List of Medical and Nursing Abbreviations   

A.

AAFP American Academy of Family Physicians
AALPN American Association of Licensed Practical Nurses
AAMI age-associated memory impairment
AAP American Academy of Pediatricians
AARP American Association of Retired Persons
AB abortion
Ab antibody
ABCDE airway and cervical spine, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure
ABG arterial blood gas
ABP acute bacterial prostatitis
AC Adriamycin and Cytoxan
ACE all-cotton elastic
ACE angiotensin-converting enzyme
ACIP Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
ACLS Advanced Cardiac Life Support
ACS American Cancer Society; Ambulatory Care Sensitive
ACTH adrenocorticotropic hormone
AD advance directive
ADA American Diabetes Association
ADAMHA Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration
ADC AIDS dementia complex
ADDH attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity
ADH antidiuretic hormone
ADHD attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
ADL activities of daily living
AEA above-the-elbow amputation
AEB as evidenced by
AED automated external defibrillator
AFP alpha-fetoprotein
Ag antigen
AGA appropriate for gestational age
AHA American Hospital Association
AI adequate intake
AICD automatic implantable cardioverter–defibrillator
AIDS acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
AJN American Journal of Nursing
AKA above-the-knee amputation; also known as
ALL acute lymphocytic leukemia
ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
ALT alanineaspartate aminotransferase (formerly SGPOT)
AMA American Medical Association; against medical advice
AML acute myelogenous leukemia
ANA American Nurses Association
ANP atrial natriuretic peptide
ANS autonomic nervous system
AP apical pulse; anteroposterior; anterior-posterior (repair);  assault precautions (attack)
APGAR A appearance (color); P pulse (heart rate); G grimace or reflexes (irritability); A activity (muscle tone);  R respiratory effort
APIE assessment, plan, intervention, evaluation
APTT activated partial thromboplastin time
A-R apical–radial (pulse)
ARC American Red Cross
ARDD alcohol-related developmental disability
ARDS adult acute respiratory distress syndrome
ARND alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder
AROM active range of motion; artificial rupture of the membranes
ARRP anatomic retropubic radical prostatectomy
ART Accredited Record Technician
AS sickle cell trait
ASA acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
ASD atrial septal defect; autism spectrum disorders
ASO antistreptolysin O titer
AST aspartate aminotransferase
ASU Ambulatory Surgery Unit
ATF Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
ATLS Advanced Trauma Life Support
ATN acute tubular necrosis
ATP adenosine triphosphate
AV atrioventricular
AVPU Alert, Verbal, Pain response, Unresponsive
AWOL absent without leave
Ax axillary

B

BAL in Oil dimercaprol
BBB blood–brain barrier
BBP blood-borne pathogens
BCG bacille Calmette–Guérin
BCLS Basic Cardiac Life Support
BCP birth control pill
BE barium enema x-ray
BEA below-the-elbow amputation
BIDS bedtime insulin and daytime sulfonylureas
BKA below-the-knee amputation
BLL blood lead level
BLS Basic Life Support
BM bowel movement
BMI body mass Index
BMT bone marrow transplantation
BOA born out of asepsis
BOH Board of Health
BP blood pressure
BPAD bipolar affective disorder
BPD bipolar disorder
BPH benign prostatic hyperplasia
BPM beats per minute
BPRS Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale
BRAT bananas, rice, applesauce, toast
BRM biologic response modifiers
BRP bathroom privileges
BS bowel sounds
BSC bedside commode
BSE breast self-examination
BUN blood urea nitrogen

