1. Common Medical Abbreviations

2. State Standard
Review the definition of anatomy and physiology (A&P) from previous courses, identifying the sections, planes, and regions with associated organs in each. In the review, explain using correct medical terminology why the body is organized into systems and how the cellular building blocks (atoms, molecules, cells, and tissue) work together to form each of the organs.

3. Objective Students will be able to…
Identify common medical abbreviations and decode them to determine the purpose of a Doctor’s order.

4. @ at ac
before meals
ad lib:
as desired
b.i.d.
twice a day c
with

5. t.i.d. = q.i.d. = qd = NPO = three times a day four times a day daily
nothing by mouth.

6. p.c. = p.r.n. = p.o. = q.h. = after meals as needed by mouth
every hour

7. a.m. = ADLs = BP = cc = morning activities of daily living
blood pressure
cc =
cubic centimeter (same as ml)

8. CPR = EMS = mmHg = BR or br = cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Emergency Medical Services
mmHg =
millimeters of mercury
BR or br =
bed rest

9. brp or BRP = ASAP = BM = CC = bathroom privileges as soon as possible
bowel movement
CC =
chief complaint

10. cl liq = cm = DAT = D/C = clear liquids centimeter diet as tolerated
discontinue; discharge

11. DNR = DOA = DOB = Dr. = do not resuscitate dead on arrival
date of birth
Dr. =
doctor

12. Dx or dx = ECG or EKG = gtt or gtts = HOB = diagnosis
electrocardiogram
gtt or gtts =
drop; drops
HOB =
head of bed

13. I&O = Gm or g = H&P = HS = intake and output gram history and physical
hour of sleep; bedtime

14. IV = Kg or kg = L&D = lb = intravenous kilogram labor and delivery
pound

15. LLQ = LMP = LUQ = mg = Left lower quadrant last menstrual period
left upper quadrant
mg =
milligram

16. MRI = N/A = N/V or N&V = OOB = magnetic resonance imaging
not applicable
N/V or N&V =
nausea and vomiting
OOB =
out of bed

17. oz = PDR = p.m. = PPE = ounce Physician’s Desk Reference Afternoon
personal protective equipment

18. Fx = q2h = qod = RLQ = fracture every 2 hours every other day
right lower quadrant

19. RUQ = Rx = T = VS = right upper quadrant prescription temperature
vital signs

20. Tbs or tbsp = tsp = TPR = w/c = tablespoon teaspoon
temperature, pulse, respiration
w/c =
wheelchair

21. WNL = wt = y/o = < = Stat = within normal limits weight years old
less than
Stat =
now

22. Activity
Work to decode the following Dr. orders on the following slides. Rewrite the order without abbreviations.
Create your own Dr’s orders using abbreviations and share with your table partner to see if they can decode it.
Once finished write a paragraph about the “pros” and “cons” of using medical abbreviations. 4 complete sentences. Proper punctuation and grammar.

23. Interpreting abbreviations
Pt is to be OOB ad lib.
Elevate HOB 45° prn for 30 min pc.
Cl liq x 24h; then DAT.
ASA 1 tab q6h prn headache.
TPR and BP ASAP and q4h.
BRP ad lib.
I&O q8h.

24. D/C IV p EKG.
MRI of RUQ stat.
Move pt to ICU stat; strict BR; I&O q2h.
D/C to home in a.m. F/U with PT in one week.