Nursing abbreviations — complete A-Z database

By Lindsay Smith, AGPCNP

Nursing abbreviations are shorthand codes used throughout clinical settings to document patient care quickly and accurately. From vital sign recordings to medication administration, these abbreviations appear in nearly every nursing task — charting, provider orders, lab reports, and bedside handoffs.

Whether you are a nursing student preparing for clinicals, studying for the NCLEX, or a working nurse brushing up on less common acronyms, this searchable database covers 572+ abbreviations across nine clinical categories. Use the search box and category filters below to find any abbreviation instantly.

How to use this tool

Type any abbreviation, meaning, or keyword into the search box to filter results in real time. Click a category button to show only abbreviations in that group. Click a column header to sort alphabetically. When you have found what you need, use the print button to save a clean copy for your clipboard or study binder.

Showing 572 of 572 abbreviations

Abbreviation	Meaning	Context	Category
ABG	Arterial Blood Gas	Blood test measuring oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels in arterial blood	diagnostics
AC	Before Meals (Ante Cibum)	Medication timing instruction indicating administration before eating	medications
ACE	Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme	Class of drugs used to treat hypertension and heart failure	medications
ACLS	Advanced Cardiac Life Support	Advanced resuscitation protocols for cardiac emergencies	procedures
ACS	Acute Coronary Syndrome	Umbrella term for conditions caused by sudden reduced blood flow to the heart	diagnoses
ADH	Antidiuretic Hormone	Hormone that regulates water balance and blood pressure	lab-values
ADL	Activities of Daily Living	Basic self-care tasks including bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting	assessments
AED	Automated External Defibrillator	Portable device that checks heart rhythm and delivers a shock if needed	procedures
AFib	Atrial Fibrillation	Irregular and often rapid heart rhythm originating in the atria	diagnoses
AKA	Above-Knee Amputation	Surgical removal of the leg above the knee joint	procedures
AKI	Acute Kidney Injury	Sudden episode of kidney failure or kidney damage occurring over hours to days	diagnoses
ALP	Alkaline Phosphatase	Enzyme found in liver and bones; elevated levels may indicate liver disease	lab-values
ALS	Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis	Progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons	diagnoses
ALT	Alanine Aminotransferase	Liver enzyme used to detect liver damage; part of liver function tests	lab-values
AMA	Against Medical Advice	Patient's decision to leave a healthcare facility without physician approval	charting
AMI	Acute Myocardial Infarction	Heart attack caused by blocked blood flow to the heart muscle	diagnoses
AMS	Altered Mental Status	Change in cognitive function including confusion, disorientation, or decreased consciousness	assessments
AP	Anteroposterior	Direction of X-ray beam from front to back of the patient	diagnostics
APGAR	Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration	Scoring system used to assess newborn health at 1 and 5 minutes after birth	assessments
aPTT	Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time	Blood test measuring how long it takes blood to clot; monitors heparin therapy	lab-values
ARDS	Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome	Life-threatening lung condition causing severe shortness of breath and low blood oxygen	diagnoses
ARF	Acute Renal Failure	Sudden loss of kidney function; also called acute kidney injury	diagnoses
ASA	Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid)	Common analgesic and antiplatelet medication used in cardiac patients	medications
ASAP	As Soon As Possible	Priority designation for urgent orders or tasks	general
AST	Aspartate Aminotransferase	Enzyme found in liver and heart; elevated levels may indicate tissue damage	lab-values
AV	Atrioventricular	Relating to the atria and ventricles of the heart	vitals
AVF	Arteriovenous Fistula	Surgical connection between an artery and vein, commonly for dialysis access	procedures
AVM	Arteriovenous Malformation	Abnormal tangle of blood vessels connecting arteries and veins	diagnoses
AVSS	Afebrile, Vital Signs Stable	Documentation shorthand indicating no fever and stable vital signs	charting
BID	Twice a Day (Bis in Die)	Medication frequency indicating two doses per day	medications
BiPAP	Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure	Non-invasive ventilation providing two levels of air pressure	procedures
BKA	Below-Knee Amputation	Surgical removal of the leg below the knee joint	procedures
BLE	Bilateral Lower Extremities	Both legs; used in assessment documentation	charting
BLS	Basic Life Support	Emergency cardiovascular care including CPR and AED use	procedures
BM	Bowel Movement	Documentation of a patient's stool output	charting
BMI	Body Mass Index	Measurement of body fat based on height and weight	assessments
BMP	Basic Metabolic Panel	Blood test measuring glucose, calcium, electrolytes, and kidney function	lab-values
BNP	B-type Natriuretic Peptide	Blood test used to diagnose and monitor heart failure	lab-values
BP	Blood Pressure	Force of blood pushing against artery walls, measured in mmHg	vitals
BPH	Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia	Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland	diagnoses
BPM	Beats Per Minute	Unit measuring heart rate	vitals
BRP	Bathroom Privileges	Order allowing a patient to use the bathroom	general
BS	Blood Sugar / Bowel Sounds	Blood glucose level or auscultated abdominal sounds depending on context	assessments
BSA	Body Surface Area	Measurement used for medication dosing and burn assessment	assessments
BUE	Bilateral Upper Extremities	Both arms; used in assessment documentation	charting
BUN	Blood Urea Nitrogen	Blood test measuring kidney function and protein metabolism	lab-values
Bx	Biopsy	Removal of tissue for examination under a microscope	procedures
C&S	Culture and Sensitivity	Lab test identifying bacteria and which antibiotics will be effective	diagnostics
Ca	Calcium	Electrolyte essential for bone health, muscle function, and nerve signaling	lab-values
CABG	Coronary Artery Bypass Graft	Open-heart surgery to restore blood flow to the heart	procedures
CAD	Coronary Artery Disease	Narrowing of the coronary arteries due to plaque buildup	diagnoses
CAM	Confusion Assessment Method	Validated tool for identifying delirium in hospitalized patients	assessments
CBC	Complete Blood Count	Blood test measuring red cells, white cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets	lab-values
CBG	Capillary Blood Glucose	Fingerstick blood sugar test used for quick glucose monitoring	diagnostics
CC	Chief Complaint	The primary reason a patient seeks medical care	charting
CCU	Coronary Care Unit / Critical Care Unit	Specialized hospital unit for patients with serious heart conditions	general
CHF	Congestive Heart Failure	Chronic condition where the heart cannot pump blood efficiently	diagnoses
CI	Cardiac Index	Cardiac output adjusted for body surface area	vitals
CKD	Chronic Kidney Disease	Progressive loss of kidney function over months or years	diagnoses
Cl	Chloride	Electrolyte important for fluid balance and digestion	lab-values
CMP	Comprehensive Metabolic Panel	Blood test including BMP plus liver function tests and protein levels	lab-values
CMS	Circulation, Motion, Sensation	Neurovascular assessment performed on extremities	assessments
CN	Cranial Nerve	Twelve pairs of nerves originating from the brain assessed in neurological exams	assessments
CNS	Central Nervous System	The brain and spinal cord	general
CO	Cardiac Output	Volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute	vitals
CO2	Carbon Dioxide	Gas measured in ABGs and metabolic panels to assess acid-base balance	lab-values
COPD	Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	Chronic inflammatory lung disease causing obstructed airflow	diagnoses
CPAP	Continuous Positive Airway Pressure	Non-invasive ventilation delivering constant air pressure to keep airways open	procedures
CPK	Creatine Phosphokinase	Enzyme released when muscles are damaged; elevated in MI and rhabdomyolysis	lab-values
CPR	Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation	Emergency procedure combining chest compressions and rescue breathing	procedures
CRP	C-Reactive Protein	Blood marker of inflammation; elevated in infection and autoimmune conditions	lab-values
CRRT	Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy	Slow, continuous form of dialysis used in critically ill patients	procedures
CSF	Cerebrospinal Fluid	Fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord; analyzed via lumbar puncture	diagnostics
CT	Computed Tomography	Imaging technique using X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body	diagnostics
CTA	CT Angiography	CT scan with contrast to visualize blood vessels	diagnostics
CVA	Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)	Interruption of blood supply to the brain causing tissue death	diagnoses
