Medical Abbreviations

A

a: artery, before

A&Ox3: alert and oriented to person, place and time

A-a:alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient

aa: equal part of each

AA: affected area

AAA: abdominal aortic aneurysm

A2: aortic second sound

AAL: acute lymphoblastic, leukemia,anterior axillary line

ab: antibody

AB: abortion

ABC: airway, breathing and circulation

abd: abdomen

ABG: arterial blood gasses

ABI: Ankle-Brachial Index

ABMT: autologous bone marrow transplantation

ABN: abnormal

ABP: arterial blood pressure

abs: absent

abx: antibiotics

a.c.: before meals (ante sebum)

Ac: acute

AC: anterior chamber, air conduction, acromioclavicular

acc: accident

accom.: accommodation

ACE:angiotensin converting enzyme

ACEI: angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors

ACh: acetylcholine

acid: phos. acid phosphate

ACL: anterior cruciate ligament

ACLS:advanced cardiac life support

ACTH: adrenocorticotrophic hormone

AD: right ear, alzheimer's disease

ADA: adenosine deaminase

add.: abductor or abduction

ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder

ADH: antidiruetic hormone

ADL: activites of daily living

ad lib: as desired

adm.: admission

ADR: adverse drug reaction

AE: above elbow

AEA: above elbow amputation

AEM: ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring

AF: atrial fibrillation, afebrile, amniotic fluid

AFB: acid fast bacilli

AFO: ankle-foot orthosis

AFP: alpha fetoprotein

Ag: antigen

A/G: albumin globulin ratio (blood)

AGA: appropriate gestational age

AHF: antihemophilic factor

AHG: antiemophilic globulin

AHH: aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase

AI: aortic insufficiency, artificial insemination

AICA: anterior inferior cerebellar artery

AICD: automatic implanted cardiac defibrillator

AIDS: acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

AJ: ankle jerk

a.k.: above knee

aka: alcoholic ketoacidosis, also known as

AKA: above knee amputation

alb.: albumin

alc.: alcohol

ALG: antilymphocytic globulin

alk.: phos. alkaline phosphate

ALL: acute lymphocytic leukemia

ALPS: autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome

ALS: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, advanced life support

ALT: alternating with, alanine aminotransferase (formerly SGPT)

AMA: against medical advice, anti-mitochondrial antibodies

amb.: ambulating, ambulatory

AMC: arthrogryposis multiplex congenita

AMI: acute myocardial infarction

AML: acute myeloid leukemia

amnio: amniocentesis

amp.: amputation, ampule

AMP: adenosine monophosphate

AMS: acute mountain sickness, atypical measeles syndrome

ANA: antinuclear antibody

ANCA:antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies

anes.: anesthesia

ANF: antrial natriuretic factor

ann.: fib. annulus fibrosis

ANP: antrial natriuretic peptide

ANS: autonomic nervous system

ant.: anterior

ante: before

ANUG: acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis

Anxty: anxiety

A/O: alert and oriented

AOB: alcohol on breath

AODM: adult onset diabetes mellitus

AP: ante partum, anteroposterior, alkaline phosphatase

A&P: auscultation and percussion

A/P: anterior/posterior

APC: atrial premature contractions

APD: adult polycystic disease

aph: aphasia

A-P: anteroposterior and lateral

AP: resection abdominal perineal resection of the rectum

APEDED: autoimmune polyendocrinopathy

APS: autoimmunne polyglandular syndrome

APSAC: anisoylated plasminogen streptokinase activated complex

APTT: activated partial thromboplastin time

aq.: water

AR: aortic regurgitation

ARB:angiotension receptor blocker

ARC: AIDS related complex

ARD: acute respiratory distress

ARDS: adult respiratory distress syndrome

ARF: acute respiratory failure, acute rheumatic fever

Arg: Arginine

AROM: artificial rupture of membranes

art: arterial

ART: antiretroviral therapy

AS: left ear,aortic stenosis

ASA: acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin

A.S.A.: American Society of Anesthesiologists

A.S.A.1: normal healthy patient

A.S.A.2: patient with mild systemic disease

A.S.A.3: patient with severe systemic disease

A.S.A.4: patient with incapacitating systemic disease that is constant threat

ASAP: as soon as possible

ASCVD: atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

ASCUS: atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance

ASD: atrial septal defect

ASGUS: atypical squamous glandular cells of undetermined significance

ASHD: arteriosclerotic heart disease

ASO: antistreptolysin O antibodies

AST: aspartate aminotransferase

ASX: asymptomatic

ATCC: American type culture collection

AT-III: antithrombin III

at. Flutter: atrial flutter

ATN: acute tubular necrosis

ATNR: asymmetrical tonic neck reflex

ATP: adenosine triphosphate, anti-tachycardia pacing

AU: both ears

aud.: auditory

Aur.: Fib auricular fibrillation

A-V: arteriovenous; atrioventricular

AVB: auriculo-ventricular block

AVF: arteriovenous fistula

AVM: arterovenous malformation

AVNRT: av nodal re-entrant tachycardia

AVRT: av re-entrant tachycardia

AVR: aortic valve replacement

A&W: alive and well

Ax.: axilla, axillary

AXR: abdominal X-ray

A.Z.: Ascheim-Zondek test

AZT: zidovudine or azidothymidine

B

B.: bath

BA: barium

Bab.: Babinski sign

Ba.E: barium enema

BAL: bronchoalveolar lavage, British anti-Lewisite

BAO: bacille calmette-guerin

BAPS: biomechanical ankle platform system

Bas.: basal,basilar

baso: basophile

BBB: bundle branch block

BBT: basal body temperature

BC: bone conduction

BCA: basal cell atypia

BCC: Basal cell carcinoma

BCD: basal cell dysplasia

BCE: basal cell epithelioma

BCG: bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine (tuberculosis vaccine)

