the meaning of n/a

[smartnurse1982]

i see a lot of flow and assessment sheets where, if something does not apply to a client they put N/A for "not applicable". i was taught that n/a stands for "not assessed" which is right? for example: you just assessed a patient and the don't have a trach. on the flow sheet it says: trach size,type etc: could you put n/a ?or a dash such as this: ---

or would you write none.? or would you leave it blank?

[ktwlpn, LPN]

Our policy and procedure manual includes a list of approved abbreviations.N/A is "not applicable" I've never seen it used to mean "not assessed"

[4x4country]

In my facility, we have a acceptable list of abbreviations and N/A= not applicable.

I have also never seen it has not assesssed.

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

Oour list is the same as the previous two posters. We also have "UTA" which is an approved abbreviation for "Unable To Assess". We can use it for things like pupil checks if the patient's eyes are swollen shut, or for IV insertion site assessments if they have a gauze dressing and that sort of thing.