Medical Terminology and Abbreviations

-A-

ACI

Acute coronary insufficiency

ACJT

Acromioclavicular joint

ACL

Anterior clavicular line

ACO

Alert, cooperative, oriented

ACS

Acute cervical strain; acute cervical sprain

ACT

Anticoagulant therapy; active motion

ACTH

Adrenocorticotropic hormone

ACTS

Acute cervical trauma syndrome

ACVD

Acute cardiovascular disease

AD

right ear; admitting diagnosis; adult disease; admission and discharge; alternating days

ADA

Anterior descending artery

ADD

Addiction; adduct; adduction

ADH

Antidiuretic hormone; adhesions

ADJ

Adjacent; adjoining; adjunct; adjust

ADL

Activities of daily living

AD LIB

As desired

ADM

Admit; admission

ADR

Adverse drug reaction

ADV

Arterial deep venous; advised

AE

Above the elbow; active and equal

AER

Auditory evoked response; average evoked response

AF

Adult female; amniotic fluid; aortic flow; atrial fibrillation; atrial flutter

AFL

Artificial limb

AFTR

Atrophy, fasciculation; tremor; rigidity

AGA

Appropriate for gestational age

AGE

Angle of greatest extension

AGF

Angle of greatest flexion

AGG

Aggrevation

AGL

Acute granulocytic leukemia

AGN

Acute glomerulonephritis

AGTT

Abnormal glucose tolerance test

AH

Abdominal hysterectomy; arterial hypertension

AI

Aortic insufficiency; artificial insemination

AID

Acute infectious disease; artificial insemination by donor

AIDS

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome

AIIS

Anterior inferior iliac spine

AIT

Acute intensive treatment

AJ

Ankle jerk

AK

Above the knee

AL

Left ear

ALC

Approximate lethal concentration

ALD

Alcoholic liver disease

ALL

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; acute lymphocytic leukemia; allergy

ALMI

Anterior lateral myocardial infarction

ALS

Acute lumbar strain; anterolateral sclerosis; amytrophic lateral sclerosis

ALT

Alternate

ALTS

Acute lumbar trauma syndrome

ALVF

Acute left ventricular failure

AM

Adult male; aerospace medicine; before noon

AMA

Against medical advice; American Medical Association

AMB

Ambulate; ambulatory

AMI

Acute myocardial infarction

AML

Acute monocytic leukemia; acute myeloblastic leukemia

ANA

Antinuclear antibodies; anesthesia

ANAL

Analgesic

ANES

Anesthesia

ANG

Angle

ANI

Acute nerve irritation

ANRI

Acute nerve root irritation

ANS

Autonomic nervous system

ANT

Anterior

ANX

Anxiety

AO

Angle of; aorta

AOB

Alcohol on breath

AOD

Arteriosclerotic occlusive disease

AOM

Acute otitis media

A & P

Anterior & posterior; auscultation & palpation; auscultation & percussion

AP

After parturition; anteroposterior; angina pectoris

APB

Atrial premature beat

APC

Aspirin; phenacetin; caffeine

AOH

Anterior pituitary hormone; aphasia

AP & L

Anteroposterior and lateral

APP

Appears; appendix; appointment; approximate

AR

Active resistance; admitting room; apical rate; artificial respiration; assisted respiration; at risk

ARC

Aids-related complex

ARD

Acute respiratory disease

ARE

Active-resistance exercise

ARF

Acute respiratory failure; acute rheumatic fever

ARI

Anxiety reaction, intense

ARM

Anxiety reaction, mild

AROM

Active range of motion

ART

Achilles tendon reflex test; artery; articulation; artificial

ARTH

Arthritic

AS

Anal sphincter; auris sinistra (left ear); arteriosclerosis; astigmatism

ASA

Acetylsalicylic acid; aspirin

ASC

Arteriosclerosis; ascending

ASCAD

Arteriosclerotic coronary artery disease

ASCVD

Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease; atherosclerotic coronary artery disease

ASD

Atrial septal defect

ASHD

Arteriosclerotic heart disease

ASIS

Anterior superior iliac spine

ASS

Anterior superior spine

AST

Astigmatism

AT

Anterior tibial; atlas

ATN

Acute tubular necrosis

ATP

Attending physician

ATR

Achilles tendon reflex; atrophy

ATS

Anxiety tension state; arteriosclerosis

AU

Both ears

AV

Aortic valve; avulsion

AVG

Average

AVH

Acute viral hepatitis

AW

Alive and well; able to work

AWA

As well as

AX

Axial: axillary

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-B-

B

Born

Ba

Barium

BA

Blood alcohol; bone age; brachial artery; bronchial asthma;

BAB

Babinski's sign

BAC

Blood alcohol concentration

Bact.

Bacteriologist; bacteriology

Bas.

