Differentiating Abbreviations From Acronyms
 Abbreviations are shortened forms for written AP apical pulse; anteroposterior; anterior-posterior
words or phrase used in a place of the whole
(e.g., vol for volume).
 Acronyms are words formed from the initial
letter of each of the successive parts or major
parts of a compound term (e.g., CBC for
complete blood count).
A A-R apical–radial (pulse)
AAFP American Academy of Family Physicians
AALPN American Association of Licensed Practical Nurses
AAMI age-associated memory impairment
AAP American Academy of Pediatricians
AARP American Association of Retired Persons
AB abortion
Ab antibody
ABCDE airway and cervical spine, breathing, circulation,
disability, exposure
ABG arterial blood gas
ABP acute bacterial prostatitis
AC Adriamycin and Cytoxan
ACE all-cotton elastic
ACE angiotensin-converting enzyme
ACIP Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support
ACS American Cancer Society; Ambulatory Care Sensitive
ACTH adrenocorticotropic hormone
AD advance directive
ADA American Diabetes Association
ADAMHA Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health
Administration
ADC AIDS dementia complex
ADDH attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity
ADH antidiuretic hormone
ADHD attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
ADL activities of daily living
AEA above-the-elbow amputation
AEB as evidenced by
AED automated external defibrillator
AFP alpha-fetoprotein
Ag antigen
AGA appropriate for gestational age
AHA American Hospital Association
AI adequate intake
AICD automatic implantable cardioverter–defibrillator
AIDS acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
AJN American Journal of Nursing
AKA above-the-knee amputation; also known as
ALL acute lymphocytic leukemia
ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
ALT alanineaspartate aminotransferase (formerly SGPOT)
AMA American Medical Association; against medical
advice
AML acute myelogenous leukemia
ANA American Nurses Association
ANP atrial natriuretic peptide
ANS autonomic nervous system
(repair); assault precautions (attack)
APGAR A appearance (color); P pulse (heart rate); G
grimace or reflexes (irritability); A activity
(muscle tone); R respiratory effort
APIE assessment, plan, intervention, evaluation
APTT activated partial thromboplastin time
ARC American Red Cross
ARDD alcohol-related developmental disability
ARDS adult acute respiratory distress syndrome
ARND alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder
AROM active range of motion; artificial rupture of the
membranes
ARRP anatomic retropubic radical prostatectomy
ART Accredited Record Technician
AS sickle cell trait
ASA acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
ASD atrial septal defect; autism spectrum disorders
ASO antistreptolysin O titer
AST aspartate aminotransferase
ASU Ambulatory Surgery Unit
ATF Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
ATLS Advanced Trauma Life Support
ATN acute tubular necrosis
ATP adenosine triphosphate
AV atrioventricular
AVPU Alert, Verbal, Pain response, Unresponsive
AWOL absent without leave
Ax axillary
B
BAL in Oil dimercaprol
BBB blood–brain barrier
BBP blood-borne pathogens
BCG bacille Calmette–Guérin
BCLS Basic Cardiac Life Support
BCP birth control pill
BE barium enema x-ray
BEA below-the-elbow amputation
BIDS bedtime insulin and daytime sulfonylureas
BKA below-the-knee amputation
BLL blood lead level
BLS Basic Life Support
BM bowel movement
BMI body mass Index
BMT bone marrow transplantation
BOA born out of asepsis
BOH Board of Health
BP blood pressure
BPAD bipolar affective disorder
BPD bipolar disorder
BPH benign prostatic hyperplasia
BPM beats per minute
BPRS Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale
BRAT bananas, rice, applesauce, toast
BRM biologic response modifiers
 Differentiating Abbreviations From Acronyms
BRP bathroom privileges CNO Community Nursing Organization