CVC	Central Venous Catheter	Catheter placed in a large vein for medication delivery or hemodynamic monitoring	procedures
CVL	Central Venous Line	IV line inserted into a large central vein such as the jugular or subclavian	procedures
CVP	Central Venous Pressure	Measurement of blood pressure in the vena cava near the right atrium	vitals
CXR	Chest X-Ray	Radiographic image of the chest to evaluate lungs, heart, and thoracic structures	diagnostics
D5W	5% Dextrose in Water	IV solution providing free water and calories	medications
D50	50% Dextrose	Concentrated glucose solution for treating severe hypoglycemia	medications
DAR	Data, Action, Response	Nursing documentation format used in focus charting	charting
DBP	Diastolic Blood Pressure	Pressure in arteries when the heart rests between beats	vitals
DC	Discontinue / Discharge Error-prone (ISMP)	Order to stop a treatment or release a patient from care. D/C is on the ISMP error-prone list because medications on a discharge list marked D/C have been stopped in error. Write "discharge" or "discontinue" in full	charting
DI	Diabetes Insipidus	Condition causing excessive thirst and large amounts of dilute urine	diagnoses
DIC	Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation	Life-threatening condition with abnormal clotting throughout blood vessels	diagnoses
DKA	Diabetic Ketoacidosis	Serious diabetic complication with high blood sugar, ketones, and acidosis	diagnoses
DM	Diabetes Mellitus	Metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels	diagnoses
DNI	Do Not Intubate	Advance directive stating the patient should not be placed on a ventilator	general
DNR	Do Not Resuscitate	Advance directive stating CPR should not be performed	general
DOA	Dead on Arrival	Patient found without signs of life upon EMS or hospital arrival	charting
DOB	Date of Birth	Patient identifier used for verification and records	charting
DOE	Dyspnea on Exertion	Shortness of breath triggered by physical activity	assessments
DPT	Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus	Combination vaccine protecting against three bacterial diseases	medications
DRE	Digital Rectal Exam	Physical examination of the rectum using a gloved finger	procedures
DSD	Dry Sterile Dressing	Wound covering applied under sterile technique	procedures
DTR	Deep Tendon Reflexes	Involuntary muscle response tested during neurological examination	assessments
DVT	Deep Vein Thrombosis	Blood clot forming in a deep vein, usually in the legs	diagnoses
Dx	Diagnosis	The identified medical condition or disease	charting
EBL	Estimated Blood Loss	Approximate amount of blood lost during surgery or trauma	procedures
ECG	Electrocardiogram	Test recording electrical activity of the heart; also abbreviated EKG	diagnostics
ECHO	Echocardiogram	Ultrasound of the heart to evaluate structure and function	diagnostics
ECMO	Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation	Life support technique providing prolonged cardiac and respiratory support	procedures
ED	Emergency Department	Hospital department providing immediate care for acute injuries and illnesses	general
EEG	Electroencephalogram	Test measuring electrical activity in the brain	diagnostics
EF	Ejection Fraction	Percentage of blood pumped out of the heart with each contraction	diagnostics
EKG	Electrocardiogram	Test recording the heart's electrical activity via electrodes on the skin	diagnostics
EMG	Electromyography	Test measuring muscle electrical activity to diagnose neuromuscular disorders	diagnostics
EMS	Emergency Medical Services	System providing emergency medical care and transport	general
EMT	Emergency Medical Technician	Pre-hospital emergency care provider	general
ENT	Ear, Nose, and Throat	Medical specialty also known as otolaryngology	general
EPS	Extrapyramidal Symptoms	Drug-induced movement disorders often caused by antipsychotic medications	assessments
ER	Emergency Room	Hospital area for emergency treatment; also called the ED	general
ERCP	Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography	Procedure combining endoscopy and X-rays to treat bile duct problems	procedures
ESR	Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate	Blood test measuring inflammation by how fast red blood cells settle	lab-values
ESRD	End-Stage Renal Disease	Final stage of chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis or transplant	diagnoses
ET	Endotracheal	Relating to a tube placed in the trachea for mechanical ventilation	procedures
ETT	Endotracheal Tube	Tube inserted through the mouth into the trachea to maintain an airway	procedures
ETOH	Ethanol (Alcohol)	Medical shorthand for alcohol, often used in toxicology and history taking	general
EVD	External Ventricular Drain	Device draining cerebrospinal fluid from the brain's ventricles	procedures
FBS	Fasting Blood Sugar	Blood glucose measurement taken after an overnight fast	lab-values
FHR	Fetal Heart Rate	Heart rate of the unborn baby, normally 110-160 BPM	vitals
FiO2	Fraction of Inspired Oxygen	Percentage of oxygen in the air mixture a patient is breathing	vitals
FSBG	Fingerstick Blood Glucose	Point-of-care blood sugar test using a fingertip blood sample	diagnostics
FULL CODE	Full Resuscitation Status	All life-saving measures should be performed including CPR and intubation	general
FUO	Fever of Unknown Origin	Elevated temperature lasting more than 3 weeks without identified cause	diagnoses
Fx	Fracture	A break in a bone	diagnoses
GCS	Glasgow Coma Scale	Neurological scale measuring consciousness based on eye, verbal, and motor responses	assessments
GERD	Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease	Chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus	diagnoses
GFR	Glomerular Filtration Rate	Measure of kidney function indicating how well kidneys filter blood	lab-values
GI	Gastrointestinal	Relating to the stomach and intestines	general
gtt	Drops (Guttae)	Latin abbreviation for drops; used in medication orders	medications
GTT	Glucose Tolerance Test	Test measuring the body's ability to process glucose; screens for diabetes	diagnostics
G-tube	Gastrostomy Tube	Feeding tube inserted directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall	procedures
GU	Genitourinary	Relating to the genital and urinary organs	general
HA	Headache	Pain in any region of the head	assessments
Hb	Hemoglobin	Protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body	lab-values
HbA1c	Glycated Hemoglobin	Blood test showing average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months	lab-values
HCG	Human Chorionic Gonadotropin	Hormone measured in pregnancy tests; produced by the placenta	lab-values
HCO3	Bicarbonate	Buffer in the blood that helps maintain acid-base balance	lab-values
Hct	Hematocrit	Percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume	lab-values
HD	Hemodialysis	Procedure filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood using a machine	procedures
HDL	High-Density Lipoprotein	Good cholesterol that helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the blood	lab-values
HEENT	Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat	Physical examination of the head and sensory organs	assessments
HF	Heart Failure	Condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs	diagnoses
HgB	Hemoglobin	Alternate abbreviation for hemoglobin in blood tests	lab-values
HIPAA	Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act	Federal law protecting the privacy and security of patient health information	general
HIV	Human Immunodeficiency Virus	Virus attacking the immune system that can lead to AIDS if untreated	diagnoses
HIT	Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia	Serious complication where heparin causes dangerous drop in platelet count	diagnoses
HOB	Head of Bed	Position of the upper portion of the hospital bed; often elevated 30-45 degrees	general
HR	Heart Rate	Number of heartbeats per minute	vitals
HS	At Bedtime (Hora Somni)	Medication timing instruction indicating administration at bedtime	medications
HTN	Hypertension	High blood pressure; the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline defines it as systolic 130 mmHg or higher or diastolic 80 mmHg or higher	diagnoses
Hx	History	Patient's medical history or history of present illness	charting
I&D	Incision and Drainage	Procedure to drain an abscess by making a cut in the skin	procedures
I&O	Intake and Output	Measurement of all fluids consumed and excreted over a specific period	assessments
IABP	Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump	Mechanical device helping the heart pump blood in cardiogenic shock	procedures
IBD	Inflammatory Bowel Disease	Chronic inflammation of the GI tract including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis	diagnoses
IBS	Irritable Bowel Syndrome	Chronic functional GI disorder with abdominal pain and altered bowel habits	diagnoses
ICD	Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator	Device implanted in the chest to detect and correct abnormal heart rhythms	procedures
ICP	Intracranial Pressure	Pressure inside the skull; elevated ICP is a neurological emergency	vitals
ICU	Intensive Care Unit	Hospital unit for critically ill patients requiring close monitoring	general