Basal

BB

Bed board; blood bank; both bones; breakthrough bleeding;

BBB

Blood brain barrier

BB/FS

Breast biopsy/frozen section

BBT

Basal body temperature

BC

Back care; bone conduction; birth control

BC/BS

Blue Cross/Blue Shield

BCC

Basal cell carcinoma

BCP

Birth control pills

BD

Birth date

BE

Barium enema; below the elbow; brisk and equal

BF

Blood flow; bone fragment

BG

Bone graft

BGS

Balance, gate, station

BGTT

Borderline glucose tolerance test

BHP

Benign hypertrophic prostate

BHS

Beta hemolytic streptococcus

Bic.

Biceps

BID

Twice a day; brought in dead (b.i.d.)

BIL

Bilateral

BJ

Biceps jerk; bone and joint

BJE

Bones, joints, extremities

BJM

Bones, joints, muscles

BK

Back; below the knee

BL

Bilateral lower lung fields; blood loss

Blad.

Bladder

BLE

Both lower extremities

BLQ

Both lower quadrants

BM

Basal metabolism; body mass; bone marrow; bowel movement

BMR

Basal metabolic rate

BND

Barely noticeable difference

BNO

Bladder neck obstruction

BOE

Bilateral otitis externa

BOM

Bilateral otitis media

BOP

Blood, ova, parasites

BP

Blood pressure; body part

BPC

Blood pressure cuff

BPH

Benign prostatic hypertrophy

BPP

Blood pressure and pulse

BR

Bathroom; bedrest

BRB

Bright red blood

BRBPR

Bright red blood per rectum

BRP

Bathroom privileges

BS

Blood sugar; bowel sounds; breath sounds

BSA

Bowel signs active

BSE

Breast self-examination

BSN

Bowel sounds normal

BSP

Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

BTR

Biceps tendon reflex

BTW

Back to work

BUE

Both upper extremities

BUN

Blood urea nitrogen

BUQ

Both upper quadrants

BUS

Bartholin, urethral, skein's

BV

Blood vessel; blood volume

BVR

Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation

BW

Birth weight; body weight; twice per week

BX

Biopsy

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-C-

C

With (represented as a 'c' with a '-' over it)