BS bowel sounds CNS central nervous system
BSC bedside commode CO cardiac output
BSE breast self-examination CO2 carbon dioxide
BUN blood urea nitrogen COA children of alcoholics; coarctation of the aorta
C COAs children of alcoholics
Celsius; centigrade COLD chronic obstructive lung disease
C & S (blood) culture and sensitivity COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
C2, C3, etc. cervical section of the spinal cord COPs Conditions of Participation (Medicare requirements)
Ca calcium COTA Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Ca3[PO4]2 calcium phosphate CP cardiopulmonary; cerebral palsy
CABG coronary artery bypass grafting CPAP continuous positive airway pressure
CaCl2 calcium chloride CPD cephalopelvic disproportion
CaCO3 calcium carbonate CPK creatine phosphokinase
CAD coronary artery disease CPM continuous passive motion
CAF Cytoxan, Adriamycin, fluorouracil CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CAPD continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis CPT chest physiotherapy
CAT computerized adaptive testing CQI contiguous (or continuous) quality improvement
CBC complete blood cell CRH corticotropin-releasing hormone
CBE charting by exception CRNA Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
CBP chronic bacterial prostatitis CRNH Certified Registered Nurse—Hospice
cc cubic centimeter CRP C-reactive protein
CC chief complaint CRU Coronary Rehabilitation Unit
CCP clinical care pathway Cryo cryoprecipitate
CCU coronary care unit CS complete stroke; cardiac sphincter
CCU/CICU coronary care unit/coronary intensive care unit CSF cerebral ospinal fluid; colony-stimulating factors
CD chemical dependency CSR, CSS Central Supply Room, Central Service Supply
CD4 helper T lymphocytes CT computed tomography
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CUC chronic ulcerative colitis
CDU chemical dependency unit, clinical decision unit CVA cerebrovascular accident
CEA carcinoembryonic antigen; cultured epithelial CVP central venous pressure
autografts CVS chorionic villus sampling
CEH continuing education hour CXR chest x-ray
CEU continuing education unit
CF cystic fibrosis
CHAP Community Health Accreditation Program D
CHC community health center D & C dilatation and curettage
CHD coronary heart disease D/2NS5% dextrose in half-normal saline (0.45% NS)
CHF congestive heart failure D/C discontinue
CHHA Certified Home Health Aide D5NS5% dextrose in normal saline (0.9% NS)
CHO carbohydrates D5W5% dextrose in sterile water
CIC crisis intervention center DAPE data, assessment, plan, evaluation
CICU coronary intensive care unit DARE data, action, response, education
CK creatine kinase DAT diet as tolerated
Cl chloride Db decibel
CLL chronic lymphocytic leukemia DBP; dBP diastolic blood pressure
CLTC Citizens for Long-Term Care DCH District Court hold
CM case/care manager DCT distal convoluted tubule
CMF Cytoxan, methotrexate, fluorouracil DDST Denver Developmental Screening Test
CMG cystometrogram DEA Drug Enforcement Agency
CML chronic myelogenous leukemia DEP Department of Environmental Protection
CMMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services DERM dermatology
CMS color, motion, sensitivity (circulation, mobility, DES diethylstilbestrol
sensation) DIC disseminated intravascular coagulation
CMV cytomegalovirus DISCUS Dyskinesia Identification System-Condensed User
CNM Certified Nurse Midwife Scale
 Differentiating Abbreviations From Acronyms
DJD degenerative joint disease ESWL extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
DKA diabetic ketoacidosis ET enterostomal therapist
dL deciliter ETOH ethanol (alcohol)
DMAT Disaster Medical Assistance Team ETOH W/D alcohol withdrawal
DMD Duchenne muscular dystrophy F
DME Durable Medical Equipment Fahrenheit
DMSA 2, 3-dimercaptosuccinic acid FADL functional activities of daily living
DNA deoxyribonucleic acid FAM fertility awareness method
DNH do not hospitalize FAS fetal alcohol syndrome
