ABREVIERI MEDICALE

A
a artery, before
aa equal part of each
AA affected area
AAA abdominal aortic aneurysm
A2 aortic second sound
AAL acute lymphoblastic, leukemia,anterior
axillary line
ab antibody
AB abortion
abd abdomen
ABG arterial blood gasses
ABN abnormal
ABP arterial blood pressure
abs absent
a.c. before meals (ante sebum)
Ac acute
AC anterior chamber
acc accident
accom. accommodation
acid phos. acid phosphate
ACL anterior cruciate ligament
ACTH adrenocorticotrophic hormone
AD right ear
add. abductor or abduction
ADH antidiruetic hormone
ADL activites of daily living
ad lib as desired
adm. admission
AE above elbow
AEA above elbow amputation
AF atrial fibrillation, afebrile
AFB acid fast bacilli
AFO ankle-foot orthosis
AFP alpha fetoprotein
A/G albumin globulin ratio (blood)
AGA appropriate gestational age
AI aortic insufficiency
AIDS acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
AJ ankle jerk
a.k. above knee
aka alcoholic ketoacidosis
AKA above knee amputation
alb. albumin
alc. alcohol
alk. phos. alkaline phosphate
ALL acute lymphocytic leukemia
ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
ALT alternating with, alanine aminotransferase
(formerly SGPT)
AMA against medical advice
amb. ambulating, ambulatory
AMI acute myocardial infarction
AML acute myeloid leukemia
amnio amniocentesis
amp. amputation, ampule
ANA antinuclear antibody
anes. anesthesia
ann. fib. annulus fibrosis
ANS autonomic nervous system
ant. anterior
ante before
ANUG acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
Anxty anxiety
A/O alert and oriented
AOB alcohol on breath
AODM adult onset diabetes mellitus
AP ante partum
A&P auscultation and percussion
A-P anteroposterior
APC atrial premature contractions
aph aphasia
A-P & lat anteroposterior and lateral
AP resection abdominal perineal resection of the rectum
aq. water
AR aortic regurgitation
ARD acute respiratory distress
ARDS adult respiratory distress syndrome
ARF acute respiratory failure, acute rheumatic
fever
AROM artificial rupture of membranes
art arterial
AS left ear,aortic stenosis
ASA acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin
A.S.A. American Society of Anesthesiologists
A.S.A. 1 normal healthy patient
A.S.A. 2 patient with mild systemic disease
A.S.A. 3 patient with severe systemic disease
A.S.A. 4 patient with incapacitating systemic disease
that is constant threat to life
ASAP as soon as possible
ASCVD atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
ASD atrial septal defect
ASHD arteriosclerotic heart disease
at. Flutter atrial flutter
ATN acute tubular necrosis
ATNR asymmetrical tonic neck reflex
AU both ears
aud. auditory
Aur. Fib auricular fibrillation
A-V arteriovenous
AVF arteriovenous fistula
AVR aortic valve replacement
A&W alive and well
Ax. axilla, axillary
A.Z. Ascheim-Zondek test
B
B. bath
BA barium
Bab. Babinski sign
Ba.E barium enema
Bas. basal,basilar
baso basophile
BBB bundle branch block
BBT basal body temperature
BCA basal cell atypia
BCD basal cell dysplasia
BCE basal cell epithelioma
BCG bacillus Calmette-Guerin
vaccine (tuberculosis
vaccine)
BDC burn dressing change
BE below elbow, barium enema
BEA below elbow amputation
BFP biological false positive
Bic. biceps
b.i.d. twice daily
BIH bilateral inguinal hernia
bilat. Bilateral, bilaterally
bili bilirubin
b.i.n. twice a night
BiW twice weekly
BJ biceps reflex
bk. back
BK below knee
BKA below knee amputation
bl cult blood culture
bld. blood
Bl.T bleeding time
BM black male, bone marrow,
bowel movement
BMR basal metabolic rate
body wt. body weight
BOMA otitis media, both ears,
acute
BOW bag of water
BP blood pressure
BPD bronchopulmonary dysplasia
BPH benign prostatic hypertrophy
BPM beats per minute
Br. breech presentation
BR bedrest, bathroom
brach. brachial
BrBx. breast biopsy
broncho bronchoscopy
BRP bathroom privileges
BS blood sugar, bowel sounds
B.S. breath sounds
BSA body surface area
BSB bedside bag
BSC bedside commode
BSD bedside drainage