CA

Cancer; cardiac arrest; Caucasian adult; chronological age

CAD

Coronary artery disease

CAF

Caucasian adult female

CAH

Chronic active hepatitis

CAM

Caucasian adult male

CAO

Chronic airway obstruction

CAT

Cataract; computerized axial tomography

CB

Chest-back; chronic bronchitis

CBC

Complete blood count

CC

Caucasian child; chief complaint; current complaint

CCOT

Cervical compression overloading test

CD

Cardiovascular disease; cause of death

CDH

Congenital dislocation of the hip

CDS

Cervico-dorsal syndrome

CF

Compare, refer to

CFNS

Chills, fever, night sweats

CH

Characteristic; chest; chief; chronic

CHD

Coronary heart disease

CHF

Congestive heart failure

CHG

Change

CHR

Chronic; chronological

CI

Cardiac insufficiency; cerebral infarction

CIC

Crisis intervention clinic

CICU

Cardiac intensive care unit

CIRC

Circulation; circumference

CK

Check

CL

Clavicle; clean; closed; contact lens

CMS

Circulation, motion, sensation

CN

Cranial nerve

CNS

Central nervous system

CNV

Cranial nerve number 5

CNX

Cranial nerve number 10

C/O

Care of; complains of

CO

Carbon monoxide; cardiac output; check out

COA

Condition on admission

COD

Cause of death; condition on discharge

COPE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema

CPE

Chronic pulmonary emphysema; complete physical examination

CPX

Complete physical examination

CR

Clinical records; closed reduction

CR&C

Closed reduction and cast

CRF

Chronic renal failure

CRIT

Critical hematocrit

CRNA

Certified registered nurse anesthetist

CROM

Cervical range of motion

CS

Cervical spine; cesarean section

CSF

Cerebrospinal fluid

CSP

Cervical spine

CT

Carpal tunnel; cerebral thrombosis; cervical-thoracic; cervical traction

CTB

Confined to bed

CTL

Cervical, thoracic, lumbar

CTS

Carpal tunnel syndrome

CU

Cause unknown; clinical unit

CUD

Cause undetermined

CV

Cardiac volume; cervical vertebra; color vision

CVA

Cerebrovascular accident

CVD

Cardiovascular disease; cerebrovascular disease

CVS

Cardiovascular status

CW

Chest wall; crutch walking

CX

Cervix; chest x-ray; consciousness

CXR

Chest x-ray

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-D-

DA

Degenerative arthritis

D/A

Date of accident; date of admission

DAT

Diet as tolerated

DB

Disability; date of birth

DBP

Diastolic blood pressure

DC

Discharge; discontinue; Doctor of Chiropractic

DC&B

Dilation, curettage and biopsy

DD

Discharge diagnosis; dry dressing

DDD

Degenerative disc disease

D/DW

Dextrose in distilled water

D5%DW

Dextrose 5% in distilled water

DEC

Deceased; decrease

DEF

Defecation; deferred; deficient

DEG

Degeneration

DES

Describe

DET

Determine

DEV

Deviation

DF

Dorsiflexion

DHF

Dorsi-hyperflexion

DI

Diabetes insipidus; date of injury

DIL

Dilated

DIM

Diminished

DIPJ

Distil interphalangeal joint

DIS

Disabled; disease

DISI

Dorsal intercalary segment instability

DISL

Dislocate; dislocation

DISP

Disposition

DIST

Distal; distended

DJD

Degenerative joint disease

DKA

Did not keep appointment

DKB

Deep knee bends

D5LR

Dextrose 5% with lactated ringers

DM

Diabetes mellitus; diastolic murmur

DND

Died a natural death

DNKA

Did not keep appointment

DNR

Dorsal nerve root

DNS

Did not show for appointment

D/NS

Dextrose in normal saline

D5%NS

Dextrose 5% in normal saline

DOA

Day of admission; dead on arrival

DOB

Date of birth

DOC

Died of other causes

DOD

Date of death

DOE

Date of examination

DOI

Date of injury

DOS

Date of surgery

DOT

Date of transfer

DP

Deep pulse; diastolic pressure

DPD

Diffuse pulmonary disease

DPT

Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus immunization

DR

Diabetic retinopathy; diagnostic radiology; dorsal root; dressing

DSD

Discharge summary dictated; dry sterile dressing

DSG

Dressing; dry sterile gauze

DSP

Decreased sensory perception

DT

Delerium tremens; date and time; date of treatment; due to

DTP

Distal tingling on percussion (Tinel's sign)

DTR

Deep tendon reflex

DU

Diagnosis undetermined; duodenal ulcer

DVA

Distance visual acuity

DVT

Deep venous thrombosis

DW

Distilled water; doing well

D5W

Dextrose 5% in water

DX

Diagnosis; discharged; disease

DXD

Discontinued

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-E-

EBL

Estimated blood loss

ECF

Extended care facility

ECG

Electrocardiogram

ECHO

Echocardiogram

ED

Edema

EEG

Electroencephalogram

EENT

Eyes, ears, nose, throat

EJ

Elbow jerk

EKG

Electrocardiogram (also ECG)

EL

Elbow

EMG

Electromyogram

EMS

Electrical muscle stimulation

ENT

Ear, nose, throat

EP

Ectopic pregnancy

EPI

Epinephrine

ER

Emergency room; external rotation

ERE

External rotation in extension

ERF

External rotation in flexion

ES

Electrical stimulation

ESRD

End stage renal disease

ESRF

End stage renal failure

ETOH

Ethyl alcohol

ETT

Exercise tolerance test

EUA

Examination under anesthetic

EX

Exacerbate; examination; excision

EXC

Excellent; except; exchange

EXP

Expand; explain

EXT

Extend; external; extremity

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-F-

FA

Failed appointment; forearm

FABERE

Flexion, abduction, external rotation and extension

FACP

Fellow of the American College of Physicians

FACS

Fellow of the American College of Surgeons

FACOG

Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology

FADIR

Flexion, adduction and internal rotation

FADIRE

Flexion, adduction, internal rotation and extension

FB

Foreign body

FCA

Fracture, complete, angulated

FCC

Fracture, complete, comminuted; fracture, compound, comminuted

FCCC

Fracture, complete, comminuted, compound

FCD

Fracture, complete, deviated

FEB

Fever

FER

Flexion, extension, rotation

FF

Forward flexion

FFD

Free from disability

FFT

Forward flexion: fingertips to toes

FFROM

Full, free range of motion

F/I

Fever due to infection

FJRM

Full joint range of motion

FL

Flank; flexion; fluid

FLEX

Flexion

FLX

Flexion

FMD

Family medical doctor

FPM

Full passive movements

FR

Frequency of respiration; full range; fracture

FR BB

Fracture of both bones

FRJM

Full range of joint movement

FROM

Full range of movement

FSC

Fracture, simple comminuted

FSCC

Fracture, simple, complete, comminuted

FTKA

Failed to keep appointment

FTSG

Full thickness skin graft

F/U

Follow up

FUO

Fever of unknown origin

FWB

Full weight bearing

FX

Fracture

FX BB

Fracture of both bones

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-G-

GA

Gastric analysis; general anesthesia; general appearance

GB

Gallbladder

GBD

Gallbladder disease

GC

General condition; gonococcal; gonococcus

GE

Gastroenteritis

GFR

Glomerular filtration rate

GG

Gamma globulin

GH

General health

GI

Gastrointestinal

GM

Gross motor

gm

Gram

GMA

Gross motor activity

GOK

God only knows (diagnosis)