DNI do not intubate FBP fetal biophysical profile
DNR do not resuscitate FBS fasting blood sugar (fasting blood glucose)
DOA Department of Agriculture FDA Food and Drug Administration
DOH Department of Health Fe iron
DOL Department of Labor FES functional electrical stimulation
DRF drip rate factor FFP fresh-frozen plasma
DRG diagnosis-related group FHC family health center
DRI dietary reference intake FHR fetal heart rate
DSM-IV Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental FHT fetal heart tones
Disorders, Revision IV FPG fasting plasma glucose
DT diphtheria and tetanus toxoids FQHC Federally Qualified Healthcare
DTAD drain tube attachment device FRC functional residual capacity
DtaP diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis FRV functional residue volume
DTP diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine FSH follicle-stimulating hormone
DVR Division of Vocational Rehabilitation FTT failure to thrive
DVT deep vein thrombosis 5-FU 5-fluorouracil
E FVD fluid volume deficit
EAR estimated average requirement FVE fluid volume excess
EC emergency contraception G
ECF extended care facility; extracellular fluid G gauge
ECG (EKG) electrocardiogram GABHS group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus
ECT electroconvulsive therapy GCS Glasgow Coma Scale
ED emergency department; erectile dysfunction GDM gestational diabetes mellitus
EDC estimated date of confinement GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease
EDD estimated date of delivery GERI geriatrics
EDTA edetate calcium disodium GFR glomerular filtration rate
EEG electroencephalogram GH growth hormone
EGD esophagogastroduodenoscopy GHIH growth hormone–inhibiting hormone
EHS Employee Health Service GI gastrointestinal
e-IPV enhanced potency inactivated poliovirus vaccine GI tract gastrointestinal tract
ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay GnRH gonadotropin-releasing hormone
EMB ethambutol G6PD glucose 6-phosphodehydrogenase
EMG electromyogram GRH, GHRH growth hormone–releasing hormone
EMS Emergency Medical Services GTT glucose tolerance test
EMT Emergency Medical Technician G-Tube gastrostomy (tube)
ENG electronystagmography GU genitourinary
EP escape (elopement) precautions GYN gynecology
EPA Environmental Protection Agency H
EPO erythropoietin hydrogen ion
EPS electrophysiology study H flu Haemophilus influenzae
EPSE extrapyramidal side effects H2CO3 carbonic acid
ERCP endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography H2O, HOH water
ERG electroretinogram HAS Health Services Administration
ERT estrogen replacement therapy HAV hepatitis A virus
ERV expiratory reserve volume HAZMAT hazardous materials
ESR erythrocyte sedimentation rate Hb A1c glycosylated hemoglobin
ESRD end-stage renal disease HBD hydroxybutyric dehydrogenase
 Differentiating Abbreviations From Acronyms
HBO hyperbaric oxygenation IDG interdisciplinary group
HBV hepatitis B virus IDT interdisciplinary team
HCA Health Care Assistant IFG impaired fasting glucose
HCFA Health Care Financing Association (payor source) IFN interferon
HCG human chorionic gonadotropin IG immune globulins
HCl hydrochloric acid Ig immunoglobulin
HCO3 bicarbonate IgE immunoglobulin E
Hct hematocrit IgG gamma immunoglobulin (gamma globulin)
HCTZ hydrochlorothiazide IGH impaired glucose homeostasis
HCV hepatitis C virus IGT impaired glucose tolerance
HD Hodgkin’s disease; Huntington’s disease II intellectual impairment
HDL high-density lipoprotein IICP increased intracranial pressure
HDV hepatitis D virus IL interleukin
HEV hepatitis E virus InFeD iron dextran
HFCS high-fructose corn syrup INH isoniazid
Hgb; Hb hemoglobin I & O intake and output
HGF hematopoietic factor IOL intraocular lens
HGV hepatitis G virus IOL implant intraocular lens implant
HHA Home Health Aide IOP intraocular pressure
HHRG Home Health Resource Group IPPB intermittent positive-pressure breathing
HHS Department of Health and Human Services IQ intelligence quotient
