FM/CFS/ME RESOURCES - Medical Abbreviations

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There are over 590 abbreviations listed in this glossary. Click the letter in the table below to reveal the abbreviation you're looking for. Contact us if you cannot locate an abbreviation.

A
a	artery: muscular blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.
aa	equal part of each
AA	affected area
AAA	abdominal aortic aneurysm - term used to describe a localized dilatation of the abdominal aorta.
AAD	antibiotic-associated diarrhea - occurs when antibiotics disturb the natural balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria in your intestinal tract.
AAL	anterior axillary line - an imaginary vertical line along the anterior axillary fold (crease of armpit).
AAO	alert, awake, and oriented
A&O	alert & oriented
AAS	acute abdominal series - x-ray used to evaluate nontraumatic acute abdominal pain in adults.
AB	abortion - the removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus, resulting in or caused by its death.
ABD	abdomen - part of the body between the chest and the pelvis and encloses the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, and pancreas.
ABG	arterial blood gas - blood test performed to determine the concentration of oxygen, carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, pH, in the blood.
abs	absent
AC	before eating
ACTH	adrenocorticotropic hormone - peptide hormone produced and secreted by the pituitary gland.
ADH	anti diuretic hormone - hormone that is released when the body is low on water; causing the kidneys to conserve water.
ADL	activities of daily living
ad lib	as much as needed
ADR	adverse drug reaction
AEA	above elbow amputation
AED	antiepileptic drug - used in prevention of the occurrence of epileptic seizures.
AIDS	acquired immune deficiency syndrome - symptoms and infections resulting from the specific damage to the immune system caused by HIV.
ALS	amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by the degeneration of motor neurons.
AMA	against medical advice - checking yourself out of a hospital without doctor approval.
amb	ambulate - walking
AMI	acute myocardial infarction - commonly known as a heart attack, is a disease state that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the heart is interrupted.
ANA	antinuclear antibody - antibodies present in higher than normal numbers in autoimmune disease.
ANS	autonomic nervous system - part of the peripheral nervous system that controls homeostasis, that is the constancy of the content of tissues in gasses, ions and nutrients.
AOB	alcohol on breath
AODM	adult onset diabetes mellitus - type 2 diabetes.
APR	abdominal perineal resection - operation that results in a colostomy.
ARDS	acute respiratory distress syndrome - serious reaction to various forms of injuries to the lung.
ARF	acute renal failure - rapid loss of renal function due to damage to the kidneys.
AS	aortic stenosis - heart condition caused by the incomplete opening of the aortic valve.
ASAP	as soon as possible
ASCVD	atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease - degenerative disease of the arteries resulting in plaques consisting of necrotic cells, lipids, and cholesterol crystals.
AV	atrioventricular - having to do with an atrium and ventricle.
AVO2	arteriovenous oxygen difference - difference in the oxygen content, in milliliters per 100 milliliters blood, between arterial and venous blood.

B
BBB	bundle branch block - a disorder of the heart's electrical conducting system.
BCAA	branched chain amino acids - any molecule that contains both amine and carboxyl functional groups.
BE	barium enema - medical procedure used to examine and diagnose problems with the human colon.
BEE	basal energy expenditure - the amount of energy expended while at rest in a neutrally temperate environment, in the post-absorptive state.
bid	twice a day
BMR	basal metabolic rate - rate at which energy is used by an organism at complete rest.
BOM	bilateral otitis media - condition that can affect the middle ear.
BP	blood pressure
BPH	benign prostatic hypertrophy - an enlargement of the prostate that is not cancerous.
BPM	beats per minute
BRBPR	bright red blood per rectum - rectal bleeding
BRP	bathroom privileges
BS	bowel sounds - are the noises made by the intestines.
BUN	blood urea nitrogen - in the form of urea in the blood or serum, used as a indicator of kidney function.
BW	body weight
BX	biopsy - medical test involving the removal of cells or tissues for examination.

