This list provides of what you need to know about acronyms and abbreviations used in charting, verbal directives, and study guides.
| a | Before (ante) |
| Ab | Antibody/ Abortion |
| Abd | Abdomen/Abdominal |
| ABG | Arterial blood gas |
| ac | Before meals (ante cibum) |
| ACTH | Adrenocorticotropic hormone |
| ad lib | As much as desired (ad libitum) |
| ADLs | Activities of daily living |
| AFB | Acid-fast bacillus |
| Afib | Atrial fibrillation |
| Aflutter | Atrial flutter |
| AFP | Alpha-fetoprotein |
| AG | Antigen |
| AGA | Average for gestational age |
| AGE | Acute gastroenteritis |
| AIDS | Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome |
| AK (or AKA) | Above-the-knee (amputation) |
| ALL | Acute lymphocytic (lymphoblastic) leukemia |
| AMA | Against medical advice |
| AML | Acute myelogenous leukemia |
| ANP | Adult Nurse Practitioner |
| A&O x3 | Alert, oriented to person, place, time |
| AP | Anteroposterior/Alkaline phosphatase |
| aPPT | Activated partial thromboplastin time |
| APSGN | Acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis |
| ARC | AIDS-related complex |
| ARDS | Adult respiratory distress syndrome |
| ARF | Acute renal failure |
| AROM | Artificial rupture of membranes |
| ASA | Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) |
| ASAP | As soon as possible |
| ASD | Atrial septal defect |
| AV | Atrioventricular/Arteriovenous/Aortic valve |
| AVB | Atrioventricular block |
| AVM | Arteriovenous malformation |
| BBT | Basal body temperature |
| bid | Twice daily (bis in die) |
| BK(or BKA) | Below-the-knee (amputation) |
| BM | Bowel movement/Bone marrow |
| BMI | Body mass index |
| BOM | Bilateral otitis media |
| BMR | Basal metabolic rate |
| BMT | Bone marrow transplant |
| BP | Blood pressure |
| BPD | Bronchopulmonary dysplasia |
| BPH | Benign prostatic hyperplasia |
| bpm | Beats per minute |
| BPP | Biophysical profile |
| BRP | Bathroom privileges |
| BSE | Breast self-examination |
| BUN | Blood urea nitrogen |
| c | With (cum) |
| CA | Carcinoma/Cancer |
| CABG | Coronary artery bypass graft operation (X1, 2, 3,4 = number of grafts) |
| CAD | Coronary artery disease |
| CBC | Complete blood count |
| CC | Chief complaint |
| cc | Cubic centimeter |
| ecu | Cardiac (intensive) care unit |
| CF | Cystic fibrosis |
| CHD | Congenital heart disease |
| CHF | Congestive heart failure |
| CMV | Cytomegalovirus |
| CNS | Central nervous system/Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus |
| c/o | Complains of |
| COPD | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
| CPD | Cephalopelvic disproportion |
| CPK | Creatine phosphokinase (now creatine kinase [CK]) |
| CPR | Cardiopulmonary resuscitation |
| CRF | Chronic renal failure/Cardiac risk factors |
| CRP | C-reactive protein |
| CSF | Cerebrospinal fluid |
| CST | Contraction stress test |
| CT | Computerized tomography |
| CVA | Cerebrovascular accident/Costovertebral angle |
| CVP | Central venous pressure |
| Δ | Change (Greek letter delta) |
| D/C | Discharge/Discontinue |
| D&C | Dilation and curettage |
| DDH | Developmental dysplasia of the hip |
| D&E | Dilation and evacuation |
| DI | Diabetes insipidus |
| DIC | Disseminated intravascular coagulation |
| Dig | Digitalis |
| DKA | Diabetic ketoacidosis |
| DM | Diabetes mellitus |
| DMD | Duchenne muscular dystrophy |
| DNR | Do not resuscitate |
| DOA | Dead on arrival |
| DOB | Date of birth |
| DOE | Dyspnea on exertion |
| DPT | Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus |
| DRG | Diagnosis-related group |
| DTs | Delirium tremens |
| DTR | Deep-tendon reflex |
| DVT | Deep vein thrombosis |
| D5W/D5W | 5% dextrose in water |
| Dx | Diagnosis |
| ECG | Electrocardiogram (purist's version) |
| Echo | Echocardiogram |
| ECMO | Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation |
| ECT | Electroconvulsive therapy |
| ED | Emergency department (commonly called emergency room) |
| EDB | Estimated date of birth |
| EEG | Electroencephalogram |
| EFM | Electronic fetal monitoring |
| EKG | Electrocardiogram (common version) |
| EMG | Electromyogram |
| EMT | Emergency medical technician |
| ENT | Ear, nose, and throat |
| ER | Emergency room |
| ESR | Erythrocyte sedimentation rate |