BDC: burn dressing change

BE: below elbow, barium enema, base excess

BEA: below elbow amputation

BFP: biological false positive

BIBA: brought in by ambulance

Bic.: biceps

b.i.d.: twice daily

BIH: bilateral inguinal hernia

bilat.: Bilateral, bilaterally

bili: bilirubin

b.i.n.: twice a night

BiPAP: bilevel positive airway pressure

BiW: twice weekly

BJ: biceps reflex

bk.: back

BK: below knee, bacterium koch

BKA: below knee amputation

bl: cult blood culture

bld.: blood

Bl.T: bleeding time

BM: black male, bone marrow,bowel movement

BMC: bone mass content

BMD: bone mass density

BMI: body mass index

BMR: basal metabolic rate

BMS: Bare metal stent/s

BMT: bone marrow transplantation

BNF: british national formulary

BNP: brain or b-type nartiuretic peptide

body: wt. body weight

BOMA: otitis media, both ears,acute

BOOP: bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia

BOW: bag of water

BP: blood pressure, bipolar disorder

BPD: bronchopulmonary dysplasia, borderline personality disorder

BPH: benign prostatic hypertrophy;benign prostatic hyperplasia

BPM: beats per minute

BPV: benign positional vertigo

Br.: breech presentation

BR: bedrest, bathroom

brach.: brachial

BrBx.: breast biopsy

broncho: bronchoscopy

BRP: bathroom privileges

BS: blood sugar, bowel sounds

B.S.: breath sounds

BSA: body surface area

BSB: bedside bag

BSC: bedside commode

BSD: bedside drainage

BSE: bovine spingiform encephalopathy, breast self exam

BSO: bilateral salpingooophorectomy

BSP: bromsulphthalein

BST: blood serologic test

BT: bleeding time

BTL: bilateral tubal ligation

BUN: blood urea nitrogen

BV: bacterial vaginosis

BW: birth weight

Bx.: biopsy

C

c.: with

C: cervical, Caucasian

C.: centigrade, Celsius complement

CI-XII: 1st to 12th cranial nerve

C-1: to C-7 cervical vertebrae

C1: complement factor 1

Ca: calcium

CA: carcinoma, cancer

CABG: coronary artery bypass graft

CAD: coronary artery disease

CAH: congential adrenal hyperplasia

CAHD: coronary atherosclerotic heart disease

Cal: calorie, calories

CAPD: continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Caps: capsules

car.: carotid

card.: cardiac

Card: cardiac catheterization

CAT: computerized axial tomography

cath: catheterization, catheter

CB: Cesarean birth

CBC: complete blood count

CBCD: complete blood count with differential

CBD: common bile duct

CBE: complete breast exam

CBF: cerebral blood flow

CBG: capillary blood gas

CBR: complete bed rest

cc.: cubic centimeter

CC: chief complaint

CCF: congestive cardiac failure

CCK: cholecystokinin

CCU: coronary care unit

CD: cardiac disease, contagious disease

CDC: centers for disease control

CDH: congenital dislocation of hip

C. diff: clostridium difficile

CEA: carcinoembryonic antigen

Cerv.: cervix, cervical

CF: cardiac failure, cystic fibrosis

CGD: chronic granulomatous disease

CHD: congenital heart disease, coronary heart disease

Chem.: chemotherapy

CHF: congestive heart failure

CHO: carbohydrate

Chol: cholesterol

Chr: chronic

C.I: color index

CI: cardiac insufficiency, cardiac index, confidence interval

CIPD: chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

CIS: carcinoma in situ

CJD: Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease

CK: creatinine kinase

CK-MB: Creatine kinase-myocardial type

Cl: chlorine, chloride

Clav.: clavicle

cldy: cloudy

CLL: chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Cl.T: clotting time

cm.: centimeter

CML: chronic myeloid leukemia

CMML: chronic myelomonocytic leukemia

CMS: chronic mountain sickness

CMT:charcot-marie-tooth disease

CMV: cytomegalovirus

CN: cranial nerve

CNS: central nervous system

cnst.: constipation

c/o: complains of, complaints

CO: cardiac output

Co2: carbon dioxide

COLD: chronic obstructive lung disease

comb.: combine, combination

comm.: communicable

comp.: compound, compress

conc.: concentrated

cons.: consultation

cont.: contractions, continued

COP: cryptogenic organizing pneumonia

COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Cor: heart

COX: cyclooxygenase

CP: cerebral palsy, cerebral-pontine

CPAP: continuous positive airway pressure

CPC: clinicopathological conference

CPD: cephalo-pelvic disproportion

CPEO: chronic progressive external opthalmoplegia

CPK: creatinine phosphokinase

CPPB: continuous positive pressure breathing

CPR: cardiopulmonary resuscitation

CPT: chest physical therapy

CR: closed reduction

cran.: cranial

CRD: chronic respiratory disease

creat.: creatinine

CREST: calcinosis,raynauds phenomenon, esphageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia

CRF: chronic renal failure

CRI: chronic renal insufficiency

CRP: c-reactive protein

C/S,: CS Cesarean section

C&S: culture and sensitivity

CsA: cyclosporin A

CSF: cerebrospinal fluid

C-spine: cervical spine

CT: computed axial tomography

CTA: computerized tomographic angiography

C-V: cardiovascular

CVA: cerebrovascular accident, costovertebral angle

CVL: central venous line

CVP: central venous pressure

CVS: cardiovascular system

Cx: cervix, culture

c/w: consistent with

CxR: chest x-ray

Cysto: cystoscopy

D

D5: 5% dextrose solution

D5W: 5% dextrose solution in water

D5RL: 5% dextrose and lactated ringers

DAP: distal airway pressure

DASH: dietary approches to stop hypertension

db.: decibel

DBE: deep breathing exercise

DBP: diastolic blood pressure

d/c: discontinue

DC: discharges, discontinue

D&C: dilation and curettage

DCM: dilated cardiomyopathy

DD: discharge diagnosis

DDD: daily defined doses

DDAVP: desmopression acetate, 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopression

