Nursing Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Symbols
(Appendix C)
| > | greater than |
| < | less than |
a¯ |
before |
AAPB |
Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback |
AARP |
American Association of Retired Persons |
AASM |
American Academy of Sleep Medicine |
AAT |
animal-assisted therapy |
AATH |
American Association for Therapeutic Humor |
ABC |
airway, breathing, circulation |
ABD |
abdominal |
ABG |
arterial blood gases |
ABO |
blood types |
a.c. |
before meals |
ACIP |
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices |
ACS |
American Cancer Society |
ACTH |
adrenocorticotropic hormone |
AD |
Alzheimer's disease |
AD |
right ear |
ad lib |
freely, as desired |
ADA |
Americans with Disabilities Act |
ADH |
antidiuretic hormone |
ADLs |
activities of daily living |
ADN |
associate degree nurse (nursing) |
AEB |
as evidenced by |
AFP |
alpha-fetoprotein |
AHA |
American Hospital Association |
AHCA |
American Health Care Association |
AHCPR |
Agency for Health Care Policy and Research |
AHNA |
American Holistic Nurses' Association |
AHRQ |
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality |
AI |
adequate intake |
AIDS |
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome |
AJN |
|
ALFA |
Assisted Living Federation of America |
ALT |
alanine aminotransferase |
AMA |
against medical advice |
AMA |
American Medical Association |
ANA |
American Nurses Association |
ANA |
antinuclear antibody |
AoA |
Administration on Aging |
AP |
anterior/posterior |
AP |
apical pulse |
APIC |
Association for Practitioners in Infection Control and Epidemiology |
APRN |
advance practice registered nurse |
APS |
Adult Protective Services |
APS |
American Pain Society |
APTT |
activated partial thromboplastin time |
AROM |
active range of motion |
AS |
left ear |
ASA |
acetylsalicylic acid |
ASO |
antireptolysin-O |
AST |
aspartate aminotransferase |
AT |
axillary temperature |
ATC |
around the clock |
ATP |
adenosine triphosphatase |
AU |
both ears |
B1 |
thiamine |
B2 |
riboflavin |
B6 |
pyridoxine |
B12 |
cobolomine |
BBA |
Balanced Budget Act |
BE |
base excess |
bid |
twice a day |
BMD |
bone mineral density |
BMI |
body mass index |
BMR |
basal metabolic rate |
BP |
blood pressure |
BPH |
benign prostatic hypertrophy |
BPM |
beats per minute |
BSA |
body surface area |
BSE |
breast self-examination |
BSI |
body substance isolation |
BSN |
bachelor of science in nursing |
BUN |
blood urea nitrogen |
c |
cup |
c¯ |
with |
C |
Celsius |
Ca |
calcium |
Ca++ |
calcium ion |
CaCl2 |
calcium chloride |
C/A |
complementary/alternative |
CAD |
coronary artery disease |
CAI |
computer-assisted instruction |
CAM |
complementary/alternative medicine |
C & S |
culture and sensitivity |
cap |
capsule |
CARF |
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities |
CAT |
computed axial tomography |
CAT |
computerized adaptive testing |
CBC |
complete blood count |
CBD |
common bile duct |
CBE |
charting by exception |
cc |
cubic centimeter |
CCRC |
continuing care retirement community |
CCU |
coronary care unit |
CDC |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
CEA |
carcinoembryonic antigen |
CEPN-LTC™ |
Certification Examination for Practical and Vocational Nurses in Long-Term Care |
CEU |
continuing education unit |
CHAP |
Community Health Accreditation Program |
CHD |
coronary heart disease |
CHF |
congestive heart failure |
CHIP |
Children's Health Insurance Program |
CHO |
carbohydrate (carbon, hydrogen, oxygen) |
CHON |
protein (carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen) |
CK or CPK |
creatine kinase or creatine phosphokinase |
Cl |
chlorine, chloride |
Cl− |
chloride ion |
CLTC |
certified in long-term care |