HI homicidal ideation IR infrared (rays)
Hib Haemophilus influenzae type B conjugate vaccine IRV inspiratory reserve volume
HICPAC Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory ITP idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Committee IUD intrauterine device
HIS Indian Health Service IV intravenous
HIV human immunodeficiency virus IVC inferior vena cava
HIV-RNA viral load of HIV IVD intervertebral disk disease
HMO health maintenance organization IVF in vitro fertilization
HNP herniated nucleus pulposus IVIG intravenous immune globulin
HOSA Health Occupations Students of America IVP intravenous pyelogram
hPL human placental lactogen IVPB intravenous piggyback
HPO4, H2PO4 phosphate J
HPV human papillomavirus J tube jejunostomy tube
HR heart rate JCAHO Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
HRT hormone replacement therapy Organizations
HS hour of sleep JGA, JG apparatus juxtaglomerular apparatus
HSV-1 herpes simplex virus type 1 JP Jackson Pratt (drains)
HSV-2 herpes simplex virus type 2 JRA juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
HTN hypertension K
HUS hemolytic uremic syndrome K potassium
I Kkcal; C kilocalorie
IADL instrumental activities of daily living KCl potassium chloride
IBD inflammatory bowel disease KOH potassium hydroxide
IBS irritable bowel syndrome KUB kidney–ureters–bladder x-ray
IBW ideal body weight L
IC interstitial cystitis; inspiratory capacity L1, L2, etc. level of lumbar area of the spinal cord
ICD implantable cardioverter–defibrillator LAD left anterior descending
ICF intermediate care facility LASIK laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis
ICN International Council of Nurses LATCH L latch; A audible swallowing; T type of nipple; C
ICP intracranial pressure comfort (breast/nipple); H hold (positioning)
cICP increased intracranial pressure LBW low birthweight
ICSH interstitial cell-stimulating hormone LCA left coronary artery
ICU intensive care unit LCX left circumflex
ID identification LDH lactic dehydrogenase
IDDM insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus LDL low-density lipoprotein
 Differentiating Abbreviations From Acronyms
LDRP labor/delivery/recovery/postpartum room
LEEP loop electrosurgical excision procedure
LEP laparoscopic extraperitoneal approach
LES lower esophageal sphincter
LFT liver function tests
LGA large for gestational age
LH luteinizing hormone
LLQ left lower quadrant
LMCA left main coronary artery
LMP last menstrual period
LNMP last normal menstrual period
LOC level of consciousness
LP lumbar puncture
LPM, L/min liters per minute
LPN/LVN Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational
Nurse
LQR/LSR locked quiet room, locked seclusion room
LS ratio lecithin–sphingomyelin ratio
LSD lysergic acid diethylamide
LT leukotriene
LTB laryngotracheobronchitis
LTC long-term care
LUQ left upper quadrant
M Registered Nurses
MABP mean arterial blood pressure
MAC Mycobacterium avium complex
MAP mean arterial pressure
MAR Medication Administration Record
MAST military antishock trousers
MCHB Maternal Child Health Bureau
MD muscular dystrophy
MDD major depressive disorder
MDI metered-dose inhaler
MDS Minimum Data Set
mEq milliequivalents
mEq/L milliequivalents per liter
Mg; Mg magnesium
MG myasthenia gravis
mg/dL milligrams per deciliter
MgSO4 magnesium sulfate
MH, MHU Mental Health Unit
MI & D mentally ill and dangerous
MI mental illness; myocardial infarction
MI-CD mentally ill and chemically dependent
MICU medical intensive care unit
MIF melanocyte-inhibiting factor
MIS Management Information Services/Systems
mL milliliters
MMI methimazole
MMPI Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
MMR measles, mumps, and rubella
MOM milk of magnesia
MPD multiple personality disorder
MRI magnetic resonance imaging
MRSA methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
MS morphine sulfate; multiple sclerosis