| ETOH | Alcohol (ethanol) |
| FAS | Fetal alcohol syndrome |
| FBS | Fasting blood sugar |
| FEV1 | Forced expiratory volume in 1 second |
| FHR | Fetal heart rate |
| FNP | Family nurse practitioner |
| FRC | Functional residual capacity |
| FSH | Follicle stimulating hormone |
| FTT | Failure to thrive |
| FUO | Fever of unknown origin |
| FVC | Forced vital capacity |
| Fx | Fracture |
| g | Gram |
| G | Gravida |
| GABS | Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus |
| GB | Gallbladder |
| GBS | Group B streptococcus |
| GBS | Guillain-Barre syndrome |
| GC | Gonococcus/Gonorrhea |
| GER | Gastroesophageal reflux |
| GI | Gastrointestinal |
| gr | Grain |
| GTT | Glucose tolerance test |
| gtt(s) | Drop(s) (guttae) |
| GU | Genitourinary |
| GYN | Gynecological |
| HAV | Hepatitis A virus |
| HBGM | Home blood glucose monitoring |
| HBV | Hepatitis B virus |
| HCG | Human chorionic gonadotropin |
| Hct | Hematocrit |
| HDL | High-density lipoprotein |
| HEENT | Head, eyes, ears, nose, throat |
| Hgb | Hemoglobin |
| HgbAlc | Glycosylated hemoglobin |
| HIB | Haemophilus influenzae type B |
| HIV | Human immunodeficiency virus |
| HMO | Health maintenance organization |
| HOB | Head of bed |
| HPL | Human placental lactogen |
| HPS | Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis |
| HPV | Human papilloma virus |
| HR | Heart rate |
| HRT | Hormone replacement therapy |
| hs | Bedtime (hora somni) |
| HSP | Henoch-Schonlein purpura |
| HSV | Herpes simplex virus |
| HTN | Hypertension |
| Hx | History |
| ICP | Intracranial pressure |
| ICU | Intensive care unit |
| I&D | Incision and drainage |
| IDDM | Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus |
| Ig | Immunoglobulin |
| IM | Intramuscular |
| INH | Isoniazid |
| I&O | Intake and output |
| IPPB | Intermittent positive-pressure breathing |
| IUD | Intrauterine device |
| IV | Intravenous |
| rvc | Inferior vena cava |
| IVP | Intravenous pyelogram/Intravenous push |
| ivh | Intraventricular hemorrhage |
| JCAHO | Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations |
| JRA | Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis |
| KUB | Kidneys, ureters, bladder (flat/upright abdominal x-ray) |
| LGA | Large for gestational age |
| LLL | Left lower (lung) lobe |
| LLQ | Left lower quadrant |
| LMP | Last menstrual period |
| LOC | Loss of consciousness; level of consciousness |
| LPN | Licensed practical nurse |
| LTB | Laryngotracheobronchitis |
| LTE | Life-threatening event |
| LUL | Left upper (lung) lobe |
| LUQ | Left upper quadrant |
| MAP | Mean arterial pressure |
| MCL | Midclavicular line |
| MDI | Metered-dose inhaler |
| Med | Medication |
| MI | Myocardial infarction |
| mL | Milliliter |
| MMR | Measles, mumps, rubella |
| MOM | Milk of magnesia |
| Mono | Mononucleosis |
| MR | Mitral regurgitation/Mental retardation |
| MRI | Magnetic resonance imaging |
| MS | Mental status/Mitral stenosis/Multiple sclerosis/Morphine sulfate |
| NA | Not applicable |
| NEC | Necrotizing enterocolitis |
| NG | Nasogastric |
| NICU | Neonatal intensive care unit |
| NIDDM | Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus |
| NL | Normal |
| NOC | Night (nocturnal) |
| NPH | Neutral-protamine-Hagedorn (intermediate-acting insulin) |
| NPO | Nothing by mouth (nil per os) |
| NS | Normal saline |
| NSAID | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug |
| NSR | Normal sinus rhythm |
| NST | Nonstress test |
| NTG | Nitroglycerin |
| N/V | Nausea, vomiting |
| NVD | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea |
| O2 | Oxygen |
| OB | Obstetrics |
| OD | Right eye (oculus dexter); Overdose |
| OFTT | Organic failure to thrive |
| OOB | Out of bed; out of breath |
| O&P | Ova and parasites |
| OR | Operating room |
| OS | Left eye (oculus sinister) |
| OT | Occupational therapy |
| OU | Both eyes (oculo utro) |
| P | Para/Pulse |
| P | Post (after) |
| PA | Posteroanterior/Physician's assistant/Pulmonary artery |
| PAC | Premature atrial contraction |
| PAF | Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation |
| PAo2 | Alveolar oxygen pressure |
| Pao2 | Arterial partial pressure of oxygen |
| PAS | Para-aminosalicylic acid |