IM	Intramuscular	Injection route delivering medication into muscle tissue	medications
INR	International Normalized Ratio	Blood test measuring clotting time; used to monitor warfarin therapy	lab-values
IO	Intraosseous	Emergency access route delivering fluids and medications into bone marrow	medications
IPC	Intermittent Pneumatic Compression	Inflatable leg devices preventing blood clots in hospitalized patients	procedures
IPPB	Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing	Respiratory treatment delivering aerosolized medication under pressure	procedures
IS	Incentive Spirometry	Breathing device encouraging deep breaths to prevent lung complications	procedures
IUD	Intrauterine Device	Contraceptive device placed inside the uterus	procedures
IV	Intravenous	Route delivering fluids or medications directly into a vein	medications
IVF	Intravenous Fluids	Fluids administered directly into a vein for hydration or medication delivery	medications
IVP	Intravenous Push	Method of giving medication through an IV line rapidly via syringe	medications
IVPB	Intravenous Piggyback	Secondary IV bag connected to the primary line for intermittent medication delivery	medications
J-tube	Jejunostomy Tube	Feeding tube inserted directly into the jejunum through the abdominal wall	procedures
JVD	Jugular Venous Distension	Visible bulging of the jugular veins indicating elevated right heart pressure	assessments
K	Potassium	Electrolyte critical for heart rhythm, muscle contraction, and nerve function	lab-values
KCl	Potassium Chloride	Electrolyte replacement supplement for hypokalemia	medications
kg	Kilogram	Metric unit of weight used for medication dosing calculations	general
KUB	Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder	Abdominal X-ray focused on the urinary tract	diagnostics
KVO	Keep Vein Open	Minimal IV flow rate to maintain line patency	medications
L	Liter	Metric unit of volume used in fluid measurements	general
L&D	Labor and Delivery	Hospital unit where babies are born	general
LAD	Left Anterior Descending	Coronary artery supplying the front and left side of the heart	general
LDH	Lactate Dehydrogenase	Enzyme released when tissue is damaged; elevated in many conditions	lab-values
LDL	Low-Density Lipoprotein	Bad cholesterol that builds up in artery walls	lab-values
LFTs	Liver Function Tests	Panel of blood tests assessing liver health including ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin	lab-values
LLL	Left Lower Lobe	Lower section of the left lung	assessments
LLQ	Left Lower Quadrant	Lower left section of the abdomen	assessments
LMP	Last Menstrual Period	Date of the first day of the most recent menstrual cycle	assessments
LOC	Level of Consciousness	Patient's state of awareness ranging from alert to comatose	assessments
LP	Lumbar Puncture	Procedure inserting a needle into the spinal canal to collect cerebrospinal fluid	procedures
LR	Lactated Ringer's	IV solution containing sodium, potassium, calcium, and lactate for fluid resuscitation	medications
LUL	Left Upper Lobe	Upper section of the left lung	assessments
LUQ	Left Upper Quadrant	Upper left section of the abdomen	assessments
LVH	Left Ventricular Hypertrophy	Thickening of the heart's left ventricle wall, often from chronic hypertension	diagnoses
MAP	Mean Arterial Pressure	Average arterial pressure during a single cardiac cycle; the usual target in sepsis and shock is 65 mmHg or higher	vitals
MAR	Medication Administration Record	Document tracking all medications given to a patient	charting
mcg	Microgram	Unit of measurement equal to one-millionth of a gram	medications
MD	Medical Doctor	Physician with a Doctor of Medicine degree	general
MDI	Metered-Dose Inhaler	Handheld device delivering a specific amount of medication to the lungs	medications
mEq	Milliequivalent	Unit measuring the chemical activity of electrolytes	medications
MEWS	Modified Early Warning Score	Scoring system detecting clinical deterioration using vital signs	assessments
Mg	Magnesium	Electrolyte important for muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, and bone strength	lab-values
mg	Milligram	Unit of measurement equal to one-thousandth of a gram	medications
MI	Myocardial Infarction	Heart attack caused by blocked blood flow damaging heart muscle	diagnoses
MIDLINE	Midline Catheter	Peripheral IV catheter 8-20 cm long inserted in the upper arm	procedures
mL	Milliliter	Unit of volume equal to one-thousandth of a liter	general
MMR	Measles, Mumps, Rubella	Combination vaccine protecting against three viral diseases	medications
MoA	Mechanism of Action	How a drug produces its pharmacological effect	medications
MRA	Magnetic Resonance Angiography	MRI technique used to visualize blood vessels	diagnostics
MRI	Magnetic Resonance Imaging	Imaging technique using magnetic fields and radio waves for detailed body images	diagnostics
MRSA	Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus	Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection requiring special precautions	diagnoses
MS	Multiple Sclerosis / Morphine Sulfate Do not use (Joint Commission)	Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the CNS. As a drug abbreviation, MS (like MSO4 and MgSO4) is on The Joint Commission's Do Not Use list because it can mean morphine sulfate or magnesium sulfate: write the drug name in full	diagnoses
MVA	Motor Vehicle Accident	Collision involving a motor vehicle; common cause of trauma admissions	charting
Na	Sodium	Electrolyte essential for fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction	lab-values
NaCl	Sodium Chloride	Salt compound used in IV solutions; 0.9% NaCl is normal saline, used for fluid replacement and medication dilution	medications
NAD	No Acute Distress / No Apparent Distress	Assessment finding indicating patient appears comfortable	charting
NANDA	North American Nursing Diagnosis Association	Organization developing standardized nursing diagnoses	charting
NAS	Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome	Withdrawal symptoms in newborns exposed to substances in utero	diagnoses
NC	Nasal Cannula	Device delivering supplemental oxygen through two nasal prongs	procedures
NEB	Nebulizer	Device converting liquid medication into a mist for inhalation	medications
NEWS	National Early Warning Score	Standardized system for assessing acute illness severity using vital signs	assessments
NG	Nasogastric	Tube inserted through the nose into the stomach for feeding or decompression	procedures
NGT	Nasogastric Tube	Tube passed through the nose to the stomach for drainage or feeding	procedures
NICU	Neonatal Intensive Care Unit	Hospital unit providing specialized care for critically ill newborns	general
NIHSS	National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale	Standardized assessment tool quantifying stroke severity	assessments
NKA	No Known Allergies	Documentation indicating patient has no known allergies	charting
NKDA	No Known Drug Allergies	Documentation indicating patient has no known medication allergies	charting
NMS	Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome	Life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic medications	diagnoses
NP	Nurse Practitioner	Advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority	general
NPA	Nasopharyngeal Airway	Soft rubber tube inserted through the nose to maintain an open airway	procedures
NPO	Nothing by Mouth (Nil Per Os)	Order restricting all oral intake including food, drink, and medications	general
NRB	Non-Rebreather Mask	Oxygen mask with a reservoir bag delivering high-concentration oxygen, roughly 60-90% FiO2 at 10-15 L/min depending on mask fit	procedures
NS	Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl)	Isotonic IV solution used for fluid resuscitation and medication dilution	medications
NSAID	Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug	Class of medications reducing pain, inflammation, and fever	medications
NSR	Normal Sinus Rhythm	Normal heart rhythm originating from the sinoatrial node	vitals
NTG	Nitroglycerin	Vasodilator medication used to treat angina and heart failure	medications
NWB	Non-Weight Bearing	Restriction preventing the patient from placing weight on an extremity	general
O2	Oxygen	Gas essential for cellular respiration delivered as supplemental therapy	vitals
O2 sat	Oxygen Saturation	Percentage of hemoglobin carrying oxygen; normal range 95-100%	vitals
OB	Obstetrics	Medical specialty focused on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care	general
OD	Overdose / Right Eye (Oculus Dexter) Error-prone (ISMP)	Excessive drug ingestion, or right eye in ophthalmic documentation. On the ISMP error-prone list: OD (right eye) is confused with AD (right ear), and OD meaning once daily has led to oral liquids being given in the eye. Write "right eye" or "daily" in full	general
OOB	Out of Bed	Patient activity order allowing or requiring ambulation	general
OPA	Oropharyngeal Airway	Device inserted through the mouth to maintain an open airway in unconscious patients	procedures
OR	Operating Room	Sterile hospital room where surgical procedures are performed	general
ORIF	Open Reduction Internal Fixation	Surgery to repair a broken bone using plates, screws, or rods	procedures
