
• JT: Joint.

LETTER K
• K: Potassium.
ー An essential electrolyte frequently monitored regularly in intensive care.
• KCL: Potassium chloride .

LETTER L
• LCIS: Lobular Carcinoma In Situ.
ー A type of cancer of the breast. The patient is receiving treatment for Lobular
Carcinoma In Situ.
• LBP: Low back pain.
ー LBP is one of the most common medical complaints.
• LLQ: Left lower quadrant.
-Diverticulitis pain is often in the LLQ of the abdomen.
• LUQ: Left upper quadrant.
ー The spleen is located in the LUQ
of the abdomen.
• Lytes: Electrolytes (potassium, sodium, carbon dioxide, and chloride).

LETTER M
• MCL: Medial collateral ligament.
• mg: Milligrams.
• M/H: Medical history
• ml: Milliliters.
• MVP: Mitral valve prolapse .

LETTER N
• N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
• Na: Sodium.
ー An essential electrolyte frequently monitored regularly in intensive care.
• NCP: Nursing care plan.
• npo: Nothing by mouth.
ー For example, if a patient was about to undergo a surgical operation requiring general
anesthesia, they may be required to avoid food or beverage prior to the procedure.
• NSR: Normal sinus rhythm of the heart

LETTER O
• O&P: Ova and parasites.
ー Stool O & P is tested in the laboratory to detect parasitic infection in persons with chronic
diarrhea .
• O.D.: Right eye.
• O.S.: Left eye.
• O.U.: Both eyes.
• ORIF: Open reduction and internal fixation, such as with the orthopedic repair of a hip
fracture .

LETTER P
• P: Pulse. Pulse is recorded as part of the physical examination.
ー It is one of the "vital signs."
• p¯: After meals. As in take two tablets after meals.
• p.o. : By mouth.
ー From the Latin terminology per os.
• p.r.n. : As needed.
ー So that it is not always done, but done only when the situation calls for it (for example, taking
a pain medication only when having pain and not without pain).
• PCL: Posterior cruciate ligament.
• PD: Progressive disease.
ー Patients at risk of developing progressive disease of the kidneys include those with
proteinuria or hematuria .
• PERRLA: Pupils equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation.
• PFT: Pulmonary function test. A test to evaluate how well the lungs are functioning.
• PERRLA: Pupils equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation.
Plt: Platelets, one of the blood forming elements along with the white and red blood
cells.
• PMI: Point of maximum impulse of the heart when felt during examination, as in beats
against the chest.
• PMS: Premenstrual syndrome
• PT: Physical therapy
• PTH: Parathyroid hormone
• PTSD: Post-traumatic stress syndrome
• PUD: Peptic ulcer disease. A type of ulcer of the stomach.

LETTER Q
• q.d.: Each day.
ー As in taking medicine daily.
• q.i.d.: Four times daily.
ー As in taking medicine four times daily.
• q2h: Every 2 hours.
ー As in taking medicine every 2 hours.
• q3h: Every 3 hours.
ー As in taking medicine every 3 hours.
• qAM: Each morning.
ー As in taking medicine each morning.
• qhs: At each bedtime.
ー As in taking medicine each bedtime.
• qod: Every other day.
ー As in taking a medicine every other
day.
• qPM: Each evening.
ー As in taking medicine each evening.

LETTER R
• RA: Rheumatoid arthritis.
ー A type of joint disease.
• RDS: Respiratory distress syndrome.
• R/O: Rule out.
ー Doctors frequently will rule out various possible diagnoses when figuring out the correct
diagnosis.
• REB: Rebound, as in rebound tenderness of the abdomen when pushed in and then
released.
• RLQ: Right lower quadrant.
ー The appendix is located in the
• RLQ of the abdomen.
• ROS: Review of systems.
ー An overall review concerns the organ systems, such as the respiratory,
cardiovascular, and neurologic systems.
• RUQ: Right upper quadrant.
ー The liver is located in the RUQ of the abdomen.

LETTER S
• s/p: Status post. For example, a person who had a knee operation would be s/p a
knee operation.
• SAD: Seasonal affective disorder.
ー A type of depression that occurs during the winter months when there is little light.
• SOB: Shortness of breath.
• SQ: Subcutaneous.
ー This is a typical notation when noting or ordering an injection (shot) given into the fatty tissue
under the skin, such as with insulin for diabetes mellitus.

LETTER T
• T: Temperature.
ー Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
• T&A: Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
• t.i.d. : Three times daily.
ー As in taking medicine three times daily.
• tab: Tablet.
• TAH: Total abdominal hysterectomy.
• TAH: Total abdominal hysterectomy.
ー A type of surgery to remove a woman’s uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
• THR: Total hip replacement.
• TKR: Total knee replacement.
• TMJ : Temporomandibular joint.

LETTER U
• UA or u/a: Urinalysis.
ー A UA is a typical part of a comprehensive physical examination.
• U or u**: Unit. Mistaken as the number 0 or 4, causing a 10- fold overdose or greater
(for example, 4U seen as "40" or seen as "44"); mistaken as "cc'' so the dose is given in
volume instead of units (for example, 4u seen as 4cc).
• ULN: Upper limits of normal.
• URI: Upper respiratory infection, such as sinusitis or the common cold.
• ut dict: As directed.
ー As in taking a medicine according to the instructions that the health care professional gave in
the office or in the past
• UTI: Urinary tract infection.

LETTER V
• VSS: Vital signs are stable.
ー This notation means that from the standpoint of the temperature, blood pressure, and pulse,
the patient is doing well.

LETTER W
• Wt: Weight.
ー Body weight is often recorded as part of the physical examination.

LETTER X
• XRT: Radiotherapy (external).
ー A type of treatment that uses radiation.