C
CA	cancer - class of diseases characterized by uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these cells to spread, either by direct growth into adjacent tissue through invasion, or by implantation into distant sites by metastasis.
Ca	calcium - soft grey alkaline earth metal, and is the fifth most abundant element in the Earth's crust.
CAA	crystalline amino acids - organic compounds containing an amino group and a carboxylic acid group.
CABG	coronary artery bypass graft - surgical procedure performed to relieve angina and reduce the risk of death from coronary artery disease.
CAD	coronary artery disease - the end result of the accumulation of atheromatous plaques within the walls of the arteries that supply the myocardium (the muscle of the heart).
CAT	computerized axial tomography - medical imaging method employing tomography where digital geometry processing is used to generate a three-dimensional image of the internals of an object from a large series of two-dimensional X-ray images taken around a single axis of rotation.
CBC	complete blood count - test requested by a doctor or other medical professional that gives information about the cells in a patient's blood.
CBG	capillary blood gas - blood test used on neonates and children, alternative to arterial blood testing.
CBR	complete bed rest
CBT	cognitive behavior therapy - psychotherapy based on modifying everyday thoughts and behaviors, with the aim of positively influencing emotions.
CC	chief complaint
CCU	corinary care unit - hospital ward specialized in the care of patients with heart or other cardiac conditions that require continuous monitoring and treatment.
CCV	cataract congenital volkmann type - characterized by a progressive, central and zonular cataract, with opacities in the embryonic, fetal, and juvenile nucleus.
CDC	centers for disease control - an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services based in Atlanta, Georgia.
CEBV	chronic epstein-barr syndrome - virus of the herpes family (which includes Herpes simplex virus and Cytomegalovirus), and is one of the most common viruses in humans.
CF	cystic fibrosis - hereditary disease that affects the entire body, causing progressive disability and early death.
CFS	chronic fatigue syndrome - syndrome (or group of syndromes) of unknown and possibly multiple etiologies, affecting the central nervous system, immune, and many other systems and organs.
CFIDS	chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome - same as above, just a different name.
CGL	chronic granulocytic leukemia - common type of acute myelogenous leukemia in which myeloblasts predominate; it is divided into two types on the basis of degree of cell differentiation.
CHF	congestive heart failure - a condition that can result from any structural or functional cardiac disorder that impairs the ability of the heart to fill with or pump a sufficient amount of blood throughout the body.
CHO	carbohydrate - molecules that are straight-chain aldehydes or ketones with many hydroxyl groups added.
CI	cardiac index - vasodynamic parameter that relates the cardiac output to body surface area, thus relating heart performance to the size of the individual.
CML	chronic myelogenous leukemia - form of chronic leukemia characterized by increased and unregulated clonal production of predominantly myeloid cells in the bone marrow.
CMV	cytomegalovirus - cytomegalovirus (CMV), is a genus of Herpes viruses. In humans the species is known as Human herpesvirus 5 (HHV-5).
CN	cranial nerves - nerves that emerge directly from the brain in contrast to spinal nerves which emerge from segments of the spinal cord.
CNS	central nervous system - represents the largest part of the nervous system, including the brain and the spinal cord.
CO	cardiac output - the volume of blood being pumped by the heart, in particular a ventricle in a minute. It is equal to the heart rate multiplied by the stroke volume.
CO2	carbon dioxide - an end product in organisms that obtain energy from breaking down sugars, fats and amino acids with oxygen as part of their metabolism, in a process known as cellular respiration.
C/O	complaining of
COLD	chronic obstructive lung disease - a group of diseases characterized by limitation of airflow in the airway that is not fully reversible.
COPD	chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - group of diseases characterized by limitation of airflow in the airway that is not fully reversible.
COQ10	co-enzyme Q10 - a naturally occurring substance which some patients find helpful.
CP	cerebral palsy - an umbrella term encompassing a group of non-progressive, non-contagious neurological disorders that cause physical disability in human development, specifically the human movement and posture.
CPAP	continuous positive airway pressure - method of respiratory ventilation used primarily in the treatment of sleep apnea, for which it was first developed.
CPR	cardiopulmonary resuscitation - an emergency first aid procedure for a victim of cardiac arrest.
CRCL	creatinine clearance - the removal of creatinine from the body.
CRF	chronic renal failure - a slowly progressive loss of renal function over a period of months or years and defined as an abnormally low glomerular filtration rate.
CRP	c-reactive protein - a plasma protein, an acute phase protein produced by the liver.
CSF	cerebrospinal fluid - a clear bodily fluid that occupies the subarachnoid space in the brain.
C-spine	cervicle spine - is the first seven bones of the vertebral column and extends from the base of the skull to the top of the thoracic spine.
CT	computerized tomography - a medical imaging method employing tomography where digital geometry processing is used to generate a three-dimensional image of the internals of an object.
CVA	cerebrovascular accident - stroke - an acute neurological injury in which the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted.
CVAT	costovertebral angle tenderness - tenderness indicates sudden distention of the renal capsule. It almost always accompanies unelicited, dull, constant flank pain in the CVA just lateral to the sacrospinal muscle and below the 12th rib.
CVP	central venous pressure - describes the pressure of blood in the thoracic vena cava, near the right atrium of the heart.
CxR	chest X-ray - a projection radiograph (X-ray), taken by a radiographer, of the thorax which is used to diagnose problems with that area.

