1. 1.01 Identify abbreviations commonly used in the health care setting.
Medical Terminology
1.01 Identify abbreviations commonly used in the health care setting.

2. Medical abbreviations
Shortened forms of words
They are an efficient way of communicating quickly and concisely with other health care workers.
Health care workers use abbreviations to convey information about their patients/clients.

3. Medical abbreviations
help save time and space on medical documents.
Also known as short hand
usually just letters but #s are sometimes used.
Examples
am (before noon)
H20 (water)

4. Medical abbreviations
May be combined to give orders or directions
Varies depending upon facility or culture
Periods may or may not be used
Example: a.m. or am

5. Medical abbreviations
Each individual is responsible for making sure that they are using the appropriate abbreviations for their agency.
Incorrect / illegal abbreviations could lead to misunderstandings, confusion or anger.

6. Abbreviation Usage Be considerate when you use an abbreviation
Your patients do not always know what the abbreviations mean.
Ex: NPO posted over the head of the bed (HOB)
As a HCP you know what it means but the patient doesn’t , you need to explain to the pt. what it means.

7. Incorrect and illegal abbreviations
Sometimes used by personnel due to not knowing facilities approved list.
Ex: Jim is a FLK.
David Snow – 48 yoa SWM, dyspnea, s.o.b., HA, chest pain & N & V.

8. Transcribe to abbreviated format
Suzanne to be admitted to the hospital
through the emergency room department.
She came in complaining of headache,
difficulty breathing, and chest pain. She has
a past history of heart attacks, stroke and
high blood pressure. Orders are as follows:
Monitor blood pressure every two hours
Complete blood count, potassium, sodium and magnesium levels
Chest x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging

9. Abb. Written order Suzanne adm. through ER dept. Pt. c/o HA,
dyspnea, and chest pain. Past hx. Of MIs,
CVA & HBP. Orders are as follows:
ck BP Q2H
CBC, K, Na and Mg levels
Chest XR & MRI

10. Commonly used Abb. TPR & BP ASAP Stat CA HA WNL Ad lib am Rx tsp q2hmL
EEG VS

11. Identification of common medical abbreviations
abd - abdomen
amb - ambulate/walk
bid - twice a day
CCU - coronary care unit or critical
CVA - cerebrovascular accident / stroke
po - by mouth
OOB/oob - out of bed
OR - operating room
ER - emergency room
PEDS - pediatrics
P.T. - physical therapy

12. Discussion time and hands on
practice.
FYI : You already use abbreviations.
Ex: text messaging, , time, etc…

13. References
Health Careers Science Exploration Textbook – Chapter 7 pgs:
NCDPI