MSAFP; MS-AFP maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein test
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet
MSH melanocyte-stimulating hormone
MSW Medical Social Worker
MUA medically underserved area
MVA motor vehicle accident
N
Na sodium
NACHC National Association of Community Health Centers
NaCl sodium chloride
NAHC National Association for Home Care
NAHCC National Association of Health Care Centers
NANDA North American Nursing Diagnosis Association
NaOH sodium hydroxide
NAPNES National Association of Practical Nurse Education
and Services
Na2SO4 sodium sulfate
NCHS National Center for Health Statistics
NCI National Cancer Institute
NCLEX National Council Licensure Examination
NCLEX-PN National Council Licensure Examination for
Practical Nurses
NCLEX-RN National Council Licensure Examination for
NCP nursing care plan
NCSBN National Council of State Boards of Nursing
NEC necrotizing enterocolitis
NEURO neurology
NF National Formulary
NFLPN National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses
NG nasogastric
NG tube nasogastric tube
NHIC National Health Information Center
NHL non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
NHO National Hospice Organization
NHP nursing home placement
NHPCO National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
NICU neonatal intensive care unit
NIDDM non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
NIH National Institute of Health
NINR National Institute of Nursing Research
NIOSH National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
NLN National League for Nursing
NMR nuclear magnetic resonance
NMS neuroleptic malignant syndrome
NOS not otherwise specified
NP nurse practitioner
NPO nothing by mouth (non per os)
NPT nocturnal penile tumescence
NRM non-rebreathing mask
NS normal saline or 0.9% sodium chloride
NSAID nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
NSC National Safety Council
NST nonstress test
NTG nitroglycerine
O
 Differentiating Abbreviations From Acronyms
O2 oxygen
OA osteoarthritis
OASIS Outcome and Assessment Information Set
OB obstetrics
OB/GYN obstetrician/gynecologist
OBRA Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
OBS/OBD organic brain syndrome/organic brain disorder
OBT over-bed table
OCD obsessive-compulsive disorder
OCT oxytocin challenge test
OD overdose; right eye (oculus dexter)
OFC occipital-frontal circumference
OH hydroxyl ion
OMH Office for Migrant Health
ONS Oncology Nursing Society
OOB out of bed
OP occiput posterior
O & P ova (eggs) and parasites
OPD outpatient department
OPHS Office of Public Health and Science
OPV (live) oral poliovirus vaccine
OR operating room
ORIF open reduction and internal fixation
ORS oral rehydration solution
ORTHO orthopedics
OS left eye (oculus sinister)
O2 Sat percent oxygen saturation
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OT occupational therapy
OTC over-the-counter
OTR Occupational Therapist, Registered
OU both eyes (oculi unitas)
P PRH prolactin-releasing hormone
P phosphorus
PA Physician Assistant
PACE Pre-Admission and Classification Examination
PaCO2 ; pCO2 carbon dioxide content of arterial blood
PACU postanesthesia care unit
PaO2 ; pO2 oxygen content of arterial blood
Pap test Papanicolaou test (smear)
PAR postanesthesia recovery (room)
PBI protein-bound iodine
PBSC peripheral blood stem cell
PCA patient-controlled analgesia; personal care attendant
PCM protein-calorie malnutrition
PCN penicillin
PCP Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia; primary care
provider
PCT proximal convoluted tubule
PDA patent ductus arteriosus; posterior descending artery
PDR Physician’s Desk Reference
PE polyethylene (tube)
PEDS pediatrics
PEG percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
PEP postexposure prophylaxis
PERRLA C pupils equal, round, react to light,
accommodation OK and coordinated
PET position emission tomography
PFT pulmonary function test
pH potential of hydrogen; power of hydrogen (hydrogen