GP

General practitioner

gr

Grain

GR

Gastric resection; great, greater; gross, grossly; group

GSW

Gunshot wound

GT

Gait training

GTT

Glucose tolerance test

gtt

Drops

GTTS

Drops

GU

Gastric ulcer; genitourinary

GXT

Graded exercise test

GYN

Gynecology

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-H-

HA

Headache; high anxiety; hospital admission

HAA

Hepatitis associated antibodies

HBD

Has been drinking

HBF

Hepatic blood flow

HBP

High blood pressure

HCG

Human chorionic gonadotrophin

HCTZ

Hydrochlorothiazide

HCVD

Hypertensive cardiovascular disease

HD

Heart disease; hemodialysis; hospital day

HDS

Herniated disc syndrome

HEENT

Head, ears, eyes, nose, throat

HEP

Home exercise program

HF

Hay fever; heart failure

HGB

Hemoglobin

HH

Hard of hearing; hiatus hernia

HL

Hearing loss; heart and lungs

HLA

Heart, lungs, abdomen

HLK

Heart, liver, kidney

HLV

Herpes like virus

HM

Heart murmur

HMO

Health maintenance organization

HMP

Hot moist packs

HNP

Herniated nucleus pulposus

HNV

Has not voided

HO

History of

HOB

Head of bed

H&P

History and physical

HP

Hot pack

HPE

History and physical examination

HPI

History of present illness

HR

Heart rate; hospital record

HS

Bedtime; heart sounds

HSV

Herpes simplex virus

HT

Heart; hospital treatment; hypertension; hyperthyroidism

HTN

Hypertension

HV

Hepatic vein; herpes virus; home visit; hospital visit; hyperventilation

HW

Healing well

HWP

Hot wet pack

HX

History

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-I-

IA

Incurred accidentally; intra-arterial

IAC

Internal acoustic canal

IBW

Ideal body weight

IC

Inspiratory capacity; intensive care; intracerebral; between meals

ICC

Intensive coronary care

ICCU

Intensive coronary care unit

ICDA

International Classification of Diseases, Adapted

ICF

Intensive care facility

ICFX

Intracapsular fracture

ICM

Intercostal margin

ICN

Intensive care nursery

ICP

Intracranial pressure

ICS

Intercostal space

ICT

Intermittent cervical traction

ICU

Intensive care unit

I&D

Incision and drainage

ID

Identification; ill defined; ineffective dose; infectious disease; during the day

IDA

Iron deficiency anemia

IDD

Insulin dependent diabetes

IDK

Internal derangement of the knee

I&E

Internal and external

IE

Inner ear

IFR

Inspiratory flow rate

IH

Infectious hepatitis; interval history

IHD

Ischemic heart disease

IHR

Intrinsic heart rate

IID

Insulin dependent diabetes

IL

Ilio-lumbar

IM

Infectious mononucleosis; internal medicine; intramuscular

IMBC

Indirect maximum breathing capacity

IME

Independent medical examiner

IMI

Intramuscular injection

IMM

Immediate; immobilize; immunize

IMP

Impression; improved

INC

Incomplete; inconclusive; increase

IND

Independent

INF

Infant; infarction; infected; inferior

INJ

Inject; injection; injury

INK

Injury not known

INS

Insulin; insurance

INR

Intermittent; interval

IO

Intestinal obstruction

I&O

Intake and output

IOFB

Intraocular foreign body

IOP

Intraocular pressure

IOU

Intensive therapy observation unit

IP

Interphalangeal; intra-peritoneal

IPPA

Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation

IPPB

Intermittent positive-pressure breathing

IPPO

Intermittent positive-pressure inflation with oxygen

IPPR

Intermittent positive pressure respiration

IPPV

Intermittent positive pressure ventilation

IR

Internal rotation

IRE

Internal rotation in extension

IRF

Internal rotation in flexion

IS

In situ; intercostal space

ISL

Interscapular line

IST

Insulin shock therapy

IT

Individual therapy; inhalation therapy; intensive therapy

ITT

Internal tibial torsion

IU

Immunizing unit; international unit; intrauterine

IUP

Intrauterine pregnancy

IUT

Intrauterine transfusion

IV

Intervertebral; intravascular; intravenous; in vitro; in vivo

IVD

Intervertebral disc

IVJC

Intervertebral joint complex

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-J-

JAMA

Journal of the American Medical Association

JCT

Junction

JJ

Jaw jerk

JND

Just noticeable difference

JRA

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

JT

Joint

JUV

Juvenile

JV

Jugular vein

JVD

Jugular-venous distension

JVP

Jugular venous pulse

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-K-

K

Potassium

KA

Ketoacidosis

KB

Knee bearing amputation

KCL

Potassium chloride

KFT

Kidney function test

KG

Kilogram

KI

Potassium iodide

KJ

Knee jerk

KK

Knee kick

KLS

Kidney, liver, spleen

KUB

Kidney, ureter, and bladder x-ray

KVO

Keep vein open

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-L-

LAC

Laceration; long arm cast

LAE

Long above elbow (cast)