D
DAT	diet as tolerated
DAW	dispense as written
DC	discontinue
D&C	dilation and curettage - gynaecological procedure performed on the female reproductive system that involves dilating the cervix and inserting instruments to remove the lining of the uterus, while the woman is under anaesthetic.
DD	(slang) "damned disease" - used by people with FM/CFS/ME to describe their feelings.
Dx	diagnosis - recognize a disease or condition by its outward signs and symptoms.
DHEA	dehydroepiandrosterone - natural steroid prohormone produced from cholesterol by the adrenal glands, the gonads, adipose tissue, brain and in the skin.
DI	diabetes insipidus - disease characterized by excretion of large amounts of severely diluted urine, which cannot be reduced when fluid intake is reduced.
DIC	disseminated intravascular coagulation - pathological process in the body where the blood starts to coagulate throughout the whole body.
DIP	distal interphalangeal joint - are hinge-joints of the phalanges of the hand.
DJD	degenerative joint disease - condition in which low-grade inflammation results in pain in the joints, caused by wearing of the cartilage that covers and acts as a cushion inside joints.
DKA	diabetic ketoacidosis - one consequence of untreated diabetes mellitus (chronic high blood sugar or hyperglycemia) and is linked to an impaired glucose cycle.
DM	diabetes mellitus - metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and other signs, as distinct from a single disease or condition.
DNR	do not resuscitate - written order from a doctor that resuscitation should not be attempted if a person suffers cardiac or respiratory arrest.
DOA	dead on arrival
DOB	date of birth
DOE	dyspnea on exertion - perceived difficulty breathing or pain on breathing.
DPL	diagnostic peritoneal lavage - performed when intra-abdominal bleeding (hemoperitoneum) usually secondary to trauma is suspected.
DPT	diphtheria - upper respiratory tract illness. pertussis - highly contagious disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. tetanus - medical condition characterized by a prolonged contraction of skeletal muscle fibers.
DTR	deep tendon reflexes - biological control system linking stimulus to response and mediated by a reflex arc.
DU	duodenal ulcer - an ulcer of an area of the gastrointestinal tract that is usually acidic.
DVT	deep venous thrombosis - the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein.
Dx	diagnosis - recognize a disease or condition by its outward signs and symptoms.

E
EAA	essential amino acids - an amino acid that cannot be synthesized and therefore must be supplied in the diet.
EBL	estimated blood loss
EBV	epstein-barr virus - human herpesvirus 4 (HHV-4).
ECF	extended care facility
ECG	electrocardiogram - a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
ECT	electroconvulsive therapy - also known as electroshock.
ED	emergency department - a hospital or primary care department that provides initial treatment to patients with a broad spectrum of illnesses and injuries, some of which may be life-threatening and requiring immediate attention.
EFAD	essential fatty acid deficiency - essential fatty acids cannot be constructed within an organism from other components as there are no known biochemical pathways capable of prducing them.
EMG	electromyogram - detects the electrical potential generated by muscle cells when these cells contract.
EMS	emergency medical service - a service providing pre-hospital (or out-of-hospital) acute care to patients with illnesses and injuries. The most common and recognized EMS type is an Ambulance organization.
EMV	eyes, motor, verbal response
ENT	ears, nose, and throat
EOM	extraocular muscles - are the six muscles that control the movements of the eye.
EPD	enzyme potentiated desensitization - treatment for allergies.
ER	emergency room - a hospital or primary care department that provides initial treatment to patients with a broad spectrum of illnesses and injuries, some of which may be life-threatening and requiring immediate attention.
ERCP	endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography - combines the use of endoscopy (a flexible telescope to look inside your gut) and x-rays. It's used to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the bile ducts and nearby structures.
ESR	erythrocyte sedimentation rate - a non-specific measure of inflammation that is commonly used as a medical screening test.
ETT	endotracheal tube - used in anaesthesia for airway management and mechanical ventilation.
ETOH	ethanol - a flammable, colorless, slightly toxic chemical compound with a distinctive perfume-like odor, and is the alcohol found in alcoholic beverages.
EUA	examination under anesthesia
EVAL	evaluation - the systematic determination of merit, worth, and significance of something or someone.