DDH: developmental dysplasia of the hip

D/DW: dextrose, distilled water

DDx: differential diagnosis

D&E: dilation and evacuation

decr.: decreased

dehyd.: dehydrated

Derm.: Dermatology

DES: Diethylstilbestrol

DES:Drug eluting stents

DHEA-S: dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate

DI: diabetes insipidus, diagnostic imaging

DIAG.: diagnosis

diam.: diameter

DIC: disseminated intravascular coagulation, disseminated coagulopathy

diff.: differential

dil.: dilute

dim.: diminished

DIP: distal interphalangeal (joint)

dis.: disease

disch.: discharge

disp.: disposition

dist.: distilled, distal

DIU: death in utero

div.: divorced

DJD: degenerative joint disease

DKA: diabetic ketoacidosis

DLE: disseminated lupus erythematosis

D/L: DI decilter

DM: diabetes mellitus, diastolic murmur

DMSA: dimercaptosuccinic acid

DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid

DNKA: did not keep appointment

DNR: do not resuscitate

DOA: dead on arrival

DOB: date of birth

DOE: dyspnea on exertion

Dors: dorsal

D.P.: dorsal pedia

DPT: diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus vaccine

DR: delivery room

D&R: dilation and radium implant

DRPLA: dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy

drsg.: dressing

D/S: discharge summary

DSM-IV:diagnostic statistic manual IV

d/t: due to

DTR: deep tendon reflexes

DT’s: delirium tremens

DU: duodenal ulcer

DUB: dysfunctional uterine bleeding

DUI: driving under influence

DVT: deep vein thrombosis

D/W: dextrose in water

Dx: diagnosis

E

e: without

EBL: estimated blood loss

EBM: evidence based medicine

EBV: Epstein-Barr virus

EC: enterically coated

ECF: extended care facility, extracellular fluid

ECG: electrocardiogram

ECHO: enterocytopathogenic human orphan virus

E.coli: Escherichia coli

ECS: endocervical scrape

ECT: electroconvulsive

ED: emergency department

EDC: estimated date of confinement

EDOD: estimated date of delivery

EDRF: endothelium-derived relaxing factor

EEG: electroencephalogram

EENT: eyes, ears, nose, throat

EEX: electrodiagnosis

EGA: estimated gestational age

EGF: epidermal growth factor

EGD: esophago- gastroduodenoscopy

EKG: electrocardiogram

elev.: elevated

ELF: elective low forceps

ELISA: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

EmBx: endometrial biopsy

EMC: encephalomyocarditis

EMG: electromyogram

EMS: endometrial scrape, emergency medical service

EMSU: early morning specimen of urine

En.: enema

ENT: ears, nose, throat

Eoc.: eosinophiles

EOM: extraocular movement

Epis.: episiotomy

Epis.LML: left mediolateral episiotomy

Epis.: Med. medial episiotomy

Epis.: RML right mediolateral episiotomy

EPS: extrapyramidal side effects

ERCP: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

ERT: estrogen replacement therapy

ESR: erythrocyte sedimentation rate

EST: electroshock therapy

ETIOL.: etiology

ETOH: ethanol

EUA: examine under anesthesia

EUS: endoscopic ultrasonography

EVAL: evaluation

ex.: exercise, example

expir: expiration, expiratory

Exp.: Lap exploratory laparotomy

ext.: extremities, external

ext.: gen. external genitalia

F

F: finger, female, Fahrenheit

FA: fluorescent antibody

F.A.: first aid

F.B.: foreign body

FBC: full blood count

FBS: fasting blood sugar

FD: fully dilated

FDA: Food and Drug Administration

FDP: flexor digitorum profundus

Fe: def. iron deficiency

FEF: forced expiratory flow

FEKG: fetal electrocardiogram

fem.: femoral

fem.: pop. femoral popliteal

fet.: fetal

FEV: forced expiratory volume

f.f.: force fluid

FFP: fresh frozen plasma

fh: fundal height

FH: family history, fetal heart

FHR: fetal heart rate

FHR-UC: fetal heart rate- uterine contraction

FHT: fetal heart tones

FGR: fetal growth restriction

FiO2: faction of inspired oxygen concentration

fl.: fluids

flac.: flaccid

flex.: flexor, flexion

fl.: oz. fluid ounce

FM: finger movement

FNA: fine needle aspiration

FPAL: full term premature abortion living

fract.: fractional

FRC: functional residual capacity

FS: finger stick

FSGN: focal segmental glomerulonephritis

FSH: follicle stimulating hormone

FTA:fluorescent treponemal antibody

FT: full term

FTD: failure to descend

FTND: full term normal delivery

FTT: failure to thrive

FUB: functional uterine bleeding

F/U,F-U,F.U.: follow-up

FUO: fever of unknown origin

FVC: forced vital capacity

FW: fetal weight

Fx: fracture

fxn: function

G

G: gravida

G6PD: glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase

G.A.: general anesthesia

GB: gallbladder

GBM: glomerular basement membranes

GBS: gallbladder series

G.C.: gonococcus

GCA: giant cell arthritis

GCS: Glasgow Coma Scale

GE: Gastroenterology

G/E: gastroenteritis

GERD:Gastroesphageal Reflux Disease

gen,: genl. general

gest.: gestation

GFR: glomerular filtration rate

GGTP: gammaglutamyl transpeptidase

G.H.: growth hormone

G.I.: gastrointestinal

gluc: glucose

gm: gram

Gm+: gram positive

Gm-: gram negative

gm.%: grams per 100 c.c.