LAM

Laminectomy

LANC

Long arm navicular cast

LBB

Low back bending

LBP

Low back pain; low blood pressure

LBT

Low back tenderness

LDP

Lumbo-dorsal pain

LF

Left foot; linear fracture; low frequency

LFA

Left forearm

L&H

Lungs and heart

LHG

Left hand grip

LHS

Left hand side

LIC

Left iliac crest

LIQ

Left inner quadrant

LIR

Left iliac region

LK

Left kidney

LKS

Liver, kidney, spleen

LL

Left lateral; left leg; left lower; left lung

LLB

Left lateral bending; long leg brace

LLC

Long leg cast

LLCC

Long leg cylinder cast

LLD

Leg length discrepancy

LLE

Left lower extremity

LLF

Left lateral flexion; left little finger

LLL

Left lower leg; left lower lid; left lower lung

LLN

Lower limit of normal

LLQ

Left lower quadrant

LLR

Left lumbar region

LLS

Long leg splint

LLWC

Long leg walking cast

LLX

Left lower extremity

LN

Lymph node

LOC

Level of consciousness; loss of consciousness

LOM

Left otitis media; limitation of movement; loss of movement

LOQ

Left lower quadrant; left outer quadrant

LOS

Length of stay; loss of sight

LQ

Lower quadrant

LRQ

Lower right quadrant

LRT

Lower respiratory tract

LS

Left side; liver and spleen; lumbar spine; lumbosacral

L&S

Liver and spleen

LSK

Liver, spleen, kidneys

LSP

Lumbar spine

LUA

Left upper arm

LUE

Left upper extremity

LUOQ

Left upper outer quadrant

LUQ

Left upper quadrant

LX

Lower extremity

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-M-

MA

Medical authorization; moderately advanced; muscle activity

MAC

Maximum allowable concentration; macerated

MAJ

Major; majority

MAL

Malignant

MAS

Manifest anxiety scale

MASS

Massage; massive

MAT

Maternal

MAX

Maxilla; maximal; maximum

MB

Muscle balance

MBC

Maximal breathing capacity

MBH

Maximum benefit from hospitalization

MDC

Minimum detectable concentration

MDV

Multiple dose vial

ME

Medical examiner

MED

Minimum effective dose; medial

MEDLARS

Medical Literature Analysis and Retreival System

MEDS

Medications, medicines

MEF

Maximal expiratory flow

MEFR

Maximal expiratory flow rate

MEH

Medical eye history

MEL

Melanoma

M&F

Mother and father

MFD

Midforceps delivery; minimum fatal dose

MFT

Muscle function test

MFU

Medical follow up

MFW

Multiple fragment wounds

MG

Muscle group

MH

Marital history; medical history; mental health

MHB

Maximum hospital benefit

MHR

Maximal heart rate

MI

Mental illness; mitral insufficiency; myocardial infarction

MIC

Minimal inhibitory concentration

MICU

Mobile intensive care unit

MID

Minimum infective dose

MIF

Maximal inspiratory flow

MIFR

Maximal inspiratory flow rate

MIN

Minimal; minor

MK

Marked

MKV

Measles, killed vaccine

ML

Maximum to left; midline

MLC

Minimum lethal concentration

MLD

Minimum lethal dose

MM

Malignant melanoma; mucous membrane; murmur, muscles

MMF

Maximal midexpiratory flow

MMFR

Maximal midexpiratory flow rate

MMPI

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory

MMST

Muscle strength

MOD

Medical officer of day; moderate

MOM

Milk of magnesia

MP

Menstrual period

MPC

Maximum permissible concentration

MPD

Maximum permissible dose

MR

Maximum to right; mental retardation

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging

MS

Medical student; minor surgery; multiple sclerosis

MSTI

Multiple soft tissue injuries

MT

Manual traction; maximal therapy; more than; muscles and tendons; muscle test

MTD

Maximum tolerated dose

MTR

Masses, tenderness, rebound

MTRG

Masses, tenderness, rebound, guarding

MUO

Myocardiopathy of unknown origin

MUS

Muscle

MV

Mitral valve

MVA

Motor vehicle accident

MVP

Mitral valve prolapse

MVV

Maximum volume ventilation; maximum voluntary ventilation

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-N-

NA

No abnormalities; not admitted; not applicable; not available

NAA

No apparent abnormalities

NAD

No active disease; no acute distress; nothing abnormal detected

NAI

No acute infection

NAR

Narcotic; no action required

NBI

No bone injury

NBM

Nothing by mouth

NBS

Normal bowel sounds

NC

No change; no complaint; non-contributory

NCD

Not considered disabling

NCNS

No complications, no sequelae

NCO

No complaints offered

NCS

Nerve conduction studies

ND

Nondisabling

NE

Nerve ending; neurologic examination

NIH

National Institutes of Health

NIL

Nothing

NIP

No infection present; no inflammation present

NK

Not known

NKA

No known allergies

NKD

No known disease

NL

Normal; normal limits

NLM

National Library of Medicine

NLP

No light perception; normal light perception

NM

Neuromuscular; not measured; not mentioned

N&M

Nerves and muscles

NMA

Neurogenic muscular atrophy

NMJ

Neuromuscular injection

NN

Neonatal; nerves; nurse notes

NNR

Not necessary to return

NOC

Night

NOK

Next of kin

NOP

No ocular pain; not otherwise provided for

NOS

Not on staff; not otherwise specified

NP

Nasopharynx; neuropathology; not palpable

NPC

No previous complaint

NPH

No previous history

NPO

Nothing by mouth

NPO MN

Nothing by mouth after midnight

NPT

Normal pressure and temperature

NR

Nerve root; normal range; not remarkable

NRI

Nerve root involvement or irritation

NRM

Normal range of motion

NRN

No return necessary

NROM

Normal range of motion

NS

Nerves; neurosurgery; no show, nonspecific

NSA

No significant abnormalities

NSAD

No sign of significant disease

NSAID

Non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drug

NSC

No significant change

NSD

Normal spontaneous delivery; no significant defect

NSF

No significant findings

NSG

Nursing

NSI

No sign of infection, inflammation

NSR

Normal sinus rhythm

NSS

Normal saline solution; normal size and shape

NT

Naso-tracheal; nerve treatment; normal temperature; no test, not tested; not tender