BSO bilateral salpingooophorectomy
BST blood serologic test
BT bleeding time
BTL bilateral tubal ligation
BUN blood urea nitrogen
BW birth weight
Bx. biopsy

C
c. with
C cervical, Caucasian
C. centigrade, Celsius complement
CI-XII 1st to 12th cranial nerve
C-1 to C-7 cervical vertebrae
Ca calcium
CA carcinoma, cancer
CABG coronary artery bypass graft
CAD coronary artery disease
CAHD coronary atherosclerotic heart disease
Cal calorie, calories
CAPD continuous ambulatory
peritoneal dialysis
Caps capsules
car. carotid
card. cardiac
Card Cath cardiac catheterization
CAT computerized axial
tomography
cath catheterization, catheter
CB Cesarean birth
CBC complete blood count
CBD common bile duct
CBF cerebral blood flow
CBG capillary blood gas
CBR complete bed rest
cc. cubic centimeter
CC chief complaint
CCU coronary care unit
CD cardiac disease,
contagious disease
CEA carcinoembryonic antigen
Cerv. cervix, cervical
CF cardiac failure, cystic fibrosis
CHD congenital heart disease, coronary heart
disease
Chem. chemotherapy
CHF congestive heart failure
CHO carbohydrate
Chol cholesterol
Chr chronic
C.I color index
CI cardiac insufficiency, cardiac index
CIS carcinoma in situ
CK creatinine kinase
Cl chlorine, chloride
Clav. clavicle
cldy cloudy
CLL chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Cl.T clotting time
cm. centimeter
CML chronic myeloid leukemia
CMV cytomegalovirus
CN cranial nerve
CNS central nervous system
cnst. constipation
c/o complains of, complaints
46
Co2 carbon dioxide
comb. combine, combination
comm. communicable
comp. compound, compress
conc. concentrated
cons. consultation
cont. contractions, continued
COPD chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease
Cor heart
CPAP continuous positive
airway pressure
CPC clinicopathological conference
CPD cephalo-pelvic disproportion
CPK creatinine phosphokinase
CPPB continuous positive
pressure breathing
CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CPT chest physical therapy
CR closed reduction
cran. cranial
CRD chronic respiratory disease
creat. creatinine
CRF chronic renal failure
C/S, CS Cesarean section
C&S culture and sensitivity
CSF cerebrospinal fluid
C-spine cervical spine
CT computed axial tomography
C-V cardiovascular
CVA cerebrovascular accident, costovertebral
angle
CVL central venous line
CVP central venous pressure
CVS cardiovascular system
Cx cervix, culture
CxR chest x-ray
Cysto cystoscopy
D
DAP distal airway pressure
db. decibel
DBE deep breathing exercise
d/c discontinue
DC discharges, discontinue
D&C dilation and curettage
DD discharge diagnosis
D/DW dextrose, distilled water
DDx differential diagnosis
D&E dilation and evacuation
decr. decreased
dehyd. dehydrated
Derm. Dermatology
DES Diethylstilbestrol
D5RL 5% dextrose and lactated ringers
D5W 5% dextrose and sterile water
DI diabetes insipidus, diagnostic imaging
DIAG. diagnosis
diam. diameter
DIC disseminated intravascular coagulation,
disseminated coagulopathy
diff. differential
dil. dilute
dim. diminished
DIP distal interphalangeal (joint)
dis. disease
disch. discharge
disp. disposition
dist. distilled, distal
DIU death in utero
div. divorced
DJD degenerative joint disease
DKA diabetic ketoacidosis
DLE disseminated lupus erythematosis
D/L DI decilter
DM diabetes mellitus, diastolic murmur
DNA deoxyribonucleic acid
DNKA did not keep appointment
DOA dead on arrival
DOB date of birth
DOE dyspnea on exertion
Dors dorsal
D.P. dorsal pedia
DPT diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus vaccine
DR delivery room
D&R dilation and radium implant
drsg. dressing
D/S discharge summary
DTR deep tendon reflexes
DT’s delirium tremens
DU duodenal ulcer
DUB dysfunctional uterine bleeding
DUI driving under influence
D/W dextrose in water
Dx diagnosis
E
e without
EBL estimated blood loss
EBV Epstein-Barr virus
ECF extended care facility, extracellular fluid
ECG electrocardiogram
ECHO enterocytopathogenic human orphan virus
E.coli Escherichia coli
ECS endocervical scrape
