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Common Abbreviations and Symbols

This document provides a list of common medical abbreviations, symbols, and terms organized into categories including assessment data, disease-related terms, client activity terms, diagnostic studies, measures, orders, and symbols. It defines over 100 abbreviations and symbols commonly used in medical documentation and communication. The abbreviations cover body systems, vital signs, diagnostic tests, medications, and other clinical terms.

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117 views2 pages

Common Abbreviations and Symbols

This document provides a list of common medical abbreviations, symbols, and terms organized into categories including assessment data, disease-related terms, client activity terms, diagnostic studies, measures, orders, and symbols. It defines over 100 abbreviations and symbols commonly used in medical documentation and communication. The abbreviations cover body systems, vital signs, diagnostic tests, medications, and other clinical terms.

Uploaded by

Theresa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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COMMON ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS

ABBREVIATION/SYMBOL TERM
ABBREVIATION/SYMBOL TERM

ASSESSMENT DATA
abd abdomen neg negative
ax axillary OTC over-the-counter (medicine
BM bowel movement without a prescription)
BMI body mass index O2 oxygen
BP blood pressure P pulse
BSA body surface area PE physical examination
BX biopsy PH past history
C&DB coughing and deep breathing R respiration
c/o complains of R/O rule out
CC chief complaint ROM range of motion
C Celsius; centigrade ROS review of symptoms
dx diagnosis RX treatment
F Fahrenheit (temperature scale) SOB shortness of breath
h/o history of sx signs; symptoms
H&P history and physical examination T temperature
HR heart rate TPR temperature, pulse, respiration
LMP last menstrual period VS vital signs
LOC level of consciousness WNL within normal limits
PERRLA pupils equal, round, react to light &
accommodate

DISEASE RELATED

AIDS acquired immune deficiency syndrome GI gastrointestinal


BPH benign prostatic hypertrophy GU genitourinary
CA cancer HTN hypertension
CAD coronary artery disease MI myocardial infarction (heart attack)
CHF congestive heart failure PVD peripheral vascular disease
COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease STD sexually transmitted disease
CVA cerebrovascular accident T&A tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
DM diabetes mellitus URI upper respiratory infection
fx fracture UTI urinary tract infection

CLIENTS ACTIVITY
ADL activities of daily living IADL independent activities of daily living
AMB ambulatory OOB out of bed
BRP bathroom privileges up ad lib up as desired
CBR complete bed rest wc wheelchair
DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES MEASURES
cm centimeter
CBC complete blood count ft foot
ECG electrocardiogram gm gram
EEG electroencephalogram H hour
Hb hemoglobin in inch
Hct hematocrit Kcal kilocalorie (food calorie)
MRI magnetic resonance imaging kg kilogram
PPD purified protein derivative (TB screening) L liter
RBC red blood cell m meter
I&O Intake and Output mg milligram
UA urinalysis min minute
WBC white blood cell mL milliliter
mm millimeter
oz ounce
tab tablet
tbsp tablespoon
tsp teaspoon
wt weight

ORDERS
ā before
p after po by mouth (per os)
ad lib at will; as desired X times
(q) every AC before meals
(q4h) every 4 hours
prn as needed; whenever necessary
noc night
(hs) hour of sleep; bedtime
D/C discontinue

Abbreviations in parentheses should no longer be used for medication orders due to potential errors,
however you may still find practitioners using them.

SYMBOLS

c with
/ per
s without
< less than
> more than
1o primary; first-degree
< equal to or less than
2o secondary; second-degree
> equal to or more than
3o tertiary; third-degree
~ approximately equal to
+ plus or minus; very slight trace

Adapted from: Luckmann and Sorensen, Basic Nursing

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