ion concentration)
PIA prolonged infantile apnea
PIC peripheral indwelling catheter
PICC peripherally inserted central catheter
PICU pediatric intensive care unit
PID pelvic inflammatory disease
PIE plan, intervention, evaluation
PIH pregnancy-induced hypertension; prolactin-inhibiting
hormone
PKU phenylketonuria
PM&R physical medicine and rehabilitation
PMI point of maximal impulse
PMP previous menstrual period
PMS premenstrual syndrome
PNS peripheral nervous system
PO by mouth (per os)
POC plan of care
POS point of service
PPD purified protein derivative
PPE personal protective equipment
PPF plasma protein fraction
PPG postprandial glucose
PPIP Put Prevention Into Practice
2hPP 2-hour postprandial
PPN peripheral parenteral nutrition
PPO preferred provider organization
PPROM prolonged premature rupture of membranes
PPS prospective payment system
PRK photorefractive keratotomy
PRL prolactin
PRM partial-rebreathing mask
PRN as needed
PROM passive range of motion; premature rupture of
membranes
PR/R per rectum/rectal
PSA prostate-specific antigen
PSDA Patient Self-Determination Act
psi per square inch
PSV pressure support ventilation
PSYCH psychiatry
PT prothrombin time; physical therapy
PTA Physical Therapist Assistant
PTCA percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
PTH parathyroid hormone, parathormone
PTL preterm labor
PTSD posttraumatic stress disorder
PTT partial thromboplastin time
PTU propylthiouracil
PUBS percutaneous umbilical blood sampling
PUS prostate ultrasound
PVC premature ventricular contraction
PZA pyrazinamide
 Differentiating Abbreviations From Acronyms
Q International d’Unites)
QA quality assurance SIADH syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone
QI quality improvement SIB self-injurious behavior
R SICU surgical intensive care unit
RA rheumatoid arthritis SIDS sudden infant death syndrome
RAA system renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system SIE stroke in evolution
RACE rescue, alarm, confine, extinguish SIMV synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation
RAI radioactive iodine SIRES stabilize, identify toxin, reverse effect, eliminate
RAIU radioactive iodine uptake toxin, support
RAP resident assessment protocol SL sublingual
RBC red blood cell SLD specific learning disabilities
RCA right coronary artery SLE systemic lupus erythematosus
RDA recommended dietary allowance S/M sadomasochism
RDS respiratory distress syndrome SMBG self-monitoring of blood glucose
REE resting energy expenditure SNF skilled nursing facility
REHAB rehabilitation unit SNS sympathetic nervous system
REM rapid eye movement SO significant other
RF rheumatoid factor SO4 sulfate
RGP rigid gas-permeable plastic SOAP subjective, objective, assessment, plan
RhoGAM Rh immune globulin SOAPIER subjective, objective, assessment, plan,
RICE rest, ice, compression, elevation intervention, evaluation, response
RIE recorded in error SOB short of breath
RIND reversible ischemic neurologic deficit SOBOE short of breath on exertion
RK radial keratotomy SP suprapubic (catheter)
RLQ right lower quadrant SP/GP suicide precautions/general precautions
RMP rifampin SPF sun protective factor
RN registered nurse SRO single room occupancy
RNA ribonucleic acid SROM spontaneous rupture of the membranes
ROI release of information SSA Social Security Administration
ROM range of motion SSDI Social Security Disability Insurance
ROP retinopathy of prematurity; right occiput posterior SSE soap suds enema
RP retinitis pigmentosa START Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment
RPh registered pharmacist STAT at once, immediately
RPT registered physical therapist STD sexually transmitted disease
RR recovery room STH somatotropic hormone (somatotropin)
RRA registered record administrator STI sexually transmitted infection
RSV respiratory syncytial virus SV stroke volume
RT respiratory therapy SVC superior vena cava
R/T related to SVE sterile vaginal examination