F
FBS	fasting blood sugar - levels of glucose in the blood after abstaining from all food, drink, or both, for a period of time.
FDA	food & drug administration - USA agency which regulates drug approvals, nutritional supplements, food quality and labeling.
FEV	forced expiratory volume - pulmonary function test measuring the amount (volume) and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled.
FFP	fresh frozen plasma - blood plasma frozen within 6 hours of collection.
FM	fibromyalgia - chronic condition of widespread pain and profound fatigue.
FMS	fibromyalgia syndrome - chronic condition of widespread pain and profound fatigue.
FRC	functional residual capacity - the volume of air present in the lungs at the end of passive expiration.
FTT	failure to thrive - medical term which denotes poor weight gain and physical growth failure over an extended period of time in infancy.
FU	follow-up - subsequent examination of a patient for the purpose of monitoring earlier treatment.
FUO	fever of unknown origin - a condition in which the patient has an elevated temperature but despite investigations by a physician no explanation has been found.
FVC	forced vital capacity - vital capacity measured with subject exhaling as rapidly as possible.
Fx	fracture - separation of a body into two, or more, pieces under the action of stress.

G
GC	gonorrhea - sexually-transmitted disease.
GETT	general by endotracheal tube - used in anaesthesia, intensive care and emergency medicine for airway management and mechanical ventilation.
GFR	glomerular filtration rate - the volume of fluid filtered from the renal glomerular capillaries measured to determine renal function.
GI	gastrointestinal - system of organs that takes in food, digests it to extract energy and nutrients, and expels the remaining waste.
GSW	gun shot wound
gt	drops
GTT	glucose tolerance test - the administration of glucose to determine how quickly it is cleared from the blood.
GWS	gulf war syndrome - condition noted by USA and other military veterans who fought in the 1991 Persian Gulf war.
GXT	graded exercise tolerance - stress test

H
HAA	hepatitis B surface antigen - earliest indicator of acute hepatitis B and frequently identifies infected people before symptoms appear.
HAV	hepatitis A virus - an acute infectious liver disease caused by the hepatovirus hepatitis A virus.
HBP	high blood pressure - medical condition where the blood pressure is chronically elevated.
HCG	human chorionic gonadotropin - peptide hormone produced in pregnancy, that is made by the embryo soon after conception and later by part of the placenta.
HCT	hematocrit - measure of the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells.
HDL	high density lipoprotein - class of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol from the body's tissues to the liver.
HEENT	head, eyes, ears, nose, throat
Hgb	hemoglobin<- iron-containing oxygen-transport metalloprotein in the red blood cells.
H/H	hemoglobin/hematocrit - measure of the fractional level of red cells in the blood.
HHV6	human herpes virus six (HHV-6) - one of the eight known members of the human herpesvirus family.
HIV	human immunodeficiency virus - a retrovirus that causes AIDS.
HLA	human leukocyte antigen - a key part of the human immune system, or the paternity test based upon it.
HJR	hepatojugular reflux - used as an alternate test for measuring jugular venous pressure through the distension or swelling of the jugular vein.
HMO	health maintenance organization (USA) - pre-paid plan which provides comprehensive medical services.
HO	history of
HOB	head of bed
HPF	high power field - used in relation to microscopy references the area visible under the maximum magnification power of the objective being used.
HPI	history of present illness
HR	heart rate - term used to describe the frequency of the cardiac cycle.
HS	at bedtime - as in taking a medicine at bedtime.
HSM	hepatosplenomegaly - the simultaneous enlargement of both the liver and the spleen.
HTLV-III	human lymphotropic virus, type III (AIDS agent, HIV) - an obsolete term for the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV.
HSV	herpes simplex virus - viral infection caused by one of two Herpes Simplex Viruses (HSV), members of the Herpesviridae family.
HTN	hypertension - medical condition where the blood pressure is chronically elevated.
Hx	history