OS	Left Eye (Oculus Sinister) Error-prone (ISMP)	Ophthalmic abbreviation for the left eye. On the ISMP error-prone list because it is confused with AS (left ear). Write "left eye" instead	general
OT	Occupational Therapy	Therapy helping patients perform daily activities after illness or injury	general
OU	Both Eyes (Oculi Uterque) Error-prone (ISMP)	Ophthalmic abbreviation for both eyes. On the ISMP error-prone list because it is confused with AU (each ear). Write "each eye" instead	general
PA	Posteroanterior / Physician Assistant	X-ray direction from back to front, or a mid-level healthcare provider	general
PAC	Premature Atrial Contraction	Early heartbeat originating in the atria	vitals
PACU	Post-Anesthesia Care Unit	Recovery area where patients are monitored after surgery	general
PaO2	Partial Pressure of Arterial Oxygen	ABG value measuring oxygen dissolved in arterial blood; normal 80-100 mmHg	lab-values
PaCO2	Partial Pressure of Arterial Carbon Dioxide	ABG value measuring CO2 in arterial blood; normal 35-45 mmHg	lab-values
PC	After Meals (Post Cibum)	Medication timing instruction indicating administration after eating	medications
PCA	Patient-Controlled Analgesia	Pump system allowing patients to self-administer pain medication	medications
PCN	Penicillin	Antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections	medications
PD	Peritoneal Dialysis	Dialysis method using the abdominal lining to filter blood	procedures
PE	Pulmonary Embolism	Blood clot blocking an artery in the lungs; life-threatening emergency	diagnoses
PEA	Pulseless Electrical Activity	Cardiac arrest rhythm showing electrical activity but no pulse	diagnoses
PEARL	Pupils Equal And Reactive to Light	Normal neurological finding during pupil assessment	assessments
PEEP	Positive End-Expiratory Pressure	Ventilator setting maintaining pressure in lungs at end of expiration	procedures
PEG	Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy	Procedure placing a feeding tube directly into the stomach through the skin	procedures
PERRLA	Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodation	Normal neurological finding indicating healthy pupillary response	assessments
PFT	Pulmonary Function Test	Group of tests measuring lung capacity and airflow	diagnostics
pH	Power of Hydrogen	Measure of acidity or alkalinity; normal blood pH is 7.35-7.45	lab-values
PICC	Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter	Long IV line inserted in the arm and threaded to a large vein near the heart	procedures
PID	Pelvic Inflammatory Disease	Infection of the female reproductive organs, often from STIs	diagnoses
PIV	Peripheral Intravenous	Standard IV catheter inserted into a peripheral vein in the hand or arm	procedures
PMH	Past Medical History	Record of patient's previous illnesses, surgeries, and medical conditions	charting
PNA	Pneumonia	Infection causing inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs	diagnoses
PNS	Peripheral Nervous System	Nerves outside the brain and spinal cord	general
PO	By Mouth (Per Os)	Medication route indicating oral administration	medications
POC	Point of Care	Testing performed at or near the patient's bedside	diagnostics
POLST	Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment	Medical order documenting patient wishes for end-of-life care	general
POST-OP	After Surgery (Postoperative)	Period following a surgical procedure	charting
PPD	Purified Protein Derivative	Tuberculosis skin test injected intradermally to check for TB exposure	diagnostics
PPE	Personal Protective Equipment	Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards including gloves, gowns, and masks	general
PPI	Proton Pump Inhibitor	Class of drugs reducing stomach acid production for GERD and ulcers	medications
PR	Per Rectum	Medication route indicating rectal administration	medications
PRE-OP	Before Surgery (Preoperative)	Period before a surgical procedure	charting
PRN	As Needed (Pro Re Nata)	Medication order allowing administration when the patient needs it	medications
PSA	Prostate-Specific Antigen	Blood test screening for prostate cancer; elevated levels may indicate disease	lab-values
PT	Prothrombin Time / Physical Therapy	Blood clotting test or rehabilitation service depending on context	lab-values
PTCA	Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty	Procedure using a balloon to open narrowed coronary arteries	procedures
PTH	Parathyroid Hormone	Hormone regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood	lab-values
PTSD	Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder	Mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event	diagnoses
PTT	Partial Thromboplastin Time	Blood test measuring the time it takes for blood to clot	lab-values
PUD	Peptic Ulcer Disease	Open sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum	diagnoses
PVC	Premature Ventricular Contraction	Early heartbeat originating in the ventricles	vitals
PVD	Peripheral Vascular Disease	Circulatory condition causing narrowed blood vessels outside the heart and brain	diagnoses
PVR	Post-Void Residual	Amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination	assessments
Px	Physical Examination / Prognosis	Systematic assessment of a patient's body, or the expected course of a disease, depending on context	charting
q	Every (Quaque)	Latin prefix meaning every; used with time intervals in medication orders	medications
q2h	Every 2 Hours	Medication or assessment frequency of once every two hours	medications
q4h	Every 4 Hours	Medication or assessment frequency of once every four hours	medications
q6h	Every 6 Hours	Medication or assessment frequency of once every six hours	medications
q8h	Every 8 Hours	Medication or assessment frequency of once every eight hours	medications
QD	Every Day (Quaque Die) Do not use (Joint Commission)	On The Joint Commission's Do Not Use list because QD can be misread as QID (four times a day). Write "daily" instead	medications
QHS	Every Night at Bedtime	Medication timing for nightly administration before sleep	medications
QID	Four Times a Day (Quater in Die)	Medication frequency indicating four doses per day	medications
QOD	Every Other Day Do not use (Joint Commission)	On The Joint Commission's Do Not Use list because QOD can be misread as QD (daily) or QID (four times a day). Write "every other day" instead	medications
RA	Rheumatoid Arthritis / Room Air	Autoimmune joint disease, or breathing ambient air without supplemental oxygen	diagnoses
RBC	Red Blood Cell	Blood cell carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues	lab-values
RCA	Right Coronary Artery	Coronary artery supplying blood to the right side of the heart	general
RLL	Right Lower Lobe	Lower section of the right lung	assessments
RLQ	Right Lower Quadrant	Lower right section of the abdomen; appendicitis pain often presents here	assessments
RML	Right Middle Lobe	Middle section of the right lung	assessments
RN	Registered Nurse	Licensed nurse who has passed the NCLEX-RN examination	general
R/O	Rule Out	Diagnostic process to eliminate or confirm a suspected condition	charting
ROM	Range of Motion	Degree of movement at a joint during physical assessment	assessments
ROSC	Return of Spontaneous Circulation	Resumption of sustained heart function after cardiac arrest	procedures
RR	Respiratory Rate	Number of breaths per minute; normal adult range is 12-20	vitals
RRT	Rapid Response Team	Team activated for patients showing signs of clinical deterioration	general
RSI	Rapid Sequence Intubation	Technique for quick sedation and paralysis for emergency intubation	procedures
RT	Respiratory Therapy	Healthcare specialty focused on cardiopulmonary care	general
RUL	Right Upper Lobe	Upper section of the right lung	assessments
RUQ	Right Upper Quadrant	Upper right section of the abdomen; gallbladder and liver are located here	assessments
Rx	Prescription / Treatment	Written order for medication or therapeutic treatment	charting
s/s	Signs and Symptoms	Observable indicators and patient-reported complaints of a condition	charting
SA	Sinoatrial	Relating to the SA node, the heart's natural pacemaker	vitals
SAH	Subarachnoid Hemorrhage	Bleeding in the space between the brain and surrounding tissue	diagnoses
SBAR	Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation	Structured communication tool for reporting patient information	charting
SBP	Systolic Blood Pressure	Pressure in arteries when the heart beats; top number of a BP reading	vitals
SCD	Sequential Compression Device	Inflatable leg sleeves preventing DVT in immobile patients	procedures
SDH	Subdural Hematoma	Collection of blood between the brain and its outermost covering	diagnoses
SIADH	Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone	Condition causing excessive water retention and dilutional hyponatremia	diagnoses
SIRS	Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome	Inflammatory state affecting the whole body, often a response to infection	diagnoses
SL	Sublingual	Medication route indicating placement under the tongue for absorption	medications
SLE	Systemic Lupus Erythematosus	Autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissue	diagnoses
SNF	Skilled Nursing Facility	Long-term care facility providing 24-hour nursing care	general