N&T

Nose and throat

NTG

Nitroglycerine

NTP

Normal temperature and pressure

NV

Neurovascular

NVD

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

N&V

Nausea and vomiting

NWB

Non weight bearing

NYD

Not yet diagnosed

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-O-

O

Pint

OA

Osteoarthritis

OAP

Osteoarthropathy

OB

Obstetrics

OBJ

Object; objective

OBL

Oblique

OBP

Ova, blood and parasites

OBS

Organic brain syndrome; observer; obstetrics

OC

On call

OCC

Occasionally; occiput; occupation

OD

Occupational disease; officer of the day; once daily; overdose; right eye (oculus dexter)

OE

On examination; orthopedic examination; otitis externa

O&E

Observation and examination

OH

Occupational history

OM

Occupational medicine; osteopathic manipulation; otitis media

ONC

Oncology

OOB

Out of bed

OOP

Out of plaster

OP

Operation; out patient

OPC

Outpatient clinic

OPD

Outpatient department

OPP

Opposite

OPT

Outpatient treatment

OPV

Oral polio vaccine

OR

Operating room; open reduction; oriented

ORIF

Open reduction internal fixation

ORT

Operating room technician

OS

Left eye (oculus sinister); mouth; oral surgery

OT

Objective test; occupational therapy

OTC

Over the counter

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-P-

PA

Postero-anterior; pulmonary artery

PC

Phone call; posterior cervical; present complaint

PCN

Penicillin

PD

Partial denture; per diem; pulmonary disease

PE

Physical examination; point of entry

PER OS

By mouth

PERLA

Pupils equal, reactive to light & accommodation

PERRLA

Pupils equal, round, reactive to light & accommodation

PGP

Progressive general paralysis

PHX

Past history

PI

Present illness; personal injury

PID

Pelvic inflammatory disease; prolapsed intervertebral disc

PMA

Positive mental attitude; progressive muscular atrophy

PMD

Private medical doctor

PMH

Past medical history

PMI

Past medical illness; point of maximum impact

PN

Pain; post-nasal

PNI

Peripheral nerve injury

PO

By mouth; post-operative

POX

Point of exit

PP

Positive pressure; presenting problem; private physician

PP&A

Palpation, percussion and auscultation

PPD

Packs per day; permanent partial disability

PPH

Past pertinent history; post-partum hemorrhage

PR

Partial remission; progress record; pulse rate

PRN

As needed

PROM

Passive range of motion

PRRE

Pupils round, regular and equal

PRT

Patient refused test

PS

Paraspinous; physical status; present symptoms

P&S

Permanent and stationary

PSP

Posterior spinous process

PT

Patient; permanent and total; physical therapy; pneumothorax

PTA

Prior to admission

PTD

Permanent total disability

PTR

Patellar tendon reflex

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder

PUD

Peptic ulcer disease; pulmonary disease

PV

Paravertebral

PX

Physical examination; prescription; prognosis

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-Q-

Q

Every

QD

Every day

QH

Every hour

Q2H

Every two hours

QID

Four times a day

QM;QAM

Every morning

QMT

Quantitative muscle testing

QN

Every night

QNS

Quantity not sufficient

QOD

Every other day

QOH

Every other hour

QON

Every other night

QP

As much as desired; at will

QPM

Every afternoon

QS

Sufficient quantity

QT

Quantity; quart; quiet

QV

As much as desired

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-R-

RA

Rheumatoid arthritis; right arm

RAD

Radiate

RDM

Readmission

REC

Rear end collision; receive; recommend; recurrent

RED

Reduce, reduction

REM

Rapid eye movements; removal

RET

Retention; retired; returned

REV

Review

RF

Renal failure

RFA

Right forearm

RFT

Renal function test

RH

Right hand

RHA

Rheumatoid arthritis

RHS

Right hand side

RI

Respiratory illness, infection

RIC

Right iliac crest

RID

Ruptured intervertebral disc

RIVD

Ruptured intervertebral disc

RLB

Right lateral bending

RLE

Right lower extremity

RLF

Right lateral flexion

RLL

Right lower lateral; right lower leg

RLQ

Right lower quadrant

RLR

Right lumbar region

RLX

Right lower extremity

RO

Routine order; rule out

ROH

Alcohol

ROM

Range of motion, movement; rupture of membranes; Romberg test

ROMCP

Range of motion complete and pain free

ROQ

Right outer quadrant

ROT

Rotation

RR

Recovery room; regular rhythm; respiratory rate