I
I&D	incision and drainage - common treatment for skin infections and abscesses.
I&O	intake and output - application is designed to store, in the patient's electronic medical record, all patient intake and output information associated with a hospital stay or outpatient visit.
ICS	intercostal space - the space between two ribs. Since there are 12 ribs on each side, there are 11 intercostal spaces.
ICU	intensive care unit - specialized facility in a hospital that provides intensive care medicine.
ID	infectious disease - clinically evident disease of humans or animals that damages or injures the host so as to impair host function.
IDDM	insulin dependent diabetes mellitus - type 1 diabetes (formerly known as "childhood," "juvenile," or "insulin-dependent" diabetes) is not primarily a childhood problem.
IG	immunoglobulin - a large Y-shaped protein used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses.
IHSS	idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis - obstruction of the flow of blood out of the left ventricle due to hypertrophy of the ventricular septum.
IM	intramuscular- located or occurring within a muscle.
IMV	intermittent mandatory ventilation - mechanical application of positive pressure at a determined frequency to the airway so as to increase tidal volume.
INF	intravenous nutritional fluid - IV fluids containing multivitamins.
IPPB	intermittent positive pressure breathing - technique used to provide short-term or intermittent mechanical ventilation for the purpose of augmenting lung expansion, delivering aerosol medication, or assisting ventilation.
IRBBB	incomplete right bundle branch block - sometimes indicates underlying heart disease. But, especially when it occurs on the right side (i.e., incomplete RBBB,) it often has no significance at all.
IRDM	insulin resistant diabetes mellitus - type 2 diabetes, previously called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes.
IT	interthecal - space surrounding the spinal cord.
ITP	idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura - the condition of having a low platelet count of no known cause.
IV	intravenous - giving of liquid substances directly into a vein.
IVC	intravenous cholangiogram - a radiologic procedure used primarily to look at the larger bile ducts in the liver and the bile ducts outside the liver.
IVIG	intravenous immunoglobulin - a blood product administered intravenously
IVP	intravenous pyelogram - an x-ray of the kidneys and urinary tract.

J
J	joint - the location at which two or more bones make contact.
JODM	juvenile onset diabetes mellitus - the more severe form of the illness, known as type I.
JRA	joint - is a subset of arthritis seen in childhood, which may be transient and self-limited or chronic.
JVD	jugular venous distention - the indirectly observed pressure over the venous system. It can be useful in the differentiation of different forms of heart and lung disease.
JVP	jugular venous pulse - the indirectly observed pressure over the venous system. It can be useful in the differentiation of different forms of heart and lung disease.

K
KC1	potassium chloride - a metal halide composed of potassium and chlorine. In its pure state it is odorless.
Kg	kilogram - is defined as being equal to the mass of the international prototype of the kilogram.
KOR	kappa opioid receptor - also involved with analgesia, but activation also produces marked nausea and dysphoria.
KUB	kidneys, ureters, bladder
KVO	keep vein open - a continuous fluid infusion.

L
LAD	left axis deviation - there is a swing of the cardiac axis to the left - ie less than minus 30 degrees. It is usually the result of a left anterior hemiblock rather than to the increased bulk of muscle of the left ventricle.
LAE	left atrial enlargement - reduction in left ventricular compliance that persists for an appreciable period results in left atrial enlargement.
LAHB	left anterior hemiblock - caused by interruption of the anterior division of the left bundle branch (cardiac conduction abnormality seen on the electrocardiogram).
LAP	leukocyte alkaline phosphatase - a hydrolase enzyme responsible for removing phosphate groups in the 5- and 3- positions from many types of molecules.
LBBB	left bundle branch block - cardiac conduction abnormality seen on the electrocardiogram.
LDH	lactate dehydrogenase - an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of lactate to pyruvate.
LE	lupus erythematosus - a chronic inflammatory condition caused by an autoimmune disease.
LIH	left inguinal hernia - protrusions of abdominal cavity contents through an area of the abdominal wall commonly referred to as the groin.
LLL	left lower lobe - the left lung has two lobes, this is the lower lobe.
LMP	last menstrual period
LNMP	last normal menstrual period
LOC	loss of consciousness - dramatic alteration of mental state that involves complete or near-complete lack of responsiveness to people and other environmental stimuli.
LP	lumbar puncture or spinal tap - a diagnostic and at times therapeutic procedure that is performed in order to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid.
LPN	licensed practical nurse - these individuals usually have twelve months to two years of training in anatomy and physiology, medications, and practical patient care.
LUL	left upper lung - the left lung has two lobes, this is the upper lobe.
LV	left ventricle - one of four chambers (two atria and two ventricles) in the human heart.
LVEDP	left ventricular end diastolic pressure - is elevated in the setting of congestive heart failure and its measurement may be useful in the management of patients with heart failure.
LVH	left ventricular hypertrophy - the thickening of the myocardium (muscle) of the left ventricle of the heart.