ECT electroconvulsive
ED emergency department
EDC estimated date of confinement
EDOD estimated date of delivery
EEG electroencephalogram
EENT eyes, ears, nose, throat
EEX electrodiagnosis
EGA estimated gestational age
EGD esophago- gastroduodenoscopy
EKG electrocardiogram
elev. elevated
ELF elective low forceps
EmBx endometrial biopsy
EMG electromyogram
EMS endometrial scrape, emergency medical
service
En. enema
ENT ears, nose, throat
Eoc. eosinophiles
EOM extraocular movement
Epis. episiotomy
Epis.LML left mediolateral episiotomy
Epis. Med. medial episiotomy
Epis. RML right mediolateral episiotomy
ERCP endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
ESR erythrocyte sedimentation rate
EST electroshock therapy
ETIOL. etiology
ETOH ethanol
EUA examine under anesthesia
EVAL evaluation
ex. exercise, example
expir expiration, expiratory
Exp. Lap exploratory laparotomy
ext. extremities, external
ext. gen. external genitalia
F
F finger, female, Fahrenheit
FA fluorescent antibody
F.A. first aid
F.B. foreign body
FBS fasting blood sugar
FD fully dilated
FDA Food and Drug Administration
FDP flexor digitorum profundus
Fe def. iron deficiency
FEF forced expiratory flow
FEKG fetal electrocardiogram
fem. femoral
fem. pop. femoral popliteal
fet. fetal
FEV forced expiratory volume
f.f. force fluid
FFP fresh frozen plasma
fh fundal height
FH family history, fetal heart
FHR fetal heart rate
FHR-UC fetal heart rate- uterine contraction
FHT fetal heart tones
FiO2 faction of inspired oxygen concentration
fl. fluids
flac. flaccid
flex. flexor, flexion
fl. oz. fluid ounce
FM finger movement
FPAL full term premature abortion living
fract. fractional
FRC functional residual capacity
FS finger stick
FSH follicle stimulating hormone
FT full term
FTD failure to descend
FTND full term normal delivery
FTT failure to thrive
FUB functional uterine bleeding
F/U,F-U,F.U. follow-up
FUO fever of unknown origin
FVC forced vital capacity
FW fetal weight
Fx fracture
G ______________________________
G gravida
G.A. general anesthesia
GB gallbladder
GBS gallbladder series
G.C. gonococcus
GCS Glasgow Coma Scale
GE Gastroenterology
G/E gastroenteritis
gen, genl. general
gest. gestation
GFR glomerulo filtration rate
G.H. growth hormone
G.I. gastrointestinal
gluc glucose
gm gram
Gm+ gram positive
Gm- gram negative
gm.% grams per 100 c.c.
GMA grand mal attack
GNC general nursing care
GP General Practitioner, general paralysis
gr. grain, grains (dosage)
Grav. pregnancy
gt. drop
Gt.tr. gait training
gtts. drops
GSW gunshot wound
GTT glucose tolerance test
GU genitourinary
G/W glucose and water
GYN Gynecology
H ______________________________
h hour
H hydrogen history, hour, hypodermic
H/A headache
HAF hyperalimentation fluid
HASCVD hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular
disease
Hb., Hgb hemoglobin
HB heart block
HBP high blood pressure
HC head circumference
H&C hot and cold
HCG human chorionic gonadotropin
HCO3 bicarbonate
Hct. hematocrit
HCVD hypertensive cardiovascular disease
h.d. at bedtime
Hd head, Hodgkin’s disease
HDl high density lipids
HEENT head, eyes, ears, nose, throat
hern. hernia
Hem Hematology
Hem Pro hematology profile
Hep. Lock Heparin lock
HGO hepatic glucose output
HH hard of hearing
HIDA(scan) hepatobiliary scan
HIE hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
hist. history, histology
HIV human immunodificiency virus
HKAFO hip knee ankle foot orthosis
HLA human leukocyte group A,
histocompatibility leukocyte
focus
HM hand movement
HMD hyaline membrane disease
HMG human menopausal
gonadotropin
HNP herniated nucleus
pulposus
h/o history of
H.O. house officer
HOB head of bed
horiz. horizontal
H&P history and physical
hpf high power field
HPI history of present illness
HPL human placental lactogen
HR heart rate
H.R.S.T. heat, reddening, swelling,
tenderness
HS bedtime
HSG hysterosalpingography
H2O water
H2O2 hydrogen peroxide
Ht height, heart
HVD hypertensive vascular disease
Hx history
Hyperal. hyperalimenation