cm |
centimeter |
CMS |
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services |
CN |
cranial nerve |
CNA |
certified nursing assistant |
CNM |
certified nurse midwife |
CNO |
community nursing organization |
CNS |
central nervous system |
CNS |
clinical nurse specialist |
Co |
cobalt |
CO2 |
carbon dioxide |
CO2− |
carbon dioxide ion |
COBRA |
Comprehensive Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act |
COOH |
carboxyl group |
COPD |
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
CPAP |
continuous positive airway pressure |
CPNP |
Council of Practical Nursing Programs |
CPR |
cardiopulmonary resuscitation |
CPR |
computerized patient record |
Cr |
chromium |
CRNA |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist |
CRP |
C-reactive protein |
C&S |
culture and sensitivity |
CSF |
cerebrospinal fluid |
CSM |
circulation, sensation, motion |
CT |
computed tomography |
Cu |
copper |
CVA |
cerebrovascular accident |
CVC |
central venous catheter |
D5W |
dextrose 5% in water |
D & C |
dilatation and curettage |
DAR |
document, action, response |
dc |
discontinue |
DDB |
Disciplinary Data Bank |
DDS |
doctor of dental surgery |
DEA |
Drug Enforcement Agency |
DHHS |
Department of Health and Human Services |
DIC |
disseminated intravascular coagulation |
DICC |
dynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography |
dL |
deciliter |
DMD |
doctor of dental medicine |
DNA |
deoxyribonucleic acid |
DNR |
do not resuscitate |
DO |
doctor of osteopathy |
DPAHC |
durable power of attorney for health care |
dr |
dram |
DRG |
diagnosis-related group |
DRI |
dietary reference intake |
DSM-IV |
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition |
DST |
dexamethasone suppression test |
DT |
delirium tremens |
DTaP |
diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis |
DTP |
diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis |
DVT |
deep vein thrombosis |
EAR |
estimated average requirement |
ECF |
extended care facility |
ECF |
extracellular fluid |
ED |
emergency department |
EDTA |
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid |
EEG |
electroencephalograph |
EGD |
esophagogastroduodenoscopy |
EKG (ECG) |
electrocardiogram |
ELISA |
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay |
elix |
elixir |
EMG |
electromyogram |
EMLA |
eutectic (cream) mixture of local anesthetics |
EMS |
emergency medical services |
EMT |
emergency medical technician |
EMT-P |
emergency medical technician-paramedic |
EPA |
Environmental Protection Agency |
EPO |
exclusive provider organization |
ER |
emergency room |
ERCP |
endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram |
ERG |
electroretinogram |
ERT |
estrogen replacement therapy |
ESR |
erythrocyte sedimentation rate |
ET |
ear (tympanic) temperature |
EVAD |
explantable venous access device |
F |
fahrenheit |
FAS |
fetal alcohol syndrome |
FBS |
fasting blood sugar |
FCA |
False Claims Act |
FDA |
Food and Drug Administration |
Fe |
iron |
FeSO4 |
iron sulfate |
fl |
fluid |
Fl |
fluorine |
FOBT |
fecal occult blood test |
FSH |
follicle-stimulating hormone |
ft |
foot or feet |
FVD |
fluid volume deficit |
g |
gram |
GAO |
General Accounting Office |
GAS |
general adaptation syndrome |
GCS |
Glasgow Coma Scale |
g/dL |
grams per deciliter |
GED |
general education development |
GER |
gastroesophageal reflux |
GFR |
glomerular filtration rate |
GGT (GGTP) |
gammaglutamy transpeptidase |
GH |
growth hormone |
GHB |
glycosylated hemoglobin |
GI |
gastrointestinal |
gr |
grain |
gtt |
drop |
GTT |
glucose tolerance test |
gtt/min |
drops per minute |
GU |
genitourinary |
h |
hour(s) |
H+ |
hydrogen ion |
H2CO3 |
carbonic acid |
H2O |
water |
H&H |
