What does R/O "really" means?

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What does R/O "really" means?

My client was admitted with confusion, delirium & possible TIA or CVA. My client might have obstructive sleep apnea, OSA, as well.

In my doctor's progress notes it states...

R/O CVA - Ct read negative, no neuro deficit, confusion resolved

R/O OSA - O/N oxymetry & RT to see for CPAP

1. Here does R/O mean CVA or OSA had been "ruled out" meaning CVA/OSA has been diagnosed as NOT the issue anymore?

or

2. Does R/O mean in order to "rule out" CVA, Ct result must read negative with no neuro deficit etc..... or in the case of OSA, in order to "rule out" OSA, an O/N oximetry & referral to RT needs to occur to establish a diagnosis?

Which one is it?

Thank you

Notes:

OSA: Obstructive Sleep Apnea
O/N: Overnight
CPAP: Continuous Positive airway Pressure

4 Answers

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN

1 Article; 20,908 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Medical abbreviation for rule out.

It means they were admitted with R/O CVA, R/O OSA

The MD is still considering a CVA however the CT is negative, the patient has no residual neuro deficit and the confusion has resolved.

R/O OSA is still a consideration as well....and further testing is being conducted.

wannabe81

18 Posts

From what I understand, R/O is usually part of the plan, not the findings. So, in this case, the doc would like to rule out CVA and OSA

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN

1 Article; 5,115 Posts

Usually once the diagnostic workup has excluded a condition from further consideration, the note will say, for example, "Ruled out for MI."

MrChicagoRN, RN

2,597 Posts

Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

Think of rule out as an active verb. I.E. R/O CVA means they are suspect a CVA and are investigating to support or reject that Dx

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