GMA: grand mal attack

GNC: general nursing care

GNR: gram-negative rod

GnRH: gonadortopin-releasing hormone

GP: General Practitioner, general paralysis

gr.: grain, grains (dosage)

Grav.: pregnancy

gt.: drop

Gt.tr.: gait training

gtts.: drops

GSW: gunshot wound

GTN: glyceryl trinitrate

GTT: glucose tolerance test

GU: genitourinary

GVH: graft-versus-host

G/W: glucose and water

GYN: Gynecology

H

h: hour

5HIAA: 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid

βHCG: Beta human chronic gonadotrophin

H2O: water

H: hydrogen history, hour, hypodermic

H/A: headache

HAF: hyperalimentation fluid

HASCVD: hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Hb.,Hgb: hemoglobin

HB: heart block

HBa1c: glycohemoglobin

HBP: high blood pressure

HC: head circumference

H&C: hot and cold

HCG: human chorionic gonadotropin

HCO3: bicarbonate

Hct.: hematocrit

HCVD: hypertensive cardiovascular disease

h.d.: at bedtime

Hd: head, Hodgkin’s disease

HDl: high density lipids

HEENT: head, eyes, ears, nose, throat

hern.: hernia

Hem: Hematology

Hem: Pro hematology profile

Hep.: Lock Heparin lock

HGO: hepatic glucose output

HH: hard of hearing

HIDA(scan): hepatobiliary scan

HIE: hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy

hist.: history, histology

HIT: heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

HIV: human immunodificiency virus

HKAFO: hip knee ankle foot orthosis

HLA: human leukocyte group A,histocompatibility leukocyte focus

HM: hand movement

HMD: hyaline membrane disease

HMG: human menopausal gonadotropin

HNP: herniated nucleus pulposus

h/o: history of

H.O.: house officer

HOB: head of bed

HOCM:hypotrophic cardiomyopathy

horiz.: horizontal

H&P: history and physical

hpf: high power field

HPI: history of present illness

HPL: human placental lactogen

HPV: human papilloma virus

HR: heart rate

H.R.S.T.: heat, reddening, swelling, tenderness

HRT: hormone replacement therapy

HS: bedtime

HSG: hysterosalpingography

HSP: henoch-schonlein syndrome

H2O2: hydrogen peroxide

Ht: height, heart

HTLV: human t cell lymphotropic virus

HTN:hypertension

HUS: hemolytic uremic syndrome

HVD: hypertensive vascular disease

Hx: history

Hyperal.: hyperalimenation

Hz: hertz (cycles/second)

HZV: herpes zoster virus

I

I: radioactive iodine

IA: intra-arterially

IABP: intra-aortic balloon pump

IBD: inflammatory bowel disease

IBS: irritable bowel syndrome

i.c.: intracutaneous(ly)

ICCU: intensive coronary care unit

ICD: implantable cardic defribrillator

ICF: intracellular fluid

ICP: intracranial pressure

ICS: intercostal space

ICT: insulin coma therapy

ICU: intensive care unit

i.d.: during the day

ID: intradermal, identification, Infectious Disease

I&D: incision and drainage

IDDM: insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

I/E: inspiratory, expiratory

IFG: impared fasting glucose

Ig: immunoglobulin

IGA: immunoglobulin A

IGE: immunoglobulin E

IGF-1: insulin growth factor-1

IGG: immunoglobulin gamma G(Globulin)

IGM: immunoglobulin M

IH: infectious hepatitis

IHD: ischemic heart disease

IJ: intrajugular

IM: intramuscular, intramedullary

IMCU: intermediate medical care unit

imp.: impression

IMP: inpatient multidimensional

psych: scale

IMV: intermittent mandatory ventilation

In.: inches

Inc.: AB incomplete abortion

incr.: increased (ing)

Inev.: AB inevitable abortion

inf: infusion, inferior

INH: isoniazid

inj: injured, injection

INR: coagulant response time, international normalized ratio

inspir: inspiration, inspiratory

int.: internal

INTHC: intrathecally

IO: inferior oblique

I&O: intake and output

IOP: intraocular pressure

IP: intraperitoneal

IPJ: interphalangeal joint

IPPB: intermittent positive pressure breathing

IQ: intelligence quota

IRA:Infarct-related artery

IRA-ST:Infarct-related artery stent thrombosis

IRDS: idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome

irreg.: Irregular

IS: intercostal space

IST: insulin shock therapy

ITP: idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

I,U.,: IU International Unit

IUC: intrauterine catheter

IUCP: intrauterine contraceptive device

IUD: intrauterine device

IUFD: intrauterine fetal death

IUGR: intrauterine growth retardation

IUP: intrauterine pregnancy

IUTP: intrauterine term pregnancy

IV: intravenous(ly)

IVC: inferior vena cava, intravenous cholangiogram

IVD: intervertebral disc

IVIG: intravenous immunoglobulin

IVP: intravenous pyelogram

IVPB: intravenous piggy back

IVU: intravenous urogram

J

J: joint

J-P: Jackson Pratt drain

JVD: jugular venous distension

JRA: juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

jt.: joint

JVP: jugular venous pulse

K

K: potassium, kidney

KC1: potassium chloride

Kcal.: Kilocalorie, calorie

Kg.,kg. : kilogram

KJ,: K-J knee jerk

KK: knee kick

KOH: potassium hydroxide

KS 17: keto steroids

KUB: kidney, ureter, bladder (x-rays)