M
MAOI	monoamine oxidase inhibitors - a powerful class of antidepressant drugs prescribed for the treatment of depression.
MAP	mean arterial pressure - term used in medicine to describe a notional average blood pressure in an individual.
MAST	military antishock trousers - medical devices used to treat severe blood loss.
MBT	maternal blood type - your mother's blood type.
MCHC	mean cell hemoglobin concentration - measure of the concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of packed red blood cell.
MCS	multiple chemical sensitivity - a disease diagnosed by practitioners of environmental medicine.
MCV	mean cell volume - a measure of the average red blood cell volume (i.e. size) that is reported as part of a standard complete blood count.
ME	myalgic encephalopathy - nervous system inflammation involving muscle pain.
MI	myocardial infarction - heart attack
mL	milliliter - metric measure of volume.
MLE	midline episiotomy - a surgical incision through the perineum made to enlarge the vagina and assist childbirth.
MMEF	maximal mid expiratory flow - lung function.
mmol	millimole - unit of measure, one thousandth (10-3) of a mole.
MMR	measles - disease caused by a virus, specifically a paramyxovirus of the genus Morbillivirus. mumps - viral disease of humans. rubella - known as epidemic roseola, German measles, liberty measles, or three-day measles it is a disease caused by the Rubella virus.
MRI	magnetic resonance imaging - a non-invasive method used to render images of the inside of an object.
MRSA	methicillin resistant staph aureus - a specific strain of the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium that has developed antibiotic resistance to all penicillins.
MS	multiple sclerosis - a chronic, inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system.
MS	mitral stenosis - a narrowing of the orifice of the mitral valve of the heart.
MS	morphine sulfate - a highly potent opiate analgesic drug.
MSSA	methicillin-sensitive staph aureus - staphylococcus aureus resistant to the antibiotic methicillin.
MVA	motor vehicle accident
MVI	multivitamin injection - prevents a vitamin deficiency in patients receiving nutrition through an IV.
MVP	mitral valve prolapse - is the most common heart valve abnormality, affecting five to ten percent of the world population.
MVV	maximum voluntary ventilation - the exchange of air between the lungs and the environment, including inhalation and exhalation.

N
NAD	no active disease
NAS	no added salt
NCV	nerve conduction velocity - measurement made during a test commonly used to evaluate the sensory nerves of the human body.
NED	no evidence of recurrent disease
ng	nanogram - one billionth (1/1,000,000,000) gram.
NG	nasogastric - referring to the passage from the nose to the stomach.
NIH	the national institutes of health - an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
NIDDM	non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus - metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and other signs, as distinct from a single disease or condition.
NKA	no known allergies
NKDA	no known drug allergies
NMR	nuclear magnetic resonance - a physical phenomenon based upon the quantum mechanical magnetic properties of an atom's nucleus.
NPO	nothing by mouth - restricting food intake.
NRM	no regular medications
NSAID	non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
NSR	normal sinus rhythm - term used in medicine to describe the normal beating of the heart, as measured by an electrocardiogram.
NT	nasotracheal intubation - where a tube is passed through the nose.