C

Celsius; centigrade
C & S (blood) culture and sensitivity
C2, C3, etc. cervical section of the spinal cord
Ca  calcium
Ca3[PO4]2 calcium phosphate
CABG coronary artery bypass grafting
CaCl2 calcium chloride
CaCO3 calcium carbonate
CAD coronary artery disease
CAF Cytoxan, Adriamycin, fluorouracil
CAPD continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
CAT computerized adaptive testing
CBC complete blood cell
CBE charting by exception
CBP chronic bacterial prostatitis
cc cubic centimeter
CC chief complaint
CCP clinical care pathway
CCU coronary care unit
CCU/CICU coronary care unit/coronary intensive care unit
CD chemical dependency
CD4 helper T lymphocytes
CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDU chemical dependency unit, clinical decision unit
CEA carcinoembryonic antigen; cultured epithelial autografts
CEH continuing education hour
CEU continuing education unit
CF cystic fibrosis
CHAP Community Health Accreditation Program
CHC community health center
CHD coronary heart disease
CHF congestive heart failure
CHHA Certified Home Health Aide
CHO carbohydrates
CIC crisis intervention center
CICU coronary intensive care unit
CK creatine kinase
Cl chloride
CLL chronic lymphocytic leukemia
CLTC Citizens for Long-Term Care
CM case/care manager
CMF Cytoxan, methotrexate, fluorouracil
CMG cystometrogram
CML chronic myelogenous leukemia
CMMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
CMS color, motion, sensitivity (circulation, mobility, sensation)
CMV cytomegalovirus
CNM Certified Nurse Midwife
CNO Community Nursing Organization
CNS central nervous system
CO cardiac output
CO2 carbon dioxide
COA children of alcoholics; coarctation of the aorta
COAs children of alcoholics
COLD chronic obstructive lung disease
COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
COPs Conditions of Participation (Medicare requirements)
COTA Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
CP cardiopulmonary; cerebral palsy
CPAP continuous positive airway pressure
CPD cephalopelvic disproportion
CPK creatine phosphokinase
CPM continuous passive motion
CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CPT chest physiotherapy
CQI contiguous (or continuous) quality improvement
CRH corticotropin-releasing hormone
CRNA Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
CRNH Certified Registered Nurse—Hospice
CRP C-reactive protein
CRU Coronary Rehabilitation Unit
Cryo cryoprecipitate
CS complete stroke; cardiac sphincter
CSF cerebral ospinal fluid; colony-stimulating factors
CSR, CSS Central Supply Room, Central Service Supply
CT computed tomography
CUC chronic ulcerative colitis
CVA cerebrovascular accident
CVP central venous pressure
CVS chorionic villus sampling
CXR chest x-ray

D

D & C dilatation and curettage
D/2NS5% dextrose in half-normal saline (0.45% NS)
D/C discontinue
D5NS5% dextrose in normal saline (0.9% NS)
D5W5% dextrose in sterile water
DAPE data, assessment, plan, evaluation
DARE data, action, response, education
DAT diet as tolerated
Db decibel
DBP; dBP diastolic blood pressure
DCH District Court hold
DCT distal convoluted tubule
DDST Denver Developmental Screening Test
DEA Drug Enforcement Agency
DEP Department of Environmental Protection
DERM dermatology
DES diethylstilbestrol
DIC disseminated intravascular coagulation
DISCUS Dyskinesia Identification System-Condensed User Scale
DJD degenerative joint disease
DKA diabetic ketoacidosis
dL deciliter
DMAT Disaster Medical Assistance Team
DMD Duchenne muscular dystrophy
DME Durable Medical Equipment
DMSA 2, 3-dimercaptosuccinic acid
DNA deoxyribonucleic acid
DNH do not hospitalize
DNI do not intubate
DNR do not resuscitate
DOA Department of Agriculture
DOH Department of Health
DOL Department of Labor
DRF drip rate factor
DRG diagnosis-related group
DRI dietary reference intake
DSM-IV Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Revision IV
DT diphtheria and tetanus toxoids
DTAD drain tube attachment device
DtaP diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis
DTP diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine
DVR Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
DVT deep vein thrombosis