RRCT

Regular rate, clear tones

RRR

Regular rate and rhythm

RS

Respiratory system; right side

RSR

Regular sinus rhythm

RTC

Return to clinic

RTW

Return to work

RUA

Right upper arm

RUE

Right upper extremity

RUQ

Right upper quadrant

RX

Prescription; treatment

RXN

Reaction

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-S-

S

Without

SAB

Spontaneous abortion

SAC

Sacral; shortarm cast

SAS

Short arm splint

SAT

Satisfactory

SB

Small bowel; sternal border

SBD

Senile brain disease

SBE

Short below elbow; subacute bacterial endocarditis

SBO

Small bowel obstruction

SBR

Strict bed rest

SC

Sacrococcygeal; scapula; self care; subcutaneous

SCD

Service connected disability

SCI

Spinal cord injury

SCL

Scleroderma; sclerosis

SC&M

Sensation, circulation and motion

SD

Sterile dressing; subdural

SDD

Sterile dry dressing

SDS

Sudden death syndrome

SEM

Scanning electron microscope; semen, seminal

SENS

Sensory, sensation

SEP

Separate, separation

SEQ

Sequela

SF

Spinal fluid

SFP

Spinal fluid pressure

SH

Self help; serum hepatitis; shoulder; surgical history

SI

Sacroiliac; self-inflicted

SID

Once per day

SIDS

Sudden infant death syndrome

SIJ

Sacroiliac joint

SIT

Situational

SIW

Self inflicted wound

SK

Skeletal

SLB

Short leg brace

SLC

Short leg cast

SLR

Straight leg rasing

SLS

Short leg splint

SLT

Slight

SLWC

Short leg walking cast

SNS

Sympathetic nervous system

SNST

Sciatic nerve stretch test

SNT

Sinuses, nose and throat

SO

Supraorbital; sutures out

SOAP

Subjective, objective, assessment, plan

SOB

Short of breath

SOP

Standard operating procedure

SOS

Stimulation of senses; repeat once if necessary

SP

Spine, spinal

SPL

Splint

SPR

Sprain

SQ

Squamous; subcutaneous

SR

Sinus rhythm, stretch reflex; systems review

SS

Sacrosciatic; signs and symptoms; sitting and standing

SSC

Size, shape and consistency

SSN

Severely subnormal

ST

Shock therapy; slight trace; stomach

STAT

Immediately

STD

Sexually transmitted disease

STL

Swelling, tenderness, limitation

STLOM

Swelling, tenderness, limitation of motion

STP

Standard temperature and pulse

STR

Straight; strain; strength

SUBQ

Subcutaneous

SUD

Sudden unexpected or unexplained death

SUP

Superior; supination; supine

SW

Stab wound; swollen, swelling

SX

Symptoms

SYM

Symmetric; symptoms

SYS

System; systolic

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-T-

TA

Traffic accident

T&A

Tonsils and adenoids

TAB

Therapeutic abortion

TACH

Tachycardia

TAH

Total abdominal hysterectomy

TAL

Tendon achilles lengthening

TAT

Tetanus antitoxin

TB

Total body; tuberculosis

TBA

To be arranged

TBF

Total body fat

TBLC

Term birth, living child

TBV

Total blood volume

TBW

Total body weight

TC

Throat culture; total cholesterol

TCI

Transient cerebral ischemia

TCN

Tetracycline

TD

Total disability

TE

Therapeutic exercises

TEN

Tension

TEND

Tender

TENS

Transelectrical nerve stimulator

TH

Thoracic

THC

Tetrahydrocortisone

THOR

Thoracic

THR

Total hip replacement

TIA

Transient ischemia attacks

TID

Three times a day

TIN

Three times a night

TIW

Three times a week

TJ

Triceps jerk

TKO

To keep open

TL

Tubal ligation

TLC

Total lung capacity

TM

Temperature by mouth; tympanic membrane

TMAS

Taylor Manisfest Anxiety Scale

TMJ

Temporomandibular joint

TML

Tender midline

TMT

Tarso-metatarsal joint

TNC

Too numerous to count

TND

Test not done

TNS

Tension

TOPV

Trivalent oral polio vaccine

TOS

Thoracic outlet syndrome

TOT

Total

TPD

Temporary partial disability

TPR

Temperature, pulse, respiration

TQ

Tourniquet

TR

Temperature, rectal; Trace; trauma

T&R

Tenderness and rebound

TRO

To return to office

TRT

Treatment

TS

Thoracic spine

TSD

Tay-Sachs disease

TSP

Thoracic spine

TT

Tactile tension; total time

TTD

Temporary total disability

TUR

Transurethral resection

TURB

Transurethral resection of bladder; turbinate

TURP

Transurethral resection of prostate gland

TV

Tinea versicolor; total volume

TVC

Timed vital capacity

TVH

Total vaginal hysterectomy

TVR

Thoracic ventral root

TWHW

Toe walking, heel walking

TX

Traction; transplant; treatment

TYP

Typical

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-U-

U

Units

UA