hemoglobin and hematocrit |
HB5AG |
hepatitis B surface antigen |
HBV |
hepatitis B virus |
HCFA |
Health Care Financing Administration |
hCG |
human chorionic gonadotropin |
HCl |
hydrochloric acid, hydrochloride |
HCO3− |
bicarbonate ion |
Hct |
hematocrit |
HCV |
hepatitis C virus |
HDL |
high density lipoprotein |
HDV |
hepatitis D virus |
Hep B |
hepatitis B |
HFA |
Hospice Foundation of America |
Hg |
mercury |
Hgb |
hemoglobin |
Hgbs |
hemoglobins |
HICPAC |
Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee |
HIS |
hospital information system |
HIV |
human immunodeficiency virus |
HLA |
human leukocyte antigen |
HMO |
health maintenance organization |
HPO4 |
phosphate |
HR |
heart rate |
HRSA |
Health Resources and Services Administration |
h.s. |
hour of sleep |
I |
iodine |
IADLs |
instrumental activities of daily living |
I&O |
intake and output |
IASP |
International Association for the Study of Pain |
ICF |
intermediate care facility |
ICF |
intracellular fluid |
ICN |
International Council of Nurses |
ICU |
intensive care unit |
ID |
identification |
ID |
intradermal |
IgG |
immunoglobulin G |
IgM |
immunoglobulin M |
IHCT |
interdisciplinary health care team |
IM |
intramuscular |
in |
inch |
INR |
International Normalized Ratio |
I&O |
intake and output |
IOL |
intraocular lens |
IOM |
Institute of Medicine |
ITT |
insulin tolerance test |
IV |
intravenous |
IVAD |
implantable vascular access device |
IVP |
intravenous push, intravenous pyelogram |
IVPB |
intravenous piggyback |
JCAHO |
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations |
K |
potassium |
K |
potassium ion |
kcal |
kilocalorie |
KCl |
potassium chloride |
kg |
kilogram |
KS |
ketosteroids |
KUB |
kidneys/ureters/bladder |
KVO |
keep vein open |
L |
liter |
LAS |
local adaptation syndrome |
lb |
pound |
LDH |
lactic dehydrogenase |
LDL |
low density lipoprotein |
LE |
lupus erythematosus |
LES |
lower esophageal sphincter |
LFT |
liver function test |
LH |
luteinizing hormone |
LLQ |
left lower quadrant |
LMP |
last menstrual period |
L/min |
liters per minute |
LOC |
level of consciousness |
LP |
lumbar puncture |
LP/VN |
licensed practical/vocational nurse |
LPN |
licensed practical nurse |
LUQ |
left upper quadrant |
LVN |
licensed vocational nurse |
m |
meter |
m2 |
square meter |
MAO |
monoamine oxidase |
MAOI |
monoamine oxidase inhibitor |
MAR |
medication administration record |
mcg (or μg) |
microgram |
MD |
doctor of medicine |
MDI |
metered-dose inhaler |
MDR |
multidrug-resistant |
MDR-TB |
multidrug-resistant tuberculosis |
MDS |
minimum data set |
mEq |
milliequivalent |
mEq/L |
milliequivalents per liter |
mg |
milligram |
mg/dL |
milligrams per deciliter |
Mg |
magnesium |
Mg++ |
magnesium ion |
MgCl |
magnesium chloride |
MgSO4 |
magnesium sulfate |
MI |
myocardial infarction |
min |
minute |
mL |
milliliter |
mm3 |
cubic millimeter |
mm Hg |
millimeters of mercury |
mmol/L |
millimoles per liter |
MMR |
measles, mumps, rubella |
Mn |
manganese |
Mo |
molybdenum |
MOM |
Milk of Magnesia |
mOsm/kg |
milliosmoles/kilogram |
MRI |
magnetic resonance imaging |
MRSA |
methicillin-resistant |
MS |
morphine sulfate |
MSDS |
material safety data sheet |
MUGA |
multi-gated acquisition |
N2 |
nitrogen |
Na |
sodium |
Na+ |
sodium ion |
Na2SO4 |
sodium sulfate |
NaCl |
sodium chloride |
NA |
not applicable |
NADSA |
National Adult Day Services Associations |
NaH2PO4 |
sodium dihydrogen phosphate |
Na2HPO4 |
disodium phosphate |
NAHC |
National Association for Home Care |
NaHCO3 |
sodium bicarbonate |
NaHPO4 |
sodium monohydrogen phosphate |
NANDA |
North American Nursing Diagnosis Association |
NaOH |
sodium hydroxide |
NAPNE |
Natonal Association of Practical Nurse Education |