| PAT | Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia |
| pc | After meals (post cibum) |
| PCA | Patient-controlled analgesia (pump); Patient care assistant |
| PCP | Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia/Phencyclidine |
| PDA | Patent ductus arteriosus |
| PE | Pulmonary embolus |
| PEEP | Positive end-expiratory pressure |
| PERRL(A) | Pupils equally round and reactive to light (and accommodation) |
| PICU | Pediatric intensive care unit |
| PID | Pelvic inflammatory disease |
| PIH | Pregnancy-induced hypertension |
| PKU | Phenylketonuria |
| PMI | Point of maximum impulse |
| PMS | Premenstrual syndrome |
| PND | Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea |
| PNP | Pediatric nurse practitioner |
| PO | By mouth (per os) |
| PPD | Purified protein derivative (TB skin test) |
| PPHN | Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn |
| PPO | Preferred provider organization |
| prn | When necessary (pro re nata) |
| PSA | Prostate-specific antigen |
| Pt | Patient |
| PT | Prothrombin time/Physical therapy |
| PTA | Prior to admission |
| PTCA | Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty |
| PTL | Preterm labor |
| PTSD | Posttraumatic stress disorder |
| PTT | Partial thromboplastin time |
| PUD | Peptic ulcer disease |
| PVC | Premature ventricular contraction |
| q | Each, every (quaque) |
| qd | Each day (quaque die) |
| qhs | Every night before sleep (quaque hora somni) |
| qid | Four times a day (quarter in die) |
| qod | Every other day |
| R | Respirations |
| RA | Rheumatoid arthritis/Right atrium |
| RAD | Reactive airway |
| RBC | Red blood cell |
| RDA | Recommended dietary allowances |
| RDS | Respiratory distress syndrome |
| RHD | Rheumatic heart disease |
| RLL | Right lower (lung) lobe |
| RLQ | Right lower quadrant |
| RML | Right middle (lung) lobe |
| R/O | Rule out |
| ROM | Range of motion/Rupture of membranes |
| ROP | Retinopathy of prematurity |
| ROS | Review of systems |
| RSV | Respiratory syncytial virus |
| RUL | Right upper (lung) lobe |
| RUQ | Right upper quadrant |
| Rx | Prescription/Therapy/Treatment |
| s | Without (sine) |
| S1 | First heart sound |
| S2 | Second heart sound |
| S3 | Third heart sound |
| S4 | Fourth heart sound |
| SAB | Spontaneous abortion |
| SBE | Subacute bacterial endocarditis |
| SC | Subcutaneously |
| SCA | Sickle cell anemia |
| SGA | Small for gestational age |
| SIADH | Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone |
| SICU | Surgical intensive care unit |
| SIDS | Sudden infant death syndrome |
| SL | Sublingually |
| SLE | Systemic lupus erythematosus |
| SOB | Short(ness) of breath |
| SQ | Subcutaneously |
| SR | Sinus rhythm |
| SROM | Spontaneous rupture of membranes |
| S/S | Signs, symptoms |
| Stat | Immediately (statim) |
| STD | Sexually transmitted disease |
| SVG | Spontaneous vaginal delivery |
| Sx | Symptoms |
| T | Temperature |
| TAB | Therapeutic abortion |
| TAR | Total all routes (intake) |
| T&A | Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy |
| TB | Tuberculosis |
| TEF | Tracheoesophageal fistula |
| TENS | Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation |
| TIA | Transient ischemic attack |
| TID | Three times a day (ter in die) |
| TKO | To keep open |
| TLC | Total lung capacity/Tender loving care |
| TORCH | Toxoplasmosis, other (hepatitis B, syphilis) rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex 2 |
| TPN | Total parenteral nutrition |
| TPR | Temperature, pulse, respirations |
| TSH | Thyroid-stimulating hormone |
| TSS | Toxic shock syndrome |
| TURP | Transurethral resection of prostate |
| TV | Total volume/Tidal volume |
| Tx | Treatment |
| UA | Urinalysis |
| UAP | Unlicensed assistive personnel |
| UGI | Upper gastrointestinal |
| UQ | Upper quadrant |
| URI | Upper respiratory infection |
| UTI | Urinary tract infection |
| UV | Ultraviolet |
| VBAC | Vaginal birth after cesarean |
| VC | Vital capacity |
| VF,Vfib | Ventricular fibrillation |
| VS | Vital signs |
| VSD | Ventricular septal defect |
| VZV | Varicella-zoster virus |
| WHO | World Health Organization |
| WIC | Women, infants, and children |
| WBC | White blood cell; White blood (cell) count |
| WNL | Within normal limits |
| w/o | Without |