SOAP	Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan	Standard documentation format for clinical notes	charting
SOB	Shortness of Breath	Difficulty breathing or feeling unable to get enough air	assessments
SpO2	Peripheral Oxygen Saturation	Oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry; normal 95-100%	vitals
SQ	Subcutaneous Error-prone (ISMP)	Injection route into the fatty tissue beneath the skin. SQ is on the ISMP error-prone list because it has been misread as "5 every"; ISMP recommends SUBQ (all uppercase) or "subcutaneous"	medications
SSRI	Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor	Class of antidepressant medications blocking serotonin reabsorption	medications
SSS	Sick Sinus Syndrome	Group of heart rhythm disorders caused by SA node dysfunction	diagnoses
STAT	Immediately (Statim)	Highest priority designation indicating immediate action required	general
STD	Sexually Transmitted Disease	Infection spread through sexual contact	diagnoses
STI	Sexually Transmitted Infection	Preferred term for infections transmitted through sexual activity	diagnoses
STEMI	ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction	Type of heart attack with complete coronary artery blockage shown on EKG	diagnoses
SubQ	Subcutaneous	Alternate abbreviation for the subcutaneous route. ISMP recommends writing SUBQ in uppercase with no space; "sub q" is on its error-prone list because the q has been read as "every"	medications
SVT	Supraventricular Tachycardia	Abnormally fast heart rate originating above the ventricles	diagnoses
Sx	Symptoms	Patient-reported subjective complaints of illness or distress	charting
T	Temperature	Core or peripheral body temperature, normally 97.8-99.1 degrees F	vitals
TB	Tuberculosis	Bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis	diagnoses
TBI	Traumatic Brain Injury	Brain damage caused by an external mechanical force	diagnoses
TCDB	Turn, Cough, Deep Breathe	Post-operative pulmonary hygiene instructions to prevent lung complications	procedures
TEE	Transesophageal Echocardiogram	Ultrasound of the heart using a probe passed through the esophagus	diagnostics
Temp	Temperature	Body temperature measurement, a core vital sign	vitals
TENS	Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation	Pain management device sending electrical impulses through the skin	procedures
TFTs	Thyroid Function Tests	Panel of blood tests measuring TSH, T3, and T4 levels	lab-values
TIA	Transient Ischemic Attack	Temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain; warning sign of future stroke	diagnoses
TIBC	Total Iron-Binding Capacity	Blood test measuring the blood's capacity to bind iron with transferrin	lab-values
TID	Three Times a Day (Ter in Die)	Medication frequency indicating three doses per day	medications
TKO	To Keep Open	Minimal IV flow rate to prevent the line from clotting off	medications
TKR	Total Knee Replacement	Surgery replacing the knee joint with an artificial implant	procedures
TLC	Total Lung Capacity / Tender Loving Care	Maximum volume of air the lungs can hold, or compassionate nursing care	diagnostics
TNF	Tumor Necrosis Factor	Inflammatory cytokine involved in systemic inflammation and immune response	lab-values
TPA	Tissue Plasminogen Activator Error-prone (ISMP)	Clot-dissolving medication (alteplase) used to treat acute ischemic stroke and PE. On the ISMP error-prone list because TPA has been confused with TNK (tenecteplase) and TXA (tranexamic acid). Write "alteplase" in full	medications
TPN	Total Parenteral Nutrition	IV nutrition providing all essential nutrients when oral feeding is not possible	medications
TPR	Temperature, Pulse, Respiration	Three basic vital signs typically assessed together	vitals
Trach	Tracheostomy	Surgical opening in the neck into the trachea providing an airway	procedures
Trig	Triglycerides	Type of fat in the blood; elevated levels increase cardiovascular risk	lab-values
TSH	Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone	Pituitary hormone regulating thyroid function; primary test for thyroid disorders	lab-values
TTE	Transthoracic Echocardiogram	Non-invasive ultrasound of the heart performed through the chest wall	diagnostics
Tx	Treatment / Transplant	Medical intervention provided to a patient or organ replacement surgery	charting
T3	Triiodothyronine	Active thyroid hormone affecting metabolism and body temperature	lab-values
T4	Thyroxine	Thyroid hormone converted to T3; measured in thyroid function tests	lab-values
UA	Urinalysis	Laboratory examination of urine for abnormalities	diagnostics
UAP	Unlicensed Assistive Personnel	Healthcare worker performing delegated nursing tasks under RN supervision	general
UE	Upper Extremity	The arm from shoulder to fingertips	assessments
UGI	Upper Gastrointestinal	Imaging series of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using barium	diagnostics
UO	Urine Output	Volume of urine produced; adequate output is 0.5 mL/kg/hour in adults	assessments
URI	Upper Respiratory Infection	Infection of the nose, throat, or sinuses such as the common cold	diagnoses
US	Ultrasound	Imaging technique using sound waves to visualize internal structures	diagnostics
UTI	Urinary Tract Infection	Bacterial infection of the bladder, urethra, or kidneys	diagnoses
VAD	Ventricular Assist Device	Mechanical pump supporting heart function in patients with heart failure	procedures
VAP	Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia	Lung infection developing in patients on mechanical ventilation for 48+ hours	diagnoses
VBAC	Vaginal Birth After Cesarean	Vaginal delivery in a woman who previously had a cesarean section	procedures
VF	Ventricular Fibrillation	Life-threatening heart rhythm with chaotic electrical activity in ventricles	diagnoses
VRSA	Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus	Staph bacteria resistant to vancomycin antibiotic treatment	diagnoses
VRE	Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus	Intestinal bacteria resistant to vancomycin; requires contact precautions	diagnoses
VS	Vital Signs	Core measurements including HR, BP, RR, Temp, and SpO2	vitals
VSD	Ventricular Septal Defect	Hole in the wall between the heart's lower chambers; congenital heart defect	diagnoses
VT	Ventricular Tachycardia	Fast, abnormal heart rate originating in the ventricles	diagnoses
VTE	Venous Thromboembolism	Blood clot in a vein, encompassing DVT and PE	diagnoses
w/u	Workup	Series of diagnostic tests ordered to evaluate a condition	charting
WBC	White Blood Cell	Immune system cell that fights infection; elevated count may indicate infection	lab-values
WNL	Within Normal Limits	Assessment finding indicating results are in the expected range	charting
WOB	Work of Breathing	Effort required for ventilation; assessed for signs of respiratory distress	assessments
WT	Weight	Patient body weight used for medication dosing and fluid management	assessments
XR	X-Ray	Imaging technique using radiation to produce images of internal structures	diagnostics
ABX	Antibiotics	Medications used to treat bacterial infections	medications
ADN	Associate Degree in Nursing	Two-year nursing degree qualifying graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam	general
ADR	Adverse Drug Reaction	Unintended and harmful response to a medication at normal doses	medications
ADON	Assistant Director of Nursing	Administrative nursing role supporting the Director of Nursing	general
AEB	As Evidenced By	Phrase linking a nursing diagnosis to supporting data in care plans	charting
AFB	Acid-Fast Bacillus	Staining test used to identify tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections	diagnostics
AHF	Acute Heart Failure	Sudden onset of heart failure symptoms requiring urgent treatment	diagnoses
AICD	Automatic Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator	Implanted device that monitors and corrects life-threatening heart rhythms	procedures
ANS	Autonomic Nervous System	Part of the nervous system controlling involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion	general
AROM	Active Range of Motion / Artificial Rupture of Membranes	Joint movement performed by the patient, or procedure to break the amniotic sac	assessments
ATC	Around the Clock	Medication schedule with doses given at regular intervals throughout 24 hours	medications
AV block	Atrioventricular Block	Heart condition where electrical signals between atria and ventricles are delayed or blocked	diagnoses
AVPU	Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive	Quick assessment scale for level of consciousness	assessments
BAL	Bronchoalveolar Lavage	Procedure collecting fluid from the lungs for diagnostic analysis	procedures
BBB	Bundle Branch Block	Delay or blockage in the heart's electrical conduction system	diagnoses
BOW	Bag of Waters	Amniotic sac surrounding the fetus during pregnancy	general
BR	Bed Rest	Activity restriction requiring the patient to remain in bed	general
BSC	Bedside Commode	Portable toilet placed next to the patient's bed	general
BVM	Bag-Valve Mask	Manual resuscitation device used to provide positive pressure ventilation	procedures
CA	Cancer / Carcinoma	Malignant disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth	diagnoses