Hz hertz (cycles/second)

II
I radioactive iodine
IA intra-arterially
IABP intra-aortic balloon pump
i.c. intracutaneous(ly)
ICCU intensive coronary care unit
ICF intracellular fluid
ICS intercostal space
ICT insulin coma therapy
ICU intensive care unit
i.d. during the day
ID intradermal, identification,
Infectious Disease
I&D incision and drainage
IDDM insulin dependent diabetes
mellitus
I/E inspiratory, expiratory
Ig immunoglobulin
IGA immunoglobulin A
IGE immunoglobulin E
IGG immunoglobulin gamma
G(Globulin)
IGM immunoglobulin M
IH infectious hepatitis
IHD ischemic heart disease
IM intramuscular,
intramedullary
IMCU intermediate medical care
unit
imp. impression
IMP inpatient multidimensional
psych scale
IMV intermittent mandatory
ventilation
In. inches
Inc. AB incomplete abortion
incr. increased (ing)
Inev. AB inevitable abortion
inf infusion, inferior
inj injured, injection
INR coagulant response time
inspir inspiration, inspiratory
int. internal
INTHC intrathecally
IO inferior oblique
I&O intake and output
IOP intraocular pressure
IP intraperitoneal
IPJ interphalangeal joint
IPPB intermittent positive
pressure breathing
IQ intelligence quota
IRDS idiopathic respiratory
distress syndrome
irreg. Irregular
IS intercostal space
IST insulin shock therapy
ITP idiopathic thrombocytopenic
purpura
I,U., IU International Unit
IUC intrauterine catheter
IUCP intrauterine contraceptive
device
IUD intrauterine device
IUFD intrauterine fetal death
IUGR intrauterine growth retardation
IUP intrauterine pregnancy
IUTP intrauterine term pregnancy
IV intravenous(ly)
IVC inferior vena cava,
intravenous cholangiogram
IVD intervertebral disc
IVP intravenous pyelogram
IVPB intravenous piggy back
IVU intravenous urogram
JJ
J joint
J-P Jackson Pratt drain
JRA juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
jt. joint
JVP jugular venous pulse
K
K potassium, kidney
KC1 potassium chloride
Kcal. Kilocalorie, calorie
Kg., kg. kilogram
KJ, K-J knee jerk
KK knee kick
17 KS 17 keto steroids
KUB kidney, ureter, bladder
(x-rays)
KVO keep vein open
L
L left, liver, liter, lower, light, lumbar
L2,L3 second, third lumbar vertebrae
LA left antrum
lab. laboratory
lac. laceration
lacr. lacrimal
lact. lactic
LAD left anterior descending coronary artery
L&D labor and delivery
LAE left atrial enlargement
lam. laminectomy
lap. laparotomy
lat. lateral
LAVH laparoscopic assisted vaginal
hysterectomy
lax laxative
lb. pound
LB large bowel
LBBB left bundle branch block
LBP lower back pain
LBW low birth weight
LCA left coronary artery
L.D. lethal dose
LDH lactic dehydrogenase
LDL low density lipids
LE lupus erythematosus
L.E. lower extremities
leuc. leukocytes
LF low forceps, low flap
LFA left frontoanterior
LFD low forceps delivery
LFP left frontoposterior
LFT left frontotransverse, liver function test
lg large, leg
LGA large for gestational age
LGV lymphogranuloma
venereum
LH luteinizing hormone
LHT left hypertrophia
LICS left intercostal space
lig. ligament
LIH left inguinal hernia
liq. liquid
LKS liver, kidneys, spleen
LL lower lid
LLE left lower extremity
LLG left lateral gaze
LLL left lower lobe
LLQ left lower quadrant
LMA left mentoanterior
LMD family doctor
l/min liter per minute
LML left mediolateral
LMP left mentoposterior, last menstrual period
LMT left mentotransverse
L.N. lymph node
LNMP last normal menstrual period
LOA left occiput anterior
L.O.C. loss of consciousness,
level of consciousness,
laxative of choice
LOM left otitis media
LOP left occipital posterior
LOS length of stay
LOT left occiput anterior
LP lumbar puncture, light perception
lpf low power field
LPN licensed practical nurse
LR labor room, lateral rectus,
light reflex
LRQ lower right quadrant
Ls. loose
L.S. lumbosacral
LSA lateral sacrum anterior
LSB left sternal border
LSCS lower segment Cesarean
section
LSK liver, spleen, kidneys
LSO left salpingo-oophorectomy
LSP left sacrum posterior
LST left sacrum transverse
Lt. left, light
LTCS low transverse Cesarean section
LUE left upper extremity