KVO: keep vein open

L

L: left, liver, liter, lower, light, lumbar

L2,L3: second, third lumbar vertebrae

LA: left antrum

lab.: laboratory

lac.: laceration

lacr.: lacrimal

lact.: lactic

LAD: left anterior descending coronary artery

L&D: labor and delivery

LAE: left atrial enlargement

lam.: laminectomy

lap.: laparotomy

lat.: lateral

LAVH: laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy

lax: laxative

lb.: pound

LB: large bowel

LBBB: left bundle branch block

LBP: lower back pain

LBW: low birth weight

LCA: left coronary artery

LCL: lateral collateral ligament

LCV: leukocytoclastic vasculitis

L.D.: lethal dose

LDH: lactic dehydrogenase

LDL: low density lipids

LE: lupus erythematosus

L.E.: lower extremities

leuc.: leukocytes

LES: lower esophageal sphinchter

LF: low forceps, low flap

LFA: left frontoanterior

LFD: low forceps delivery

LFP: left frontoposterior

LFT: left frontotransverse, liver function test

lg: large, leg

LGA: large for gestational age

LGV: lymphogranuloma venereum

LH: luteinizing hormone, lactate dehydrogenase

LHT: left hypertrophia

LICS: left intercostal space

lig.: ligament

LIH: left inguinal hernia

liq.: liquid

LKS: liver, kidneys, spleen

LL: lower lid

LLE: left lower extremity

LLG: left lateral gaze

LLL: left lower lobe

LLQ: left lower quadrant

LMA: left mentoanterior

LMD: family doctor

l/min: liter per minute

LML: left mediolateral

LMP: left mentoposterior, last menstrual period

LMT: left mentotransverse

L.N.: lymph node

LNMP: last normal menstrual period

LOA: left occiput anterior

L.O.C.: loss of consciousness,

level: of consciousness,laxative of choice

LOM: left otitis media

LOP: left occipital posterior

LOS: length of stay

LOT: left occiput anterior

LP: lumbar puncture, light perception

lpf: low power field

LPN: licensed practical nurse

LR: labor room, lateral rectus, light reflex

LRQ: lower right quadrant

Ls.: loose

L.S.: lumbosacral

LSA: lateral sacrum anterior

LSB: left sternal border

LSCS: lower segment Cesarean section

LSD: lysergic acid diethylamide

LSK: liver, spleen, kidneys

LSO: left salpingo-oophorectomy

LSP: left sacrum posterior

LST: left sacrum transverse

Lt.: left, light

LTCS: low transverse Cesarean section

LUE: left upper extremity

LUL: left upper lobe

LUQ: left upper quadrant

LV: left ventricle

LVEDP: left ventricular end diastolic pressure

LVF: left ventricular failure

LVH: left ventricular hypertrophy

L: & W living and well

LWCT: Lee-White Clotting Time, coagulation time

Lymphs: lymphocytes

lytes: electrolytes

M

m.: minim

m,M: married, male, mother murmur, meter, mass, molar

MA: mental age

'MACE:Major adverse cardiac events

macro.: macrocytic, macroscopic

MAHA: microangiopathic hemolytic anemia

MAO: monoamine oxidase

MAP: mean arterial pressure

MAT: multifocal atrial tachycardia

max.: maximum, maxillary

MBC: maximum breathing capacity

mcg.: microgram

MCH: mean corpuscular hemoglobin

MCHC: mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration

MCL: midclavicular line

MCP: metacarpophalangeal joint

MCV: mean corpuscular volume

MD: muscular dystrophy

MDI: metered dose inhaler

Mdnt.: midnight

MDS: mylodysplastic syndrome

ME: middle ear, medical examiner

MEC: medical emergency clinic

Med.: medicine

MEN: multiple endocrine neoplasia

MEq./L: milliequivalents per liter

Mets.: metastasis

mg.: milligram

Mg.: magnesium

MG: myasthenia gravis

mg/dl: milligrams per deciliter

mg.%: milligrams per 100 cc

m.g.r.: murmurs, gallops, or rubs

MGUS: monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance

MH: marital history

MI: myocardial infarction, mitral insufficiency

micro: microcytic, microscopic

MICU: medical intensive care unit

min: minute

Mitr.I: mitral insufficiency

ml.: milliliter

MLF: medial longitudinal fasciculus

mm: millimeter

mm.: muscles

MM: mucous membrane

MMPI: Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory

Mn.: manganese, midnight

mod: moderate

MOM: milk of magnesia

mono.: monocyte

MP: metacarpophalangea, metacarpophalangeal

MPA: malpractice attorney

MPTP: 1-methyl-4-phenyl--1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine

MR: medial rectus, mental retardation, mitral regurgitation

MRA: magnetic resonance angiogram

MRCP: magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography

MRI: magnetic resonance imaging

MRM: modified radical mastectomy

MRV: magnetic resonance imaging

ms: mitral stenosis

Ms: murmurs

MS: mitral stenosis, multiple sclerosis, morphine sulfate

MSL: midsternal line

mss: massage

MSU: midstream specimen of urine

MT: metacarpophalangeal (joint)

MTP: metatarsophalangeal

MTX: methotrexate

M.T.: muscles and tendons

MVA: motor vehicle accident

MVP: mitral valve prolapse

MVR: mitral valve replacement

MW: maximum voluntary ventilation

N

n.: nerve

N2: nitrogen

N2O: nitrous oxide (anesthetic)

Na: sodium

NaCl: sodium chloride

NAD: no apparent distress

NASH: nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

nb: note well

NB: newborn

NBM: nothing by mouth

NBS: normal bowel sounds, normal breath sounds

NBT: nitroblue tetrazolium

NCT: nerve conduction test

NED: no evidence of disease

neg.: negative

NER: no evidence of recurrence

NERD: no evidence of recurrent disease

Neur.: Neurology

NG: nasogastric tube

NI: no insurance

NIC: neonatal intensive care

NICU: neonatal intensive care unit

NIDDM: noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus

NKA: no known allergies

nl: total neutral lipids

NM: neuromuscular

NMR: nuclear magnetic resonance

noct.: nocturnal

NOS: not otherwise specified

NP: neuropsychiatric

N.P.: Neuropsychiatry

NPH: NPH insulin (Neutral Protamine Zinc), normal pressure hydrocephalus

NPN: nonprotein nitrogen

NPO: nothing by mouth

NPR: normal pressure hydrocephalus

Ns.: nerves

N.S.: nervous system

NSA: no significant abnormality

NSAID: nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drug

NSD: normal spontaneous delivery

NSR: normal sinus rhythm

NSS: normal saline solution (.09% NaCl)