CAT	Computed Axial Tomography	Older term for CT scan; cross-sectional imaging of the body	diagnostics
CAUTI	Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection	UTI occurring in a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter	diagnoses
CDI	Clostridioides difficile Infection	Bacterial infection causing severe diarrhea often after antibiotic use	diagnoses
CHD	Coronary Heart Disease / Congenital Heart Disease	Narrowing of coronary arteries, or heart defects present at birth	diagnoses
CLABSI	Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection	Bloodstream infection attributed to a central venous catheter	diagnoses
CNA	Certified Nursing Assistant	Entry-level nursing professional providing basic patient care under RN supervision	general
COX	Cyclooxygenase	Enzyme targeted by NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and pain	medications
CPP	Cerebral Perfusion Pressure	Pressure driving blood flow to the brain; calculated as MAP minus ICP	vitals
CRNA	Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist	Advanced practice nurse specializing in anesthesia administration	general
CVD	Cardiovascular Disease	Group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels	diagnoses
DAT	Diet as Tolerated	Order allowing a patient to eat whatever foods they can handle	general
DBS	Dried Blood Spot	Blood sample collected on filter paper for newborn screening tests	diagnostics
DDAVP	Desmopressin	Synthetic ADH used to treat diabetes insipidus and bleeding disorders	medications
DL	Deciliter	Unit of measurement equal to one-tenth of a liter	general
DNAR	Do Not Attempt Resuscitation	Updated terminology for DNR used in some healthcare systems	general
DON	Director of Nursing	Senior nursing administrator overseeing nursing operations	general
DPP	Dorsalis Pedis Pulse	Pulse felt on the top of the foot used to assess peripheral circulation	assessments
DRG	Diagnosis-Related Group	Classification system grouping hospital cases for Medicare payment purposes	general
DSM	Diagnostic and Statistical Manual	Reference manual for psychiatric diagnoses published by the APA	general
DTs	Delirium Tremens	Severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome with confusion, hallucinations, and seizures	diagnoses
EBP	Evidence-Based Practice	Clinical decision-making approach integrating research, expertise, and patient preferences	general
ECF	Extended Care Facility / Extracellular Fluid	Long-term care institution, or fluid outside the body's cells	general
EGD	Esophagogastroduodenoscopy	Endoscopic procedure examining the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum	procedures
EENT	Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat	Physical examination of the sensory organs of the head	assessments
EHR	Electronic Health Record	Digital system for storing and managing patient medical records	charting
ELISA	Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay	Laboratory test detecting antibodies or antigens in a blood sample	diagnostics
EMR	Electronic Medical Record	Digital version of a patient's paper chart within one practice	charting
EOM	Extraocular Movements	Eye movements tested during neurological and cranial nerve examination	assessments
EPAP	Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure	Pressure applied during exhalation in BiPAP ventilation	procedures
EDD	Estimated Date of Delivery	Predicted date of birth, 280 days (40 weeks) after the first day of the last menstrual period or set by early ultrasound	general
ETA	Estimated Time of Arrival	Expected arrival time of a patient or transport	general
FAS	Fetal Alcohol Syndrome	Birth defects from prenatal alcohol exposure including growth and cognitive problems	diagnoses
FAST	Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma	Rapid ultrasound exam detecting free fluid in trauma patients	assessments
FFP	Fresh Frozen Plasma	Blood product containing clotting factors used to correct coagulopathy	medications
FHT	Fetal Heart Tones	Sounds of the fetal heartbeat heard during prenatal assessment	assessments
FOB	Fecal Occult Blood	Test detecting hidden blood in stool that may indicate GI bleeding or cancer	diagnostics
FTT	Failure to Thrive	Inadequate growth or weight gain in infants and children	diagnoses
FWB	Full Weight Bearing	Patient can place full body weight on an extremity without restriction	general
G	Gauge	Measurement of needle or catheter diameter; smaller number means larger bore	procedures
GABA	Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid	Inhibitory neurotransmitter; target of benzodiazepines and other sedatives	medications
GBS	Group B Streptococcus / Guillain-Barre Syndrome	Common bacteria screened in pregnancy, or autoimmune nerve disorder	diagnoses
GSW	Gunshot Wound	Traumatic injury caused by a firearm projectile	diagnoses
H&H	Hemoglobin and Hematocrit	Two blood test values commonly assessed together for anemia screening	lab-values
H&P	History and Physical	Comprehensive documentation of patient history and physical examination	charting
HAI	Healthcare-Associated Infection	Infection acquired during the course of receiving healthcare treatment	diagnoses
HCT	Hematocrit	Percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells	lab-values
HCTZ	Hydrochlorothiazide Error-prone (ISMP)	Thiazide diuretic commonly used to treat hypertension. On the ISMP error-prone list because HCTZ has been misread as hydrocortisone (HCTZ 50 mg seen as HCT 250 mg). Write "hydrochlorothiazide" in full	medications
HHS	Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State	Serious diabetic complication with very high blood sugar and dehydration without ketosis	diagnoses
HOH	Hard of Hearing	Patient has reduced hearing ability requiring accommodation	assessments
HPI	History of Present Illness	Detailed description of the patient's current health problem	charting
HSV	Herpes Simplex Virus	Viral infection causing cold sores (HSV-1) or genital herpes (HSV-2)	diagnoses
Ht	Height	Patient stature measurement used in BMI and BSA calculations	assessments
IADL	Instrumental Activities of Daily Living	Complex activities like cooking, shopping, and managing finances	assessments
ICH	Intracerebral Hemorrhage	Bleeding within the brain tissue; a type of hemorrhagic stroke	diagnoses
IPAP	Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure	Pressure applied during inhalation in BiPAP ventilation	procedures
ISS	Injury Severity Score	Scoring system for assessing overall severity of multiple injuries in trauma	assessments
ITP	Immune Thrombocytopenia (formerly Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura)	Autoimmune disorder causing low platelet count and easy bruising; an international working group adopted the immune thrombocytopenia name in 2009	diagnoses
LAB	Laboratory	Department where blood and other specimens are analyzed	diagnostics
LE	Lower Extremity	The leg from hip to toes	assessments
LN	Lymph Node	Small immune system organ that filters lymph fluid	assessments
LOA	Left Occiput Anterior	Vertex fetal position with the occiput toward the front of the mother's left side, so the fetus faces the mother's right back	general
LOS	Length of Stay	Duration of a patient's hospital admission	charting
LPN	Licensed Practical Nurse	Nurse licensed to provide basic care under the supervision of an RN or physician	general
LVN	Licensed Vocational Nurse	Term used in Texas and California for LPN	general
MAOI	Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor	Class of antidepressant with significant dietary and drug interactions	medications
MCA	Middle Cerebral Artery	Major brain artery; most common site for ischemic stroke	general
MCH	Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin	Average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell	lab-values
MCHC	Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration	Average concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells	lab-values
MCV	Mean Corpuscular Volume	Average size of red blood cells; helps classify anemias	lab-values
MDR	Multi-Drug Resistant	Organisms resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics	diagnoses
MedSurg	Medical-Surgical	General nursing unit caring for adult patients with various conditions	general
mg/dL	Milligrams per Deciliter	Common unit of measurement for blood glucose and other lab values	lab-values
mmHg	Millimeters of Mercury	Unit of measurement for blood pressure	vitals
mmol/L	Millimoles per Liter	SI unit used internationally for measuring lab values including glucose	lab-values
MOI	Mechanism of Injury	How an injury occurred; important for trauma assessment	charting
MSE	Mental Status Exam	Structured assessment of a patient's psychological functioning	assessments
MSDS	Material Safety Data Sheet	Former name for the hazardous-substance information sheet, now called a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) under OSHA's 2012 Hazard Communication Standard	general
MVR	Mitral Valve Replacement	Surgery to replace the mitral valve of the heart	procedures
N/A	Not Applicable	Entry does not apply to the current patient or situation	charting
N/V	Nausea and Vomiting	Common symptoms occurring together in many conditions	assessments