LUL left upper lobe
LUQ left upper quadrant
LV left ventricle
LVEDP left ventricular end diastolic pressure
LVF left ventricular failure
LVH left ventricular hypertrophy
L & W living and well
LWCT Lee-White Clotting Time,
coagulation time
Lymphs lymphocytes
lytes electrolytes
M
m. minim
m,M married, male, mother murmur, meter,
mass, molar
MA mental age
macro. macrocytic, macroscopic
MAP mean arterial pressure
max. maximum, maxillary
MBC maximum breathing
capacity
mcg. microgram
MCH mean corpuscular
hemoglobin
MCHC mean corpuscular
hemoglobin concentration
MCL midclavicular line
MCP metacarpophalangeal joint
MCV mean corpuscular volume
MD muscular dystrophy
MDI metered dose inhaler
Mdnt. midnight
ME middle ear, medical examiner
MEC medical emergency clinic
Med. medicine
MEq./L milliequivalents per liter
Mets. metastasis
mg. milligram
Mg. magnesium
MG myasthenia gravis
mg/dl milligrams per deciliter
mg.% milligrams per 100 cc
m.g.r. murmurs, gallops, or rubs
MH marital history
Ml myocardial infarction, mitral insufficiency
micro microcytic, microscopic
MICU medical intensive care unit
min minute
Mitr.I mitral insufficiency
ml. milliliter
MLF medial longitudinal fasciculus
mm millimeter
mm. muscles
MM mucous membrane
MMPI Minnesota Multiphasic Personality
Inventory
Mn. manganese, midnight
mod moderate
MOM milk of magnesia
mono. monocyte
MP metacarpophalangea, metacarpophalangeal
MPA malpractice attorney
MR medial rectus, mental
retardation, mitral regurgitation
MRI magnetic resonance imaging
MRM modified radical
mastectomy
ms mitral stenosis
Ms murmurs
MS mitral stenosis, multiple sclerosis, morphine
sulfate
MSL midsternal line
mss massage
MT metacarpophalangeal (joint)
M.T. muscles and tendons
MVA motor vehicle accident
MVP mitral valve prolapse
MVR mitral valve replacement
MW maximum voluntary ventilation
N
n. nerve
N2 nitrogen
N2O nitrous oxide (anesthetic)
Na sodium
NaCl sodium chloride
NAD no apparent distress
nb note well
NB newborn
NBM nothing by mouth
NBS normal bowel sounds, normal breath
sounds
NED no evidence of disease
neg. negative
NER no evidence of recurrence
NERD no evidence of recurrent disease
Neur. Neurology
NG nasogastric tube
NI no insurance
NIC neonatal intensive care
NICU neonatal intensive care unit
NIDDM noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus
NKA no known allergies
NM neuromuscular
NMR nuclear magnetic resonance
noct. nocturnal
NOS not otherwise specified
NP neuropsychiatric
N.P. Neuropsychiatry
NPH NPH insulin (Neutral Protamine Zinc)
NPN nonprotein nitrogen
NPO nothing by mouth
Ns. nerves
N.S. nervous system
NSA no significant abnormality
NSAID nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drug
NSD normal spontaneous delivery
NSR normal sinus rhythm
NST non-stress test
N&V nausea and vomiting
NS Neurosurgery
NSVD normal spontaneous vaginal delivery
NTG nitroglycerine
NTP normal temperature and pressure
nullip never gave birth
NVD nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
N&W normal and well
NWB non-weight bearing
NYD not yet diagnosed
O
o none, without
O oral
O2 oxygen
O2 cap. oxygen capacity
O2 sat. oxygen saturation
OA osteoarthritis
OB, OBG Obstetrics
OB/GYN Obstetrics and Gynecology
Obs observation
OBS organic brain syndrome
OCC. occipital, occasional
OD right eye
O/E on examination
OH occupational history
17 OH 17 hydroxy steroid
OHD organic heart disease
oint. ointment
O.M. otitis media
OMS organic mental syndrome
OOB out of bed
Op. operation
OPC outpatient clinic
OPD outpatient department
Ophth. Ophthalmology
OR operating room, open reduction
OR-IF open reduction with internal fixation
ORT operating room technician
Ortho. Orthopaedic Surgery
os opening, mouth, bone
OS left eye
ot. ear
Oto Otolaryngology
OTC over-the-counter (pharmaceuticals)
O.T. occupational therapy, old tuberculin
OU both eyes
OV office visit
oz. ounce
P ______________________________
P after, phosphorus pulse
P2 pulmonic second heart sound
PA physician’s assistant
