Decoding the Lexicon: Abbreviations and Acronyms in the Vocabulary of Nursing Students
Certainly! Here are some additional alphabetical full forms commonly used by nursing students:
AB – Antibody
AC – Before Meals
AD – Alzheimer’s Disease
AMA – Against Medical Advice
ASAP – As Soon As Possible
BID – Twice a Day (from the Latin “bis in die”)
BM – Bowel Movement
BP – Blood Pressure
BRP – Bathroom Privileges
BS – Blood Sugar
BUN – Blood Urea Nitrogen
C-section – Cesarean Section
CC – Chief Complaint
CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CHF – Congestive Heart Failure
CM – Centimeter
CNS – Central Nervous System
CSF – Cerebrospinal Fluid
CT – Computed Tomography
CXR – Chest X-Ray
DNR – Do Not Resuscitate
DOB – Date of Birth
DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis
EBL – Estimated Blood Loss
ECMO – Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
ER – Emergency Room
FHR – Fetal Heart Rate
Foley – Foley Catheter
GCS – Glasgow Coma Scale
H&P – History and Physical Examination
HCT – Hematocrit
Hgb – Hemoglobin
HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HOH – Hard of Hearing
HR – Heart Rate
HTN – Hypertension
IBW – Ideal Body Weight
ICP – Intracranial Pressure
IM – Intramuscular
I&O – Intake and Output
IVF – In Vitro Fertilization
L&D – Labor and Delivery
LFT – Liver Function Test
LPN – Licensed Practical Nurse
MAS – Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
MI – Myocardial Infarction
MRSA – Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
NICU – Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
NS – Normal Saline
NVD – Normal Vaginal Delivery
O2 – Oxygen
OB/GYN – Obstetrics and Gynecology
OR – Operating Room
OTC – Over-the-Counter
PCA – Patient-Controlled Analgesia
PICC – Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter
PO – By Mouth (from the Latin “per os”)
PRN – As Needed (from the Latin “pro re nata”)
PTT – Partial Thromboplastin Time
ROM – Range of Motion
RR – Respiratory Rate
Rx – Prescription
SOB – Shortness of Breath
TB – Tuberculosis
TID – Three Times a Day (from the Latin “ter in die”)
TPN – Total Parenteral Nutrition
URI – Upper Respiratory Infection
VDRL – Venereal Disease Research Laboratory
WNL – Within Normal Limits
YO – Year Old
Remember that the use of abbreviations and acronyms can vary, so it’s always important to double-check with your instructors or healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and clear communication.
Abbreviations and Acronyms: The Language of Nursing Students in Medical Terminology