N/V/D	Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea	Cluster of GI symptoms suggesting gastroenteritis or other conditions	assessments
NAC	N-Acetylcysteine	Antidote for acetaminophen overdose; also used as a mucolytic	medications
NaHCO3	Sodium Bicarbonate	Alkalizing agent used to treat metabolic acidosis and certain drug overdoses	medications
NCLEX	National Council Licensure Examination	Standardized exam for nursing licensure in the United States	general
NEC	Necrotizing Enterocolitis	Serious intestinal disease primarily affecting premature newborns	diagnoses
NIBP	Non-Invasive Blood Pressure	Blood pressure measurement using an external cuff rather than arterial line	vitals
NJ	Nasojejunal	Tube inserted through the nose into the jejunum for feeding	procedures
NOS	Not Otherwise Specified	Qualifier indicating a diagnosis does not fit a more specific category	charting
NSTEMI	Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction	Type of heart attack without ST elevation on EKG but with elevated cardiac enzymes	diagnoses
OBS	Observation	Hospital status for monitoring patients who may not require full admission	charting
OG	Orogastric	Tube inserted through the mouth into the stomach	procedures
OSHA	Occupational Safety and Health Administration	Federal agency ensuring workplace safety standards	general
OTC	Over the Counter	Medications available without a prescription	medications
PAD	Peripheral Arterial Disease	Narrowing of peripheral arteries reducing blood flow to extremities	diagnoses
PCC	Prothrombin Complex Concentrate	Blood product used to reverse warfarin and treat bleeding emergencies	medications
PCO2	Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide	ABG measurement of carbon dioxide levels in the blood	lab-values
PCT	Patient Care Technician	Healthcare worker assisting with basic patient care tasks	general
PEJ	Percutaneous Endoscopic Jejunostomy	Feeding tube placed directly into the jejunum through the abdominal wall	procedures
PERRL	Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light	Normal pupillary assessment finding during neurological exam	assessments
PICU	Pediatric Intensive Care Unit	Hospital unit providing critical care for children	general
PIH	Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension	Older term for high blood pressure developing after 20 weeks of pregnancy; ACOG now uses gestational hypertension and preeclampsia	diagnoses
PLT	Platelet	Blood cell fragment essential for clotting; counted in CBC	lab-values
PMI	Point of Maximum Impulse	Location on the chest where the heartbeat is felt strongest	assessments
PNB	Peripheral Nerve Block	Regional anesthesia technique numbing a specific nerve or nerve group	procedures
PO2	Partial Pressure of Oxygen	ABG measurement of oxygen dissolved in the blood	lab-values
POCT	Point of Care Testing	Medical testing performed at or near the site of patient care	diagnostics
PP	Postpartum	Period after childbirth typically spanning six weeks	general
PPH	Postpartum Hemorrhage	Excessive bleeding after birth. ACOG (2017) defines it as cumulative blood loss of 1,000 mL or more, or blood loss with signs of hypovolemia, within 24 hours of birth regardless of route; WHO uses more than 500 mL	diagnoses
PROM	Prelabor Rupture of Membranes (formerly Premature Rupture of Membranes)	Rupture of the amniotic sac before labor begins; before 37 weeks it is called preterm PROM (PPROM)	diagnoses
PSI	Pounds per Square Inch / Pneumonia Severity Index	Unit of pressure, or scoring tool for community-acquired pneumonia severity	assessments
PTX	Pneumothorax	Collapsed lung from air leaking into the space around the lung	diagnoses
PVT	Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia / Paroxysmal Ventricular Tachycardia	In ACLS, ventricular tachycardia without a pulse, a shockable cardiac arrest rhythm; also used for sudden episodes of ventricular tachycardia	diagnoses
PWB	Partial Weight Bearing	Patient may place some but limited weight on an affected extremity	general
QA	Quality Assurance	Systematic process ensuring healthcare services meet established standards	general
QC	Quality Control	Procedures ensuring the accuracy of laboratory test results	general
QI	Quality Improvement	Ongoing effort to improve patient care outcomes and processes	general
RACE	Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish	Fire response protocol used in healthcare facilities	general
RBBB	Right Bundle Branch Block	Delay in electrical conduction through the right bundle branch of the heart	diagnoses
RDS	Respiratory Distress Syndrome	Breathing disorder in premature infants due to insufficient surfactant	diagnoses
RLE	Right Lower Extremity	The right leg	assessments
ROS	Review of Systems	Systematic questioning about symptoms in each body system during assessment	charting
RSV	Respiratory Syncytial Virus	Common respiratory virus especially dangerous for infants and elderly	diagnoses
RUE	Right Upper Extremity	The right arm	assessments
SaO2	Arterial Oxygen Saturation	Oxygen saturation measured from an arterial blood sample in ABG testing	lab-values
SBT	Spontaneous Breathing Trial	Test assessing a ventilated patient's readiness for extubation	procedures
SCr	Serum Creatinine	Blood test measuring kidney function; elevated levels indicate impaired filtration	lab-values
SDS	Same Day Surgery	Surgical procedure where the patient is discharged the same day	general
SGA	Small for Gestational Age	Newborn whose weight is below the 10th percentile for gestational age	assessments
SIMV	Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation	Ventilator mode combining mandatory and spontaneous breaths	procedures
SJS	Stevens-Johnson Syndrome	Severe, life-threatening skin reaction usually triggered by medication	diagnoses
SLP	Speech-Language Pathologist	Specialist treating speech, language, and swallowing disorders	general
SNS	Sympathetic Nervous System	Division of the autonomic nervous system activating the fight-or-flight response	general
SOC	Start of Care	Date when home health or hospice services begin for a patient	charting
SPECT	Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography	Nuclear imaging test showing how blood flows through organs	diagnostics
SSI	Sliding Scale Insulin / Surgical Site Infection Error-prone (ISMP)	Sliding scale insulin, or infection at a surgical wound. In medication orders SSI is on the ISMP error-prone list (misread as strong solution of iodine), so write "sliding scale insulin" in full	medications
TAH	Total Abdominal Hysterectomy	Surgical removal of the uterus through an abdominal incision	procedures
TAO	Thromboangiitis Obliterans	Inflammatory vascular disease strongly associated with tobacco use	diagnoses
TBSA	Total Body Surface Area	Measurement of skin area affected, used in burn assessment and treatment	assessments
TCA	Tricyclic Antidepressant	Older class of antidepressant with significant side effects and overdose risk	medications
TD	Tardive Dyskinesia	Involuntary movements caused by long-term antipsychotic medication use	diagnoses
THR	Total Hip Replacement	Surgery replacing the hip joint with an artificial implant	procedures
TLSO	Thoracolumbosacral Orthosis	Rigid brace supporting the spine from thoracic to sacral region	procedures
TNM	Tumor, Node, Metastasis	Cancer staging system describing tumor size, lymph node involvement, and spread	diagnoses
TOF	Tetralogy of Fallot	Congenital heart defect consisting of four structural abnormalities	diagnoses
TORCH	Toxoplasmosis, Other, Rubella, CMV, Herpes	Panel of tests screening for infections that can cause birth defects	diagnostics
tPA	Tissue Plasminogen Activator Error-prone (ISMP)	Thrombolytic drug (alteplase) used to dissolve blood clots in stroke and PE. On the ISMP error-prone list because tPA has been confused with TNK (tenecteplase) and TXA (tranexamic acid). Write "alteplase" in full	medications
TURP	Transurethral Resection of the Prostate	Surgery removing prostate tissue to relieve urinary obstruction	procedures
TWA	Time-Weighted Average	Average occupational exposure concentration over a standard workday	general
UDS	Urine Drug Screen	Test detecting the presence of drugs or their metabolites in urine	diagnostics
ULN	Upper Limit of Normal	Highest value considered normal for a particular lab test	lab-values
UOP	Urine Output	Volume of urine produced over a measured time period	assessments
VAC	Vacuum-Assisted Closure	Wound therapy using negative pressure to promote healing	procedures
VATS	Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery	Minimally invasive chest surgery using a small camera and instruments	procedures
VO2	Oxygen Consumption	Rate at which the body uses oxygen during metabolism	vitals
VP	Ventriculoperitoneal	Shunt draining excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to the abdomen	procedures
WBAT	Weight Bearing as Tolerated	Patient may bear as much weight on an extremity as comfort allows	general
WPW	Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome	Heart condition with an extra electrical pathway causing rapid heart rate	diagnoses
XRT	Radiation Therapy (X-Ray Therapy)	Cancer treatment using high-energy radiation to destroy tumor cells	procedures