NST: non-stress test

NSTEMI: Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction

N&V: nausea and vomiting

NS: Neurosurgery

NSVD: normal spontaneous vaginal delivery

NTG: nitroglycerine

NTP: normal temperature and pressure

nullip: never gave birth

NVD: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

N&W: normal and well

NWB: non-weight bearing

NYD: not yet diagnosed

O

o: none, without

O: oral

O2: oxygen

O2: cap. oxygen capacity

O2: sat. oxygen saturation

OA: osteoarthritis

OB,: OBG Obstetrics

OB/GYN: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Obs: observation

OBS: organic brain syndrome

OCC.: occipital, occasional

OCD: obsessive-conpulsive disorder, osteochrondritis dissecans

OCP: oral contraceptive pill

OD: right eye

O/E: on examination

OE: otitis externa

OGD: oesophago-gastric-dudenoscopy

OH: occupational history

17: OH 17 hydroxy steroid

OHD: organic heart disease

oint.: ointment

O.M.: otitis media

OMS: organic mental syndrome

OOB: out of bed

Op.: operation

OPC: outpatient clinic

OPD: outpatient department

Ophth.: Ophthalmology

OR: operating room, open reduction

OR-IF: open reduction with internal fixation

ORT: operating room technician

Ortho.: Orthopaedic Surgery

os: opening, mouth, bone

OS: left eye

OSM: osmolality

ot.: ear

Oto: Otolaryngology

OTC: over-the-counter (pharmaceuticals)

O.T.: occupational therapy, old tuberculin

OU: both eyes

OV: office visit

oz.: ounce

P

P: after, phosphorus pulse

P2: pulmonic second heart sound

PA: physician’s assistant, pulmonary artery

P-A: posteroanterior

p & a: percussion and auscultation

PAC: premature atrial, auricular contraction

PaCO2: arterial carbon dioxide tension pressure

PACU: post anesthesia care unit

PAF: paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

palp.: palpate, palpated, palpable

PAN: Polyarteritis Nodosa

PaO2: alveolar oxygen pressure

Pap: Papanicolaou test (pap smear)

Para: prior births, paraplegic

PARU: post anesthesia recovery unit

PAS: pulmonary artery systolic pressure, periodic acid schiff

PAT: pregnancy at term, paroxysm atrial tachycardia

Path.: Pathology

PA: view posterioranterior view on x-ray

Pb: lead

PB: peripheral blood

PBI: protein bound iodine

p/c.,p.c.: after meals

PCL: posterior cruciate ligament

PCOS: polycystic ovarian syndrome

PCO2: carbon dioxide concentration

PCP: Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, primary care physician, phencyclidine

PCT: prophyria cutanea tarda

PCV: packed cell volume (of blood)

PCWP: pulmonary capillary wedge pressure

PD: pupillary distance, peritoneal dialysis

PDA: patent ductus arteriosus

pdr.: powder

PDR: Physician’s Desk Reference

PDN: private duty nurse

PE: physical examination, pulmonary embolism

Ped.: Pediatrics

PEEP: positive end expiratory pressure

PEG: pneumoencephalogram

PEN: Penicillin

PERRLA: pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation (normal)

PES:Paclitaxel eluting stent/s

PET: positron emission tomography

PF: push fluids

PFC: persistent fetal circulation

PFT: pulmonary function test

pH: hydrogen ion concentration

PH: past history

pharm: pharmacy

PHYS.: physical, physiology

PI: present illness, pulmonary insufficiency

PICA: posterior inferior coronary artery

PICU: pulmonary intensive care unit

PID: pelvic inflammatory disease

PIP: proximal interphalangeal

Pit.: Pitocin

PKU: phenylkentonuria

Plac.: placenta

plts.: platelets

PM: petit mal

P.M.: afternoon, post-mortem

PMH: past medical history

PMI: point of maximal impulse

PMLE: polymorphous light eruption

PMN: polymorphonuclear (leukocytes)

PM&R: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

PN: poorly nourished, practical nurse

P&N: Psychiatry and Neurology

PNC: prenatal clinic, premature nodal contraction

PND: paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, post nasal drip

PNS: peripheral nervous system

pneu.: pneumo, pneumonia

PNI: peripheral nerve injury

PNX: pneumothorax

p.o.: by mouth

PO2: oxygen pressure (or tension)

POC: product of conception

p.o.d.: postoperative day

polys: polymorphonuclear leukocytes

POMR: problem oriented medical record

poplit.: popliteal

pos.: positive

post.: posterior

POSTOP.: postoperative

Posm: plasma osmolality

pot.: or potass. potassium

pp: post partum, post prandial

PPBS: post prandial blood sugar

PPD: purified protein derivative

PPF: protein plasma fractional

PPH: post partum hemorrhage

PPI: proton pump inhibitor

ppm: parts per million

PPPG: post prandial plasma glucose

p.r.: per rectum

PR: Proctology, pityriasis rosea

PRBC: packed red blood cells

PRE: progressive resistive exercise

prem: premature

pre-op: preoperative

prep.: prepare for

primip.: first pregnancy

PRL: Prolactin

PRP: pitriasis rubra pilaris

p.r.m.: according to circumstances

p.r.n.,: PRN as often as necessary

prod.: productive

Prog.: prognosis

PROM: passive range of motion, premature rupture of membranes

pron.: pronator, pronation

pros.: prostate, prostatic

prosth.: prosthesis

prot.: protein, Protestant

pro.time: prothrombin time

PS: pulmonary stenosis, psychotic, Plastic Surgery

PSA: prostate specific antigen

PSH: past surgical history

psi: pounds per square inch

PSMA: progressive spinal muscular atrophy

Psych.: Psychiatry

pt.,Pt.: patient

PT: physical therapy, prothrombin time

P.T.: physical therapy, posterior tibial artery pulse

PTA: prior to admission, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty

PTB: patellar tendon bearing

PTC: percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography

PTCA: percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (balloon angioplasty)

