1. Common Medical Abbreviations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. 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

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

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

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

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

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

20. Activity
Work to decode the following Dr. orders on the following slides.
Once finished write a paragraph about the “pros” and “cons” of using medical abbreviations. 4 complete sentences. Proper punctuation and grammar.

21. 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.

22. 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.