Umbilical artery; uric acid; urinalysis

UC

Ulcerative colitis; unchanged; unconscious

UCD

Usual childhood diseases

UCG

Urinary chorionic gonadotrophin

UCR

Unconditioned reflex, response

UCS

Unconditioned stimulus; unconscious

UD

Ulnar deviation; under developed; urethral discharge, drainage

UE

Undetermined etiology; upper extremity

UGA

Under general anesthesia

UHF

Ultra high frequency

UIQ

Upper inner quadrant

UK

Unknown

UL

Upper lobe

U&L

Upper and lower

ULN

Upper limits of normal; ulnar

ULOQ

Upper left outer quadrant

ULQ

Upper left quadrant

UMN

Upper motor neuron

UMNL

Upper motor neuron lesion

U&MNP

Ulnar and median nerve palsy

UN

Ulnar nerve

UNC

Uncertain, unconscious, uncooperative

UND

Undetermined

UNG

Ointment

UNK

Unknown

UO

Undetermined origin; urinary output

U/O

Under observation for

UOQ

Upper outer quadrant

UPOR

Usual place of residence

UQ

Upper quadrant

UR

Unconditioned response; upper respiratory

URD

Upper respiratory disease

URI

Upper respiratory infection

UROQ

Upper right outer quadrant

URQ

Upper right quadrant

US

Ultrasound

UT

Urinary tract; uterus

UTI

Urinary tract infection

UTOC

Upper thoracic outlet compression syndrome

UV

Ultraviolet; urinary volume

UVL

Ultraviolet light

UVR

Ultraviolet radiation

U/WB

Unit of whole blood

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-V-

V

Volt

VA

Vacuum aspiration; vertebral artery; visual acuity

VAG

Vaginal

VAH

Veteran's Administration Hospital

VALE

Visual acuity, left eye

VAOD

Visual acuity, right eye

VAOS

Visual acuity, left eye

VAOU

Visual acuity, both eyes

VAR

Variety; variation

VBP

Venous blood pressure

VC

Ventricular contraction; vital capacity; vocal cord

VD

Venereal disease; venous dilation; ventrodorsal

VDA

Visual discriminatory acuity

VE

Vaginal examination

VENT

Ventral

VERT

Vertebra, vertical, vertigo

VF

Ventricular fibrillation; visual field

VFI

Visual fields intact

VH

Vaginal hysterectomy

VI

Viral infection

VM

Vasomotor

VMR

Vasomotor rhinitis

VMS

Visual memory span

VMT

Vasomotor tone

VNA

Visiting Nurse's Association

VNR

Ventral nerve root

VO

Verbal order

VOC

Vocal; vocational

VOL

Volatile; volume; voluntary

VP

Venipuncture; venous pressure

VPB

Ventricular premature beats

VPC

Ventricular premature contractions

VPS

Vibrations per second

V&PS

Vibration and peripheral sensation

VQ

Voice quality

VR

Ventilation rate; ventricular rate; vocational rehabilitation

VRC

Ventral root, cervical

VRL

Ventral root, lumbar

VRT

Ventral root, thoracic

VS

Vesicular sounds; vital signs

VSBE

Very short below elbow (cast)

VSD

Ventral septal defect

VSO

Vital signs normal

VSS

Vital signs stable

VSTT

Ventral spinothalamic tract

VT

Ventricular tachycardia

VV

Varicose veins; veins

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-W-

W

Watt

W/A

Weakness atrophy

WAIS

Wechsler's adult intelligence scale

WB

Weight bearing; whole blood

WBAT

Weight bearing as tolerated

WBC

White blood cell; white blood cell count

WC

Will call; wound check; wheelchair

W/C

Wheelchair

WD

Well developed; wound

W&D

Warm and dry

WDWN

Well developed, well nourished

W/E

Wound of entry

WF

White female

WFO

Will follow in office

WH

Walking heel cast; well healed; well hydrated

WHO

World Health Organization

WHP

Whirlpool

WK

Weak; week; work

WL

Work load

WM

White male

WMF

White middle aged female

WMM

White middle aged male

WN

Well nourished

WNL

Within normal limits

WO

Written order

WOE

Wound of entry

WOX

Wound of exit

WP

Wet pack; whirlpool

WPD

Whirlpool bath

WPK

Wet pack

WR

Weak response; wrist

WT

Weight

WTB

Weight bearing

W/U

Workup

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-X-

X

Times; power; multiplied by

XIP

X-ray in plaster; extra-ocular movements, muscles

XOOP

X-rays out of plaster

XOP

X-rays out of plaster

XR

X-ray

XS

Excessive

XT

Exotropia

XYL

Xylocaine

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-Y-

Y/A

Years of age

YD

Yard

YO

Tears old

YOB

Year of birth

YR

Year

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-Z-

Z

Zero

ZD

Zero defects

Z-PLASTY

Plastic surgery skin repair technique

ZYG

Zygoma

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