Medical Terminology
1.01 Identify abbreviations
commonly used in the health
care setting.
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.
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)
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
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.
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.
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.
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:
1. Monitor blood pressure every two hours
2. Complete blood count, potassium, sodium
and magnesium levels
3. Chest x-ray and magnetic resonance
imaging
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:
1. ck BP Q2H
2. CBC, K, Na and Mg levels
3. Chest XR & MRI
Commonly used Abb.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
TPR & BP
ASAP
Stat
CA
HA
WNL
Ad lib
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
am
Rx
tsp
q2h
mL
EEG
VS
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
Discussion time and hands on
practice.
FYI : You already use abbreviations.
Ex: text messaging, email, time, etc…
References
• Health Careers Science
Exploration Textbook – Chapter
7 pgs:
• NCDPI