O
OB	obstetrics - the surgical specialty dealing with the care of a woman and her offspring during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (the period shortly after birth).
OCG	oral cholecystogram - a radiologic procedure for diagnosing gallstones.
OD	overdose - occurs when a drug is ingested in quantities and/or concentrations large enough to overwhelm the homeostasis of a living organism, causing severe illness or death.
OM	otitis media - an inflammation of the middle ear: the space behind the ear drum.
OOB	out of bed
OPV	oral polio vaccine - no longer recommended. Tthere are two kinds of polio vaccine: IPV, which is the shot recommended in the United States today, and a live, oral polio vaccine (OPV), which is drops that are swallowed.
OR	operating room - a room within a hospital where surgical operations are carried out.
OS	left eye
OU	both eyes

P
P	pulse - the rhythmic contraction and expansion of an artery due to the surge of blood from the beat of the heart.
PA	posteroanterior - from back to front.
PAC	premature atrial contraction - type of premature heart beat, irregular heart beat, arrhythmia which start in the upper two chambers of the heart.
PAO2	alveolar oxygen - the oxygen pressure in the alveoli (A small angular cavity or pit).
PaO2	partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood
PAP	pulmonary artery pressure - blood gas.
PAT	paroxysmal atrial tachycardia - bouts of rapid, regular heart beats originating in the upper chamber of the heart.
P&PD	percussion and postural drainage - used to help drain the lungs.
PC	after eating.
PCWP	pulmonary capillary wedge pressure - provides an indirect measure of the left atrial pressure.
PDA	patent ductus arteriosus - a congenital heart defect wherein a child's ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth.
PDR	physicians desk reference - a commercially published compilation of manufacturers' prescribing information (package insert) on prescription drugs, updated annually.
PE	pulmonary embolus - blockage of the pulmonary artery (or one of its branches) by a blood clot, fat, air or clumped tumor cells.
PEEP	positive end expiratory pressure - a term used in mechanical ventilation to denote the amount of pressure above atmospheric pressure present in the airway at the end of the expiratory cycle.
PET	positron emission tomography - nuclear medical imaging technique which produces a three-dimensional image or map.
PFT	pulmonary function tests - are a broad range of tests that are usually done in a health care provider's office or a specialized facility.
pg	picogram - one trillionth of a gram.
PGS	persian gulf syndrome - the name given to an illness with symptoms including increases in the rate of immune system disorders and birth defects, reported by combat veterans of the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
PHS	United States public health service - network of hospitals to support the health of American seamen. It is the uniformed service of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and one of the seven Uniformed Services.
PI	pulmonic insufficiency disease - defective functioning of the pulmonary valve, with incomplete closure causing pulmonic regurgitation.
PKU	phenylketonuria - a human genetic disorder in which the body does not contain the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, necessary to metabolize phenylalanine to tyrosine, and converts phenylalanine instead to phenylpyruvic acid.
PMH	previous medical history
PMI	point of maximal impulse - the furthermost point outwards (laterally) and downwards (inferiorly) from the sternum at which the cardiac impulse can be felt.
PMN	polymorphonuclear leukocyte neutrophil - any of a group of white blood cells having granules in the cytoplasm.
PND	paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea - a medical symptom wherein people with congestive heart failure develop difficulties breathing after laying flat.
PO	by mouth
POD	post-op day
PP	postprandial or pulsus paradoxus - an exaggeration of the normal variation in the pulse during the inspiratory phase of respiration, in which the pulse becomes weaker as one inhales and stronger as one exhales.
PPD	purified protein derivative - is an antigen - a substance that stimulates the immune system to eliminate or fight foreign substances in the body.
PR	by rectum
PRBC	packed red blood cells - blood that has had the fluid portion (plasma) removed.
PRN	as needed
PS	pulmonic stenosis - medical condition in which outflow of blood from the right ventricle of the heart is obstructed at the level of the pulmonic valve.
PT	physical therapy - provision of services to people and populations to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan.
Pt	patient - any person who receives medical attention, care, or treatment.
PTCA	percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty - cardiac intervention in which an artery blocked by plaque is dilated, using a balloon catheter to flatten the plaque and open the vessel; it is also called balloon angioplasty.
PTH	parathyroid hormone - secreted by the parathyroid glands as a polypeptide containing 84 amino acids.
PTHC	percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram - an x-ray of the bile ducts, taken after a contrast medium is injected directly into a liver bile duct.
PTT	partial thromboplastin time - a performance indicator measuring the efficacy of both the "intrinsic" (now referred to as the contact activation pathway) and the common coagulation pathways.
PUD	peptic ulcer disease - an ulcer of an area of the gastrointestinal tract that is usually acidic.
PVC	premature ventricular contraction - a form of irregular heartbeat in which the ventricle contracts prematurely.
PVD	peripheral vascular disease - a collator for all diseases caused by the obstruction of large peripheral arteries, which can result from atherosclerosis, inflammatory processes leading to stenosis, an embolism or thrombus formation.