RUG resource utilization group SVR systemic vascular resistance
RUQ right upper quadrant SX P sexual precautions
RV residual volume SZ P seizure precautions
S T
S1 first heart sound T1, T2, etc. level of injury in the thoracic area of the spinal
S2 second heart sound cord
S/A suicide attempt T3 triiodothyronine
SA node sinoatrial node; sinus node T4 thyroxine
SBE subacute bacterial endocarditis T&A tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
SBFT small bowel follow-through x-ray TAC time, amount, character
SBP; sBP systolic blood pressure TB tuberculosis
SDSU same-day surgery unit TBI traumatic brain injury
S/G suicide gesture TBW total body water
SGA small for gestational age TCDB turning, coughing, deep breathing
SGOT serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase TCN tetracycline
SI suicidal ideation TD tardive dyskinesia
SI units International system of units (or Systeme TED thromboembolic disease
 Differentiating Abbreviations From Acronyms
TEE transesophageal echocardiography UTI urinary tract infection
TENS transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation UTox urine toxicity screen (for drugs)
TFT thyroid function test UV ultraviolet (rays)
TGV transposition of the great vessels V
THA total hip arthroplasty VC vital capacity
THC cannabis (marijuana and related drugs) VCUG voiding cystourethrogram
T-hold transportation hold (police) VLBW very low birthweight
TIA transient ischemic attack VMA vanillylmandelic acid
TICU trauma intensive care unit VNA Visiting Nurse Association
Title XVIII Medicare section of the Social Security Act VO verbal order
Title XIX Medicaid section of the Social Security Act Vol voluntarily admitted
Title XXII source of COPs VRE vancomycin-resistant enterococci
TKA total knee arthroplasty V & S; vol. and spec. volume and specific gravity (urine)
TLC total lung capacity VSD ventricular septal defect
TLSO thoracolumbar sacroorthosis W
Tm transport maximum WA while awake
TMJ temporal mandibular joint WBC white blood cell
TMR transmyocardial revascularization W/C wheelchair
TO telephone order WHO World Health Organization
TOF tetralogy of Fallot WIC Women, Infants and Children
TORCH toxoplasmosis, other, rubella, cytomegalovirus, WISC-R Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Revised
herpes simplex WNL within normal limits
t-PA tissue plasminogen activator
TPA total parenteral alimentation
TPN total parenteral nutrition
TPR temperature, pulse, and respiration aa Of each, equal parts
TR therapeutic recreation ABR Absolute bed rest
TS Tourette syndrome Abd. Abdomen
TSE testicular self-examination
ac Before meals
TSH thyroid-stimulating hormone
TSLO thoracic-lumbar-sacral orthosis AD Admitting diagnosis
TSS toxic shock syndrome A&D Admission and discharge
TURBT transurethral resection of bladder tumor
Ad lib As desired, if the patient so
TURP transurethral resection of prostate
desired
TV tidal volume
TWE tap water enema ADL Activities of daily living
T&X type and crossmatch Adm. Admission
Ad. Spec. Admission urine specimen
U
U-100 100 units per milliliter A.M. or a.m., AM or Morning
UA urinalysis am
UAP unlicensed assistive personnel amb Ambulation, walking,
UL tolerance upper intake level ambulatory,
UN United Nations able to walk
UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund
amt. Amount
UNOS United Network of Organ Sharing
UPP urethral pressure profile AP or A.P. Appendectomy
UPT urine pregnancy test aqua Water or H2O
URI upper respiratory infection
@ At
UROL urology
US ultrasound Approx. Approximately
USD U.S. Dispensatory B&B or b&b Bowel and bladder training
USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture
bid or B.I.D. or b.i.d. Twice a day
USDHHS U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
USP U.S. Pharmacopoeia b.m. or B.M. Bowel movement, feces
USPHS U.S. Public Health Service B.P. or BP Blood pressure
 Differentiating Abbreviations From Acronyms
BR or br or B.R. or Bedrest Fx urine Fractional urine