PTH: parathyroid hormone

PTT: partial thromboplastin time

PTU: propylthiouracil

PU: pregnancy urine

PUD: peptic ulcer disease

PUPPP: pruritic urticarial papules & plaques of pregnancy

PUVA: psoralen with ultraviolet a phototherapy

PV: plasma volume, peripheral vascular, per vaginam

PVC: premature ventricular contraction

PVD: peripheral vascular disease

PVR: pulmonary vascular resistance

PVRI: pulmonary vascular resistance index

PVT: previous trouble

PWB%: partial weight bearing with percent

Px,: PX physical examination

Q

q: every

q.d.: every day

q.h.: every hour

q2H: every two hours

q4H: every four hours

q.i.d.: four times a day

q.i.w.: four times a week

q.l.: as much as desired

qn, q.n.: every night

q.n.s.,QNS: quantity not sufficient

q.o.d.: every other day

QOL: quality of life

q.o.n.: every other night

q.p.: as much as you please

q.q.,Q.Q.: each, every

q.q.h.: every four hours

q.s.: quantity, sufficient

qt.: quart

qts.: drops

quad.: quadriplegic

quant.: quantitative or quantity

q.v.: as much as you wish

q.w.: every week

R

r.,R: right, rectal, roentgen, x-ray

R.: rub, rectal temperature

Ra: radium

RA: rheumatoid arthritis, right atrium

rad.: radial

RAI: radioactive iodine

RAIU: radioactive iodine uptake

r.a.m.: rapid alternating movements

R.A.S.: right arm sitting

RAST: radioallergen sorbine test

RAtx: radiation therapy

RBBB: right bundle branch block

rbc/RBC: red blood cell, red blood count

RCA: right coronary artery

RCS: reticulum cell sarcoma

RCT: randomized controlled trial

RCU: respiratory care unit

RD: respiratory distress, reaction to degeneration

RDS: respiratory distress syndrome

RDW: red cell distribution width

RE: reconditioning exercise

rect.: rectum, rectal (ly), rectus muscle

reg.: regular

rehab.: rehabilitation

REM: rapid eye movement

resp.: respiratory, respirations

RF: rheumatic fever, rheumatoid factor

RFA: right frontoanterior

RFP: right frontoposterior

RFT: right frontotransverse

Rh,: Rh. rhesus blood factor

RH: right hyperphoria

RHD: rheumatic heart disease

RHF: right heart failure

RHT: right hypertrophia

RIH: right inguinal hernia

RIND: reversible ischemic neurologic deficits

RLA: Rancho Los Amigo Scale

R to L&A : react to light and accommodation

RLE: right lower extremity

RLF: retrolental fibroplasia

RLL: right lower lobe

RLQ: right lower quadrant

RLS: restless leg syndrome

RMA: right mentoanterior

RML: right mediolateral,

right: middle lobe

RMP: right mentoposterior

RMSF: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

RMT: right mentotransverse

RNA: ribonucleic acid

RO,R/O: rule out

ROA: right occipital anterior

ROM: range of motion, rupture of membranes,right otitis media

ROP: right occipital posterior

ROS: review of systems

ROT: right occipital transverse

RP: retrograde pyelogram

RPR: rapid plasma reagin

RQ: respiratory quotient

RR: recovery room

RRE, RR&E: round, regular, and equal

RSO: right salpingo-oophorectomy

RSA: right sacrum anterior

RSD: reflex sympathetic dystrophy

RSP: right sacrum posterior

RSR: regular sinus rhythm

RST: right sacrum transverse

RSV: respiratory syncytial virus

Rt.: right

RT: radiation therapy, respiratory therapy

RTC: return to clinic

RUC: regular uterine contraction

RUE: right upper extremity

RUL: right upper lobe

RUQ: right upper quadrant

RV: residual volume, right ventricular

RVH: right ventricular hypertrophy

Rx: therapy, prescription

S

s: without

S: sensation, sensitive, serum

S1: first heart sound

S2: second heart sound

S3: third heart sound

S4: fourth heart sound

Sa.: Saline

S&A: sugar and acetone

SAH: systemic arterial hypertension, subarachnoid hemmorage

SaO2: arterial oxygen saturation

SB: stillborn

SBE: subacute bacterial endocarditis

SBFT: small bowel follow through (x-ray)

SBO: small bowel obstruction

SBP: spontaneous bacterial peritonitis,systolic blood pressure

s.c.: subcutaneous(ly)

SC: sickle cell

SCA: spinocerebellar ataxia

SCC: sickle cell crisis

SCD: sudden cardiac death

schiz: schizophrenia

SCIWORA: spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality

SCU: special care unit

SDH: subdural hematoma

s/e: side effect

sec: second

sed.: rate erythrocyte sedimentation rate

sem.: ves seminal vesicles

Sens.: sensory, sensation

SES: Sirolimus eluting stent/s

sep.: separated

Sept.: AB septic abortion

Serol.: serology, serological test

SGA: small for gestational age

s.gl.: without correction (without glasses)

SGOT,SGO-T: serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase

SH: social history, serum hepatitis

SI: sacroiliac joint, stroke index

SIADH: syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone Secretion

sib.: sibling

SICU: surgical intensive care unit

SIDS: sudden infant death syndrome

SJS: stevens johnson syndrome

skel.: skeletal

Sl.: slightly

SL: under the tongue

SLE: systemic lupus erythematosus

SLR: straight leg raising

sm: small

SMA-14: routine admission chemistry

SNS: sympathetic nervous system

SO: superior oblique

SO4: sulfate

S.O.A.P.: subjective, objective assessment plan

SOB: shortness of breath

sod.: sodium

Sol.: solution

sono.: sonogram

S.O.S.: repeat once if urgent

sp.: spine, spinal

S/P: status post (previous condition)

sp.cd.: spinal cord

spec.: specimen

SPEP: serum protein electrophoresis

sp.fl.: spinal fluid

spg.: sponge

sp.gr: specific gravity

sp&H: speech and hearing

spin.: spine, spinal

spont.: spontaneous

SQ: subcutaneous

SR: system review, superior rectus muscle,sedimentation rate, stimulus response

SROM: spontaneous rupture of membranes

S/S: signs and symptoms

SS: social service

SSE: soap suds enema

SSRI: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

SSS: sick sinus syndrome

st: stage (of disease)