E

EAR estimated average requirement
EC emergency contraception
ECF extended care facility; extracellular fluid
ECG (EKG) electrocardiogram
ECT electroconvulsive therapy
ED emergency department; erectile dysfunction
EDC estimated date of confinement
EDD estimated date of delivery
EDTA edetate calcium disodium
EEG electroencephalogram
EGD esophagogastroduodenoscopy
EHS Employee Health Service
e-IPV enhanced potency inactivated poliovirus vaccine
ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
EMB ethambutol
EMG electromyogram
EMS Emergency Medical Services
EMT Emergency Medical Technician
ENG electronystagmography
EP escape (elopement) precautions
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
EPO erythropoietin
EPS electrophysiology study
EPSE extrapyramidal side effects
ERCP endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
ERG electroretinogram
ERT estrogen replacement therapy
ERV expiratory reserve volume
ESR erythrocyte sedimentation rate
ESRD end-stage renal disease
ESWL extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
ET enterostomal therapist
ETOH ethanol (alcohol)
ETOH W/D alcohol withdrawal

F

Fahrenheit
FADL functional activities of daily living
FAM fertility awareness method
FAS fetal alcohol syndrome
FBP fetal biophysical profile
FBS fasting blood sugar (fasting blood glucose)
FDA Food and Drug Administration
Fe  iron
FES functional electrical stimulation
FFP fresh-frozen plasma
FHC family health center
FHR fetal heart rate
FHT fetal heart tones
FPG fasting plasma glucose
FQHC Federally Qualified Healthcare
FRC functional residual capacity
FRV functional residue volume
FSH follicle-stimulating hormone
FTT failure to thrive
5-FU 5-fluorouracil
FVD fluid volume deficit
FVE fluid volume excess

G

G gauge
GABHS group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus
GCS Glasgow Coma Scale
GDM gestational diabetes mellitus
GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease
GERI geriatrics
GFR glomerular filtration rate
GH growth hormone
GHIH growth hormone–inhibiting hormone
GI gastrointestinal
GI tract gastrointestinal tract
GnRH gonadotropin-releasing hormone
G6PD glucose 6-phosphodehydrogenase
GRH, GHRH growth hormone–releasing hormone
GTT glucose tolerance test
G-Tube gastrostomy (tube)
GU genitourinary
GYN gynecology

H

hydrogen ion
H flu Haemophilus influenzae
H2CO3 carbonic acid
H2O, HOH water
HAS Health Services Administration
HAV hepatitis A virus
HAZMAT hazardous materials
Hb A1c glycosylated hemoglobin
HBD hydroxybutyric dehydrogenase
HBO hyperbaric oxygenation
HBV hepatitis B virus
HCA Health Care Assistant
HCFA Health Care Financing Association (payor source)
HCG human chorionic gonadotropin
HCl hydrochloric acid
HCO3 bicarbonate
Hct hematocrit
HCTZ hydrochlorothiazide
HCV hepatitis C virus
HD Hodgkin’s disease; Huntington’s disease
HDL high-density lipoprotein
HDV hepatitis D virus
HEV hepatitis E virus
HFCS high-fructose corn syrup
Hgb; Hb hemoglobin
HGF hematopoietic factor
HGV hepatitis G virus
HHA Home Health Aide
HHRG Home Health Resource Group
HHS Department of Health and Human Services
HI homicidal ideation
Hib Haemophilus influenzae type B conjugate vaccine
HICPAC Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee
HIS Indian Health Service
HIV human immunodeficiency virus
HIV-RNA viral load of HIV
HMO health maintenance organization
HNP herniated nucleus pulposus
HOSA Health Occupations Students of America
hPL human placental lactogen
HPO4, H2PO4 phosphate
HPV human papillomavirus
HR heart rate
HRT hormone replacement therapy
HS hour of sleep
HSV-1 herpes simplex virus type 1
HSV-2 herpes simplex virus type 2
HTN hypertension
HUS hemolytic uremic syndrome