b.r. gal Gallon
BRP or B.R.P. or brp Bathroom priviledges GI or G.I. Gastrointestinal
BSC or bsc Bedside commode gt One drop
°C Celsius degree (or gtt Two or more drops
centigrade)
Gtt or G.T.T. Glucose tolerance test
? With
GU or G.U Genitourinary
Ca Cancer
Gyn. or G.Y.N. Gynecology
Cath. Catheter
H2O Water or aqua
CBC or C.B.C. Complete blood count
HOB Head of bed
cc or c.c Cubic centimeter
hr Hour
CCU or C.C.U Cardiac care unit/ coronary
care unit HS or hs Bedtime or hour of sleep
CBR or C.B.R. or cbr Complete bed rest ht Height
C/O or c/o Complaint of hyper Above or high
CO2 Carbon dioxide hypo Below or low
CS or C.S. or c.s Central supply H.W.B. or hwb or Hot water bottle
HWB
CSD or csd or C.S.D Central service department
ICU or I.C.U. Intensive care unit
CSR or csr and C.S.R Central supply room
I&O or I.&O. Intake and output
CVA or C.V.A Cerebrovascular
accident or stroke Irr Irregular
CPR or C.P.R Cardiopulmonary Isol. Or isol Isolation
resuscitation IV or I.V. Intravenous
dc or d/c Discontinue L Liter
del. M. Or d.r., or DR Delivery room Lab. or lab Laboratory
Disch or dish or D/C Discharge lb Pound
D. % C. or D&C Dilatation and curettage LVN or L.V.N Licensed vocational nurse
drsg. Dressing M Male
DOA or D.O.A Dead on arrival Mat Maternity
Dr. or Dr Doctor MD or M.D. Medical doctor
DX Diagnosis Meas Measure
ECG or EKG Electrocardiogram mec Meconium
ED or E.D. Emergency department med Medicine
EEG or E.E.G. Electroencephalogram min Minute
EENT or E.E.N.T. Eye, ears, nose and throat ml Milliliter
E. or E Enema Mn or mn or M/n Midnight
ER or E.R. Emergency room N.A. or N/A Nursing aide or nursing
°F Fahrenheit degree assistant
F. or Fe. or F or Fe Female n/g tube or ng. tube Nasogastric tube
or N.G.T.
FBS or F.B.S Fasting blood sugar
noct At night
FF or F.F. Forced feeding or forced
fluids NP Neuropsychiatric or nursing
procedure
ft Foot
NPO or N.P.O Nothing by mouth
Fx Fracture
nsy Nursery
 Differentiating Abbreviations From Acronyms
O2 Oxygen QHS or qhs Every night at bed time/
OB or O.B. Obstetrics hour of sleep
Obt or obt. Obtained qid or Q.I.D. Four times a day
OJ or O.J. Orange juice qam or q am or q.a.m. Every morning
Orb. Orderly qod or Q.O.D Every other day
OOB or O.O.B. Out of bed qs Quantity sufficient, as much
as required
OPD or O.P.D. Outpatient department
qt quart
OR or O.R. Operating room
r or R rectal or Rectal
Ortho Orthopedics
Rm or rm Room
OT or O.T Occupational therapy or oral
temperature RN or R.N. Registered nurse
oz. Ounce Rom or R.O.M. Range of motion
PAR or P.A.R. Postanesthesia room RR or R Rm. Recovery room
Pc After meals Rx Prescription or treatment
ordered by a physician
Ped or Peds Pediatrics
s or ? Without
Per by, through
S&A Sugar and acetone
p.m. or P.M., pm or Afternoon
PM S&A test or S.& A. test Sugar and acetone test
PMC or P.M.C Postmortem care S&K or S.& K. test Sugar and ketone test
PN or P.N. Pneumonia SOB Shortness of breath
po By mouth sos Whenever emergency arises;
only if necessary
post or p after
SPD Special purchasing
postop or post op Postoperative department
post op spec After surgery urine specimen Spec or spec. Specimen
PP Postpartum (after delivery) ss or ?? One-half
PPBS Postprandial blood sugar SSE or S.S.E. Soapsuds enema
pre Before Stat At once, immediately
prn or p.r.n. Whenever necessary, when STD Sexually transmitted disease
required
Surg Surgery
preop or pre op Before surgery
tid or T.I.D. Three times a day
pre op spec Urine specimen
before surgery TLC or tlc Tender loving care
prep Prepare the patient TPR Temperature, pulse,
for surgery by shaving the respiration
skin. TWE Tap water enema
Pt or pt Patient; pint U/a or U/A or u/a Urinalysis
PT or P.T. Physical therapy Ung. Ointment, unguentine
q Every VDRL Test for syphilis
qd Every day V.S or VS Vital signs
qh Every hour WBC or W.B.C. White blood count
q2h Every 2 hours w/c Wheel chair
q3h Every 3 hours wc or W.C. Ward clerk
q4h Every 4 hours wt Weight