st.: stomach

ST: Stent thrombosis

Staph,: Staph. staphylococcus

stat.,STAT: immediately

STD: sexually transmitted disease

STEMI:ST - segment elevation myocardial infarction

stom,st.: stomach

strep.: streptococcus

S.T.S.: serological test for syphilis

subcut.: subcutaneous

subling.: sublingual

sulf.: sulfate

sup.: superior

supin.: supination

supp: suppository

surg.: surgery, surgical

SVC: superior vena cava

SVD: spontaneous vaginaldelivery

SVR: systemic vascular resistance

SVT: supra ventricular tachycardia

SWD: short wave diathermy

Sx: symptoms

sys.: system

syst.: systolic

T

T3: triodothyronine

T4: total serum thyroxine

TA: tendon Achilles, temporal artery

T&A: tonsils and adenoids, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy

T&C: type and crossmatch

tab.: tablet

TAB: therapeutic abortion

TAH: total abdominal hysterectomy

TAO: thyroid-associated orbitopathy

T.A.T.: tetanus antitoxin

TB: tuberculosis

TBI: total body irradiation

TBLC: term birth living child

tbsp.: tablespoon

TCA: tricyclic antidepressants

TCDB: turn, cough, deep breathe

TEE: transesophageal echocardiography

temp: temperature

TEN: toxic epidermal necrolysis

TENS: transient electric nerve stimulation

TESD: total end systolic diameter

T.F.: tuning fork

T of F: tetralogy of Fallot

TFT: thyroid function test

TGA: transposition great vessels

THERAP.: therapy,therapeutic

thor.: thorax, thoracic

THR: total hip replacement

TI: tricuspid insufficiency

TIA: transient ischemic shock, transient ischemic attack

TIBC: total iron binding capacity

t.i.d.: three times a day

TIP: terminal interphalangeal (joint)

TIPS: transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

TIUP: term intrauterine pregnancy

t.i.w.: three times per week

TJ: triceps reflex

TKR: total knee replacement

TLC: tender loving care, total lung capacity

TLR:Target lesion revascularization

T.M.: tympanum membrani (ear drum)

TMP/SMX: trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

TMJ: temporomandibular joint dysfunction

TNF: tumor necrosis factor

TNI: total nodal irradiation

TNM: tumor, nodes, and metastases

TO: telephone order

TOA: tubo-ovarian abscess

to: AA to affected areas

T,OD: tension, right eye

TORCH: (titer) toxoplamosis others (hepatitis, beta strep, flu, mumps, etc.) rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV),herpes virus II

TP: term pregnancy

TPA: thrombo proteolytic activity

TPN: total parenteral nutrition

TPR: temperature, pulse, respiration

tr: trace

trach: tracheostomy

TS: tricuspid stenosis

TSH: thyroid stimulating hormone

tsp.: teaspoon

TSS: toxic shock syndrome

T,T.: temperature, thoracic

TT: thormbin time

TTKG: transtubular potassium gradient (in k)

TTI: total thromboplastin index

TTP: thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura

T-Tube: cholangiogram

TUR: transurethral resection

TURB: transurethral resection of the bladder

TURP: transurethral resection of the prostate

TV: tidal volume

TVH: total vaginal hysterectomy

TVR: tricuspid valve replacement

TVR:Target vessel revasculrization

Tx: treatment, traction

U

U.: unit

U&Es: urea and electrolytes

U/A: urinalysis

UC: uterine contractions, ulcerative colitis

UCD: usual childhood diseases

UCG: urinary chorionic gonadotropin

UCHD: usual childhood diseases

UG: upward gaze

UGI: upper gastrointestinal series (x-rays),

UOP: urine output

Uosm: urine osmolality

UPEP: urine protein electrophoresis

upper: gastrointestinal tract

UL: upper lid

uln: ulnar

ULQ: upper left quadrant

ung.: ointment

unilat.: unilateral

u/o: under observation for, urine output

Ur.: urine

URD: upper respiratory disease

URI: upper respiratory infection

Urol.: Urology

URQ: upper right quadrant

u/s,: US ultrasound

USI: urinary stress incontinence

USN: ultrasonic nebulizer

USP.: United States Pharmacy

USPHA: United States Public Health Administration

ut.: uterus, uterine

UTI: urinary tract infection

UVA: ultraviolet A

UVB: ultraviolet B

UVL: ultraviolet light

V

V: vein

VA: visual acuity

vag: vagina, vaginal

VC,: (vit.cap) vital capacity

VCS: vasoconstrictor substance

VCUG: voiding cystourethrogram

Vd: void

VD: venereal disease

VDRL: blood test for syphilis

vent.: ventilator

VEP: visual evoked potential

vert.: vertical

VF: visual fields, ventricular fibrillation

Vfib: ventricular fibrillation

VG: vein graft

VHD: valvular heart disease

VI: volume index

V.I.: vaginal irrigation

Via: by way of

VIP: vasoactive intestinal polypeptide

VIPS: voluntary interruption of pregnancy and sterilization service

vit.: vitamin

VLDL: very low density lipoproteins

VM: vestibular membrane

VMA: vanillylmandelic acid

VN: visiting nurse

VO: verbal order

VOD: vision right eye

vol: volume

VOS: vision left eye

VP: venous pressure

VPC: ventricular premature contraction

V/Q: ventilation and quantitative scan, ventilation/perfusion ratio

VS,V.S.: vital signs

VSA: vital signs absent

VSD: ventricular septal defect

VSS: vital signs stable

VT,V Tach : ventricular tachycardia

V & T: volume and tension (pulse)

VTX: vertex

Vx.: vertex presentation

VZV: varicella-zoster virus

W

W: widowed, white

W/A: while awake

Wass.: Wasserman

WB: whole blood

wbc,: WBC white blood cells, white blood count

W/C,: wh.ch. wheelchair

WBT: weight bearing to tolerance

WDWN: well developed, well nourished

WE: wide excision

WF: white female

WHR: waist-to-hip ratio

wk: week

WM: white male

w/n: within

WN: well nourished

WNL: within normal limits

WP: whirlpool

WPW: wolff-parkinson-white syndrome

wt.: weight

w/u: workup

X

x: times

X: exophoria distance

XRT: radiotherapy

XT: exotrophia distance

Y

y.o.: years old

yrs.: years

References

1. isbn=140510368X Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:x-xii
2. isbn=0443100616 Lim, Eric, Raftery, Andrew T. Differential Diagnosis, 2nd Edition. London, England: Elsevier Publishing, 2005:vii-ix

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