P-A posteroanterior
p & a percussion and auscultation
PAC premature atrial, auricular contraction
PaCO2 arterial carbon dioxide tension pressure
PACU post anesthesia care unit
PAF paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
palp. palpate, palpated, palpable
PaO2 alveolar oxygen pressure
Pap Papanicolaou test (pap smear)
Para prior births, paraplegic
PARU post anesthesia recovery unit
PAS pulmonary artery systolic pressure
PAT pregnancy at term, paroxysm atrial tachycardia
Path. Pathology
PA view posterioranterior view on x-ray
Pb lead
PB peripheral blood
PBI protein bound iodine
p/c., p.c. after meals
PCL posterior cruciate ligament
PCO2 carbon dioxide concentration
PCV packed cell volume (of blood)
PD pupillary distance, peritoneal dialysis
PDA patent ductus arteriosus
pdr. powder
PDR Physician’s Desk Reference
PDN private duty nurse
PE physical examination, pulmonary
embolism
Ped. Pediatrics
PEEP positive end expiratory pressure
PEG pneumoencephalogram
PEN Penicillin
PERRLA pupils equal, round, reactive to light and
accommodation (normal)
PET positron emission tomography
PF push fluids
PFC persistent fetal circulation
PFT pulmonary function test
pH hydrogen ion concentration
PH past history
pharm pharmacy
PHYS. physical, physiology
PI present illness, pulmonary insufficiency
PICA posterior inferior coronary artery
PICU pulmonary intensive care unit
PID pelvic inflammatory disease
PIP proximal interphalangeal
Pit. Pitocin
PKU phenylkentonuria
Plac. placenta
plts. platelets
PM petit mal
P.M. afternoon, post-mortem
PMH past medical history
PMN polymorphonuclear (leukocytes)
PM&R Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
PN poorly nourished, practical nurse
P&N Psychiatry and Neurology
PNC prenatal clinic, premature nodal contraction
PND paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, post nasal
drip
pneu. pneumo, pneumonia
PNI peripheral nerve injury
PNX pneumothorax
p.o. by mouth
PO2 oxygen pressure (or tension)
POC product of conception
p.o.d. postoperative day
polys polymorphonuclear
leukocytes
POMR problem oriented medical record
poplit. popliteal
pos. positive
post. posterior
POSTOP. postoperative
pot. or potass. potassium
pp post partum, post prandial
PPBS post prandial blood sugar
PPD purified protein derivative
PPF protein plasma fractional
PPH post partum hemorrhage
ppm parts per million
PPPG post prandial plasma glucose
p.r. per rectum
PR Proctology
PRBC packed red blood cells
PRE progressive resistive exercise
prem premature
pre-op preoperative
prep. prepare for
primip. first pregnancy
p.r.m. according to circumstances
p.r.n., PRN as often as necessary
prod. productive
Prog. prognosis
PROM passive range of motion, premature rupture
of membranes
pron. pronator, pronation
pros. prostate, prostatic
prosth. prosthesis
prot. protein, Protestant
pro.time prothrombin time
PS pulmonary stenosis, psychotic, Plastic
Surgery
PSH past surgical history
psi pounds per square inch
PSMA progressive spinal muscular atrophy
Psych. Psychiatry
pt., Pt. patient
PT physical therapy
P.T. physical therapy, posterior tibial artery
pulse
PTA prior to admission, percutaneous transluminal
angioplasty
PTB patellar tendon bearing
PTCA percutaneous transvenous coronary
angioplasty (balloon angioplasty)
PU pregnancy urine
PUD peptic ulcer disease
PUPPP pruritic urticarial papules & plaques of
pregnancy
PV plasma volume, peripheral vascular
PVC premature ventricular
contraction
PVD peripheral vascular disease
PVR pulmonary vascular resistance
PVT previous trouble
PWB% partial weight bearing with
percent
Px, PX physical examination

Q
q every
q.d. every day
q.h. every hour
q2H every two hours
q4H every four hours
q.i.d. four times a day
q.i.w. four times a week
q.l. as much as desired
qn, q.n. every night
q.n.s., QNS quantity not sufficient
q.o.d. every other day
q.o.n. every other night
q.p. as much as you please
q.q., Q.Q. each, every
q.q.h. every four hours
q.s. quantity, sufficient
qt. quart
qts. drops