NAPNES |
National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Services |
NCCAM |
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine |
NCHS |
National Center for Health Statistics |
NCLEX® |
National Council Licensure Examination |
NCLEX-PN® |
National Council Licensure Examination—Practical Nurse |
NCLEX-RN® |
National Council Licensure Examination—Registered Nurse |
NCLD |
National Center for Learning Disabilities |
NCOA |
National Council on Aging |
NCSBN |
National Council of State Boards of Nursing |
NCVHS |
National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics |
NF |
|
NFLPN |
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses, Inc. |
NG |
nasogastric |
NH2 |
amino group |
NHO |
National Hospice Organization |
NIA |
National Institute on Aging |
NIC |
Nursing Interventions Classification |
NIH |
National Institutes of Health |
NIOSH |
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health |
NIS |
nursing information system |
NLEA |
Nutrition, Labeling, and Education Act |
NLN |
National League for Nursing |
NLNAC |
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission |
NMDS |
nursing minimum data set |
NOC |
Nursing Outcomes Classification |
NP |
nurse practitioner |
NPDB |
National Practitioner Data Bank |
NPO |
|
NREM |
non-rapid eye movement |
NS |
normal saline |
NSAID |
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug |
NSF |
National Sleep Foundation |
O2 |
oxygen |
OAM |
Office of Alternative Medicine |
O&P |
ova and parasite |
OBRA |
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act |
OD |
right eye |
OH− |
hydroxyl |
OR |
operating room |
ORIF |
open reduction/internal fixation |
OS |
left eye |
OSHA |
Occupational Safety and Health Administration |
OT |
occupational therapist |
OT |
oral temperature |
OTC |
over-the-counter |
OU |
both eyes |
oz |
ounce |
p¯ |
after |
P |
phosphorus |
P |
pulse |
PA |
physician's assistant |
PA |
posterioanterior |
PaCO2 |
partial pressure of carbon dioxide |
PaO2 |
partial pressure of oxygen |
Pap |
Papanicolaou test |
p.c. |
after meals |
PCA |
patient-controlled analgesia |
PCO2 (PaCO2) |
partial pressure of carbon dioxide |
PCP |
primary care provider |
PCR |
polymerase chain reaction |
PCV |
pneumococcal conjugate vaccine |
PDPH |
postdural puncture headache |
PEG |
percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy |
PERRLA |
pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation |
PET |
positron emission tomography |
PFT |
pulmonary function test |
pH |
potential hydrogen |
PICC |
peripherally inserted central catheter |
PIE |
problem, implementation, evaluation |
PKU |
phenylketonuria |
PLMS |
periodic limb movements in sleep |
PMI |
point of maximum intensity |
PMR |
progressive muscle relaxation |
PMS |
premenstrual syndrome |
PNI |
psychoneuroimmunology |
PNS |
peripheral nervous system |
po |
|
PO2 (PaO2) |
partial pressure of oxygen |
PO4−− |
phosphate ion |
POMR |
problem-oriented medical record |
POR |
problem-oriented record |
PPBS |
post prandial blood sugar |
PPE |
personal protective equipment |
PPG |
post prandial glucose |
PPO |
preferred provider organization |
PPS |
prospective payment system |
PRA |
plama renin activity |
PRL |
prolactin level |
PRN |
|
PRO |
peer review organization |
PROM |
passive range of motion |
PSA |
prostate specific antigen |
PSDA |
Patient Self-Determination Act |
PSP |
phenolsulfonphtalein |
pt |
pint |
PT |
physical therapist |
PT |
prothrombin time |
PTH |
parathyroid hormone |
PTSD |
post-traumatic stress disorder |
PTT |
partial thromboplastin time |
PVD |
peripheral vascular disease |
q |
|
qd |
every day |
qh |
every hour |
qid |
four times a day |
qod |
every other day |
qs |