Q
q	every - e.g. q6h = every 6 hours
qd	every day
qh	every hour
q4h	every 4 hours, etc.
q6h	every 6 hours etc.
qid	four times a day
QNS	quantity not sufficient
qod	every other day
Qs/Qt	shunt fraction - right-to-left shunt fraction (Qs/Qt, where Qs and Qt refer to shunt and total flow, respectively) is reflected by the degree to which arterial oxygen content is improved by the application of a high fraction of inspired oxygen.
Qt	total cardiac output - The total blood flow from the heart during a specified period of time.

R
R	radius - long, prismatic, slightly curved bone, the shorter and thicker of the two forearm bones, located on the lateral side of the ulna.
RA	rheumatoid arthritis - inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints.
RAD	reactive airway disease - asthma, chronic disease of the respiratory system in which the airway is blocked, and creates an excessive amount of mucus, often in response to one or more triggers.
RAE	right atrial enlargement - diagnosed by the presence of a P wave 2.5 millimeters or greater in height. The P wave often has a sharp, peaked appearance. This increased voltage is caused by hypertrophy or acute strain of right atrial tissue.
RAP	right arterial pressure
RBBB	right bundle branch block - cardiac conduction abnormality seen on electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG).
RBC	red blood cell - are the most common type of blood cell and the vertebrate body's principal means of delivering oxygen from the lungs or gills to body tissues via the blood.
RBP	retinol-binding protein - are a family of proteins with diverse functions. They are carrier proteins which bind retinol.
RDA	recommended daily allowance - is the daily dietary intake level of a nutrient considered sufficient to meet the requirements of nearly all (97–98%) healthy individuals in each life-stage and gender group.
RDW	red cell distribution width - measurement of the variability of red blood cell size.
RIA	radioimmunoassay - method used to test antigens.
RIH	right inguinal hernia - protrusion of abdominal cavity contents through an area of the abdominal wall commonly referred to as the groin, and known in anatomic language as the inguinal area or the myopectineal orifice.
RLL	right lower lobe - The right lung has three lobes: the right upper lobe (RUL), the right middle lobe (RML), and the right lower lobe (RLL).
RLQ	right lower quadrant - right lower quadrant (quarter) of the abdomen. The RLQ of the abdomen contains the appendix.
RLS	restless leg syndrome - People with RLS describe crawling, itching, burning, or aching sensations beneath the skin in their legs. These sensations are so uncomfortable that they must move their legs, either by getting out of bed, or by exercising or stretching.
RML	right middle lobe - the right lung has three lobes: the right lower lobe (RLL), the right middle lobe (RML), and the right upper lobe (RUL).
RNA	ribonucleic acid - nucleic acid polymer consisting of nucleotide monomers, that acts as a messenger between DNA and ribosomes.
RO	radiation oncologist - a doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer patients, using radiation as the main modality of treatment as opposed to a medical oncologist who is a doctor who uses chemotherapy as the preferred modality of treatment.
ROM	range of motion - as used in the biomedical and weightlifting communities, is the measurement of the achievable distance between the flexed position and the extended position of a particular joint or muscle group.
ROS	review of systems - a useful screening tool for identifying problems in patients.
RPG	retrograde pyelogram - urologic procedure where the physician injects contrast into the ureter in order to visualize the ureter and kidney.
RRR	regular rate and rhythm - normal cardiac physical exam.
RSD	reflex sympathetic dystrophy - a condition of burning pain, stiffness, swelling, and discoloration of the hand. RSD includes other medical diagnoses such as casualgia, Sudeck's atrophy, and shoulder-hand syndrome. RSD occurs from a disturbance in the sympathetic (unconscious) nervous system that controls the blood flow and sweat glands in the hand and arm. When the nervous system becomes ov