quad. quadriplegic
quant. quantitative or quantity
q.v. as much as you wish
q.w. every week
R
r., R right, rectal, roentgen, x-ray
R. rub, rectal temperature
Ra radium
RA rheumatoid arthritis, right atrium
rad. radial
RAI radioactive iodine
r.a.m. rapid alternating movements
R.A.S. right arm sitting
RAtx radiation therapy
RBBB right bundle branch block
rbc/RBC red blood cell, red blood count
RCA right coronary artery
RCS reticulum cell sarcoma
RCU respiratory care unit
RD respiratory distress, reaction to degeneration
RDS respiratory distress syndrome
RE reconditioning exercise
rect. rectum, rectal (ly), rectus muscle
reg. regular
rehab. rehabilitation
resp. respiratory, respirations
RF rheumatic fever
RFA right frontoanterior
RFP right frontoposterior
RFT right frontotransverse
Rh, Rh. rhesus blood factor
RH right hyperphoria
RHD rheumatic heart disease
RHF right heart failure
RHT right hypertrophia
RIH right inguinal hernia
RLA Rancho Los Amigo Scale
R to L&A react to light and accommodation
RLE right lower extremity
RLF retrolental fibroplasia
RLL right lower lobe
RLQ right lower quadrant
RMA right mentoanterior
RML right mediolateral,
right middle lobe
RMP right mentoposterior
RMSF Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
RMT right mentotransverse
RNA ribonucleic acid
RO, R/O rule out
ROA right occipital anterior
ROM range of motion, rupture of membranes,
61
right otitis media
ROP right occipital posterior
ROS review of systems
ROT right occipital transverse
RP retrograde pyelogram
RQ respiratory quotient
RR recovery room
RRE, RR&E round, regular, and equal
RSO right salpingo-oophorectomy
RSA right sacrum anterior
RSD reflex sympathetic
dystrophy
RSP right sacrum posterior
RSR regular sinus rhythm
RST right sacrum transverse
Rt. right
RT radiation therapy, respiratory therapy
RTC return to clinic
RUC regular uterine contraction
RUE right upper extremity
RUL right upper lobe
RUQ right upper quadrant
RV residual volume
RVH right ventricular hypertrophy
Rx therapy, prescription
S ______________________________
s without
S sensation, sensitive, serum
Sa. Saline
S&A sugar and acetone
SAH systemic arterial hypertension
SaO2 arterial oxygen saturation
SB stillborn
SBE subacute bacterial endocarditis
SBFT small bowel follow through (x-ray)
SBO small bowel obstruction
s.c. subcutaneous(ly)
SC sickle cell
SCC sickle cell crisis
SCD sudden cardiac death
schiz schizophrenia
SCU special care unit
sec second
sed. rate erythrocyte sedimentation rate
sem. ves seminal vesicles
Sens. sensory, sensation
sep. separated
Sept. AB septic abortion
Serol. serology, serological test
SGA small for gestational age
s.gl. without correction (without glasses)
SGOT,SGO-T serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase
SH social history, serum hepatitis
SI sacroiliac joint, stroke index
sib. sibling
SICU surgical intensive care unit
SIDS sudden infant death syndrome
skel. skeletal
Sl. slightly
SL under the tongue
SLE systemic lupus erythematosus
SLR straight leg raising
sm small
SMA-14 routine admission chemistry
SNS sympathetic nervous system
SO superior oblique
SO4 sulfate
S.O.A.P. subjective, objective assessment plan
SOB shortness of breath
sod. sodium
Sol. solution
sono. sonogram
S.O.S. repeat once if urgent
sp. spine, spinal
S/P status post (previous condition)
sp.cd. spinal cord
spec. specimen
sp.fl. spinal fluid
spg. sponge
sp.gr specific gravity
sp&H speech and hearing
spin. spine, spinal
spont. spontaneous
SR system review, superior rectus muscle,
sedimentation rate, stimulus response
SROM spontaneous rupture of membranes
SS social service
SSE soap suds enema
st stage (of disease)
st. stomach
Staph, Staph. staphylococcus
stat.,STAT immediately
STD sexually transmitted disease
stom, st. stomach
strep. streptococcus
S.T.S. serological test for syphilis
subcut. subcutaneous
subling. sublingual
sulf. sulfate
sup. superior
supin. supination
supp suppository
surg. surgery, surgical
SVC superior vena cava