quantity sufficient |
q2h |
every 2 hours |
qt |
quart |
R (Resp) |
respiration |
RAIU |
radioactive iodine uptake |
RAST |
radio allergosorbent test |
RBC |
red blood count, red blood cell |
RD |
registered dietician |
RDA |
recommended dietary allowance |
REM |
rapid eye movement |
RF |
rheumatoid factor |
RLQ |
right lower quadrant |
RLS |
restless leg syndrome |
RN |
registered nurse |
RNA |
ribonucleic acid |
RNFA |
registered nurse first assistant |
ROM |
range of motion |
ROS |
review of systems |
RPCH |
rural primary care hospital |
RPh |
registered pharmacist |
RPR |
rapid plasma reagin |
RR |
recovery room |
RSV |
respiratory syncytial virus |
R/T |
related to |
RT |
rectal temperature |
RT |
respiratory therapist |
RTI |
respiratory tract infection |
RUGS |
resource utilization group system |
RUQ |
right upper quadrant |
RWJF |
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation |
s¯ |
without |
S |
sulfur |
SAMe |
S-adenosylmethionine |
SaO2 |
oxygen saturation |
SBC |
school-based clinic |
SC/SQ |
subcutaneous |
SCHIP |
State Children's Health Insurance Program |
Se |
selenium |
SGOT |
serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase |
SGPT |
serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase |
SL |
sublingual |
SNF |
skilled nursing facility |
SOAP |
subjective data, objective data, assessment, plan |
SOAPIE |
subjective data, objective data, assessment, plan, implementation, evaluation |
SOAPIER |
subjective data, objective data, assessment, plan, implementation, evaluation, revision |
SPF |
sun protection factor |
s¯s¯ |
one half |
SSA |
Social Security Administration |
STAT |
|
STD |
sexually transmitted disease |
supp |
suppository |
susp |
suspension |
SW |
social worker |
T |
temperature |
T3 |
triiodothyronine |
T4 |
thyroxine |
tab |
tablet |
TAC |
tetracaine, adrenaline, cocaine |
TB |
tuberculosis |
Tbsp |
tablespoon |
Td |
tetanus/diphtheria |
TDD |
telecommunication device for the deaf |
TEFRA |
Tax Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act |
TENS |
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation |
TF |
tube feeding |
THA |
total hip arthroplasty |
TIA |
transient ischemic attack |
TIBC |
total iron binding capacity |
t.i.d. |
three times a day |
TMJ |
temporomandibular joint |
t.o. |
telephone order |
TPN |
total parenteral nutrition |
TPR |
temperature, pulse, respirations |
Tr or tinct |
tincture |
TRH |
thyrotropin-releasing hormone |
TSE |
testicular self examination |
TSH |
thyroid-stimulating hormone |
tsp |
teaspoon |
U |
unit |
U/L |
unit per liter |
UA |
routine urinalysis |
UAP |
unlicensed assistive personnel |
UIS |
Universal Intellectual Standards |
UL |
upper intake level |
UMLS |
Universal Medical Language System |
UNOS |
United Network for Organ Sharing |
U-100 |
100 units insulin per cc |
UPP |
urethra pressure profile |
URQ |
upper right quadrant |
USDHHS |
United States Department of Health and Human Services |
USP |
|
USPHS |
United States Public Health Service |
UTI |
urinary tract infection |
VA |
Veterans Administration, Veterans Affairs |
VAD |
ventricular assist device, vascular access device |
VAS |
Visual Analog Scale |
VDRL |
venereal disease research laboratory |
VLDL |
very low-density lipoprotein |
VMA |
vanilymandelic acid |
VRE |
vancomycin-resistant enterococci |
VS |
vital signs |
WASP |
white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant |
WBC |
white blood cell, white blood count |
WHO |
World Health Organization |
WNL |
within normal limits |
WPM |
words per minute |
wt |
weight |
YWCA |
Young Women's Christian Association |
Zn |
Zinc |
Source: White, Lois. Foundations of Basic Nursing. 2nd ed. Clifton Parks, NY: Thomson Delmar Learning. 2005, 830 pp.