Abbreviations

Fun2, BSN, RN · Dec 24, 2004

what kind of abbreviations?

are you talking about things like:

q = every

PO = per oral (by mouth)

pt. = patient

IM = intramuscular

IV = intravaneous

SubQ = subcutaneous

d = (as in 2 q d) = daily

BID = twice daily (every 12 hours) or q 12 hrs

TID = three times daily (every 8 hours) or q 8 hrs

QID = four times daily (every 6 hours) or q 6 hrs

These are just a few, there are many, and from what I found different Dr.s use different abbreviations.

stephera · Dec 24, 2004

Yes, exactly!! :mad:

what kind of abbreviations?
are you talking about things like:
q = every
PO = per oral (by mouth)
pt. = patient
IM = intramuscular
IV = intravaneous
SubQ = subcutaneous
d = (as in 2 q d) = daily
BID = twice daily (every 12 hours) or q 12 hrs
TID = three times daily (every 8 hours) or q 8 hrs
QID = four times daily (every 6 hours) or q 6 hrs
These are just a few, there are many, and from what I found different Dr.s use different abbreviations.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Dec 24, 2004

OK, here are a couple of more that popped in mind:

NPO = Nothing per oral (as in no food before a procedure)

Hx = History

Dx = Diagnosis

Rx = Reaction or some use as Prescription

qh = every hour

QOD = every other day

also, you can use q6h, q12h to shorten the q __ hrs info I posted earlier

R = Right

L = Left

BP = Blood pressure

I'm sure you can search MSN or yahoo for medical terminology, or medical abbreviations to help you. Like I said, different Dr.s used different terms, so don't get stuck on one specific way. :)

stephera · Dec 24, 2004

That is what I was wondering about different abbreviations for different offices!! I have printed up some. So do I remember both if there is two different ones? Thanks for your reply.

OK, here are a couple of more that popped in mind:
NPO = Nothing per oral (as in no food before a procedure)
Hx = History
Dx = Diagnosis
Rx = Reaction or some use as Prescription
qh = every hour
QOD = every other day
also, you can use q6h, q12h to shorten the every 2 hours info I posted earlier
R = Right
L = Left
BP = Blood pressure
I'm sure you can search MSN or yahoo for medical terminology, or medical abbreviations to help you. Like I said, different Dr.s used different terms, so don't get stuck on one specific way. :)

Fun2, BSN, RN · Dec 24, 2004

The more you use these, it just comes natural. If you see an abbreviation you don't know, just ask someone.

As for learning them all.....you just tend to adjust to each employment....use the common abbreviation for that facility.

For example, if you se rx for reaction, and Rx for prescription, use those terms that way....just remember in the back of your mind that these can be different somewhere else.

Fox · Dec 24, 2004

Thanks for posting those abbreviations.

The more you use these, it just comes natural. If you see an abbreviation you don't know, just ask someone.
As for learning them all.....you just tend to adjust to each employment....use the common abbreviation for that facility.
For example, if you se rx for reaction, and Rx for prescription, use those terms that way....just remember in the back of your mind that these can be different somewhere else.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Dec 24, 2004

Your very welcome. I hope it helps! :)

PennyLane, RN · Dec 24, 2004

I'm not in TX, but here are some I've see quite regularly throughout school and clinicals:

HTN = hypertension

SOB = shortness of breath

PMH = past medical history

CP = chest pain

CXR = chest x-ray

U/O = upon arrival

RUQ = right uppper quadrant

RLQ = right uppper quadrant

LUQ, LLQ = left upper and lower quadrants

BS x 4 quads = bowel signs in all 4 quadrants (also sometimes BS + all 4 quads)

N/V/D = nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

SQ or SC = subcutaneous

PR = per rectum

SL = sublingual

A + O x 3 = alert and oriented times three (person, place and time). In psych sometimes you see O x 4 for person, place, time, and situation.

NSS = normal saline solution

WNL = within normal limits

Fun2, BSN, RN · Dec 24, 2004

Thanks, PennyLane. Some of those I recognized, and others are beyond my wisdom. :chuckle

As a medical assistant, I haven't been introduced to so many abbreviations yet...thanks again! :)

bsnrnoh · Dec 25, 2004

these appear to be national standard as they are all the same in Ohio

Good luck

Jamesdotter · Dec 25, 2004

Isn't there a movement afoot to eliminate abbreviations?

OD Right eye ocular dexter

OS Left eye ocular sinister

OU Both eyes Does anyone know what the "u" stands for?