SVD spontaneous vaginaldelivery
SVR systemic vascular resistance
SVT supra ventricular tachycardia
SWD short wave diathermy
Sx symptoms
sys. system
syst. systolic

T
T3 triodothyronine
T4 total serum thyroxine
TA tendon Achilles
T&A tonsils and adenoids, tonsillectomy and
adenoidectomy
T&C type and crossmatch
tab. tablet
TAB therapeutic abortion
TAH total abdominal hysterectomy
T.A.T. tetanus antitoxin
TB tuberculosis
TBI total body irradiation
TBLC term birth living child
tbsp. tablespoon
TCDB turn, cough, deep breathe
TEE transesophageal echocardiography
temp temperature
TENS transient electric nerve stimulation
TESD total end systolic diameter
T.F. tuning fork
T of F tetralogy of Fallot
TGA transposition great vessels
THERAP. therapy,therapeutic
thor. thorax, thoracic
THR total hip replacement
TI tricuspid insufficiency
TIA transient ischemic shock, transient
ischemic attack
t.i.d. three times a day
TIP terminal interphalangeal (joint)
TIUP term intrauterine pregnancy
t.i.w. three times per week
TJ triceps reflex
TKR total knee replacement
TLC tender loving care, total lung capacity
T.M. tympanum membrani (ear drum)
TMJ temporomandibular joint
TNI total nodal irradiation
TNM tumor, nodes, and metastases
TO telephone order
TOA tubo-ovarian abscess
to AA to affected areas
T, OD tension, right eye
TORCH (titer) toxoplamosis others (hepatitis, beta strep,
flu, mumps, etc.) rubella, cytomegalovirus
(CMV), herpes virus II
TP term pregnancy
TPA thrombo proteolytic activity
TPN total parenteral nutrition
TPR temperature, pulse, respiration
tr trace
trach tracheostomy
TS tricuspid stenosis
TSH thyroid stimulating hormone
tsp. teaspoon
TSS toxic shock syndrome
T,T. temperature, thoracic
TTI total thromboplastin index
TTP thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura
T-Tube cholangiogram
TUR transurethral resection
TURB transurethral resection of the bladder
TURP transurethral resection of the prostate
TV tidal volume
TVH total vaginal hysterectomy
TVR tricuspid valve replacement
Tx treatment, traction
U
U. unit
U/A urinalysis
UC uterine contractions
UCD usual childhood diseases
UCG urinary chorionic gonadotropin
UCHD usual childhood diseases
UG upward gaze
UGI upper gastrointestinal series (x-rays),
upper gastrointestinal tract
UL upper lid
uln ulnar
ULQ upper left quadrant
ung. ointment
unilat. unilateral
u/o under observation for, urine output
Ur. urine
URD upper respiratory disease
URI upper respiratory infection
Urol. Urology
URQ upper right quadrant
u/s, US ultrasound
USI urinary stress incontinence
USN ultrasonic nebulizer
USP. United States Pharmacy
USPHA United States Public Health
Administration
ut. uterus, uterine
UTI urinary tract infection
UVL ultraviolet light
V
V vein
VA visual acuity
vag vagina, vaginal
VC, (vit.cap) vital capacity
VCS vasoconstrictor substance
VCU voiding cystourethrogram
Vd void
VD venereal disease
VDRL blood test for syphilis
vent. ventilator
vert. vertical
VF visual fields, ventricular fibrillation
VG vein graft
VHD valvular heart disease
VI volume index
V.I. vaginal irrigation
Via by way of
VIPS voluntary interruption of pregnancy and
sterilization service
vit. vitamin
VLDL very low density lipoproteins
VM vestibular membrane
VN visiting nurse
VO verbal order
VOD vision right eye
vol volume
VOS vision left eye
VP venous pressure
VPC ventricular premature contraction
VS, V.S. vital signs
VSA vital signs absent
VSD ventricular septal defect
VSS vital signs stable
VT, V Tach ventricular tachycardia
V & T volume and tension (pulse)
VTX vertex
Vx. vertex presentation
W
W widowed, white
W/A while awake
Wass. Wasserman
WB whole blood
wbc, WBC white blood cells, white blood count
W/C, wh.ch. wheelchair
WBT weight bearing to tolerance
WDWN well developed, well nourished
WE wide excision
WF white female
wk week
WM white male
w/n within
WN well nourished
WNL within normal limits
WP whirlpool
wt. weight
w/u workup
X
x times
X exophoria distance
XT exotrophia distance
Y
y.o. years old
yrs. Year