Why nursing abbreviations matter

Standardized abbreviations serve as the backbone of efficient clinical communication. The Joint Commission and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) maintain lists of abbreviations that should be avoided due to their potential for confusion — for example, "U" for units can be mistaken for a zero, and "IU" for international units can be misread as "IV." Understanding which abbreviations are approved and which are on the Do Not Use list is a core competency for safe nursing practice.

In the table above, entries marked "Do not use (Joint Commission)" appear on The Joint Commission's official Do Not Use list (MS, QD and QOD), and entries marked "Error-prone (ISMP)" appear on the ISMP List of Error-Prone Abbreviations, Symbols, and Dose Designations (2024 edition). The context column gives the safer wording to use instead. Search "do not use" or "ISMP" to list them all.

Categories at a glance

Vital signs and monitoring

Abbreviations like HR (heart rate), BP (blood pressure), SpO2 (oxygen saturation), and RR (respiratory rate) form the foundation of patient assessment. Accurate documentation of vital signs using standard abbreviations ensures clear communication across shift changes and between care teams.

Lab values and diagnostics

From CBC (complete blood count) to BMP (basic metabolic panel) and ABG (arterial blood gas), lab abbreviations allow nurses to quickly reference critical results. Understanding these abbreviations is essential for interpreting provider orders and recognizing abnormal findings that require immediate intervention.

Medications and administration routes

Medication abbreviations include both drug names (ASA, NTG, HCTZ) and administration details (PO for by mouth, IV for intravenous, PRN for as needed, BID for twice daily). Precision with these abbreviations is directly tied to patient safety: the difference between QD (daily) and QID (four times a day) is a four-fold dosing change, which is why QD is on The Joint Commission's Do Not Use list and should be written as "daily."

Clinical assessments

Standardized scales like GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale), NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), and APGAR (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration) provide consistent frameworks for evaluating patient status. Using these abbreviations correctly ensures your documentation conveys precise clinical meaning.

Charting and documentation

Documentation frameworks like SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan), SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation), and DAR (Data, Action, Response) structure clinical notes for clarity. Abbreviations like CC (chief complaint), Hx (history), and WNL (within normal limits) speed up charting without sacrificing accuracy.

Tips for learning nursing abbreviations

Use flashcards: Print this database or create flashcards from the abbreviations most relevant to your clinical rotation.
Group by category: Study medications, vitals, and lab values as separate groups to build mental frameworks.
Practice in context: Read sample nursing notes and identify every abbreviation. Write your own practice notes using proper abbreviations.
Know the Do Not Use list: The Joint Commission's official Do Not Use list names abbreviations that should always be written out in full. Since January 2026, Joint Commission standards leave each hospital to define its own prohibited list, but these items remain on the ISMP error-prone list, so learn them early and check your facility's policy.

Related resources

Continue building your clinical knowledge with these guides:

The rights of medication administration — the safety framework every nurse must follow
SBAR communication for nurses — structured handoff and escalation technique
Electrolyte imbalances in nursing — understanding the lab values behind Na, K, Ca, and Mg
EKG interpretation cheat sheet — decoding cardiac rhythms from NSR to VFib

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