I

IADL instrumental activities of daily living
IBD inflammatory bowel disease
IBS irritable bowel syndrome
IBW ideal body weight
IC interstitial cystitis; inspiratory capacity
ICD implantable cardioverter–defibrillator
ICF intermediate care facility
ICN International Council of Nurses
ICP intracranial pressure
cICP increased intracranial pressure
ICSH interstitial cell-stimulating hormone
ICU intensive care unit
ID identification
IDDM insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
IDG interdisciplinary group
IDT interdisciplinary team
IFG impaired fasting glucose
IFN interferon
IG immune globulins
Ig immunoglobulin
IgE immunoglobulin E
IgG gamma immunoglobulin (gamma globulin)
IGH impaired glucose homeostasis
IGT impaired glucose tolerance
II intellectual impairment
IICP increased intracranial pressure
IL interleukin
InFeD iron dextran
INH isoniazid
I & O intake and output
IOL intraocular lens
IOL implant intraocular lens implant
IOP intraocular pressure
IPPB intermittent positive-pressure breathing
IQ intelligence quotient
IR infrared (rays)
IRV inspiratory reserve volume
ITP idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
IUD intrauterine device
IV intravenous
IVC inferior vena cava
IVD intervertebral disk disease
IVF in vitro fertilization
IVIG intravenous immune globulin
IVP intravenous pyelogram
IVPB intravenous piggyback

J

J tube jejunostomy tube
JCAHO Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
JGA, JG apparatus juxtaglomerular apparatus
JP Jackson Pratt (drains)
JRA juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

K

K potassium
Kkcal; C kilocalorie
KCl potassium chloride
KOH potassium hydroxide
KUB kidney–ureters–bladder x-ray

L

L1, L2, etc. level of lumbar area of the spinal cord
LAD left anterior descending
LASIK laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis
LATCH L latch; A audible swallowing; T type of nipple; C comfort (breast/nipple); H hold (positioning)
LBW low birthweight
LCA left coronary artery
LCX left circumflex
LDH lactic dehydrogenase
LDL low-density lipoprotein
LDRP labor/delivery/recovery/postpartum room
LEEP loop electrosurgical excision procedure
LEP laparoscopic extraperitoneal approach
LES lower esophageal sphincter
LFT liver function tests
LGA large for gestational age
LH luteinizing hormone
LLQ left lower quadrant
LMCA left main coronary artery
LMP last menstrual period
LNMP last normal menstrual period
LOC level of consciousness
LP lumbar puncture
LPM, L/min liters per minute
LPN/LVN Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse
LQR/LSR locked quiet room, locked seclusion room
LS ratio lecithin–sphingomyelin ratio
LSD lysergic acid diethylamide
LT leukotriene
LTB laryngotracheobronchitis
LTC long-term care
LUQ left upper quadrant

M

MABP mean arterial blood pressure
MAC Mycobacterium avium complex
MAP mean arterial pressure
MAR Medication Administration Record
MAST military antishock trousers
MCHB Maternal Child Health Bureau
MD muscular dystrophy
MDD major depressive disorder
MDI metered-dose inhaler
MDS Minimum Data Set
mEq milliequivalents
mEq/L milliequivalents per liter
Mg; Mg  magnesium
MG myasthenia gravis
mg/dL milligrams per deciliter
MgSO4 magnesium sulfate
MH, MHU Mental Health Unit
MI & D mentally ill and dangerous
MI mental illness; myocardial infarction
MI-CD mentally ill and chemically dependent
MICU medical intensive care unit
MIF melanocyte-inhibiting factor
MIS Management Information Services/Systems
mL milliliters
MMI methimazole
MMPI Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
MMR measles, mumps, and rubella
MOM milk of magnesia
MPD multiple personality disorder
MRI magnetic resonance imaging
MRSA methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
MS morphine sulfate; multiple sclerosis
MSAFP; MS-AFP maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein test
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet
MSH melanocyte-stimulating hormone
MSW Medical Social Worker
MUA medically underserved area
MVA motor vehicle accident

N

Na sodium
NACHC National Association of Community Health Centers
NaCl sodium chloride
NAHC National Association for Home Care
NAHCC National Association of Health Care Centers
NANDA North American Nursing Diagnosis Association
NaOH sodium hydroxide
NAPNES National Association of Practical Nurse Education and Services
Na2SO4 sodium sulfate
NCHS National Center for Health Statistics
NCI National Cancer Institute
NCLEX National Council Licensure Examination
NCLEX-PN National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses
NCLEX-RN National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
NCP nursing care plan
NCSBN National Council of State Boards of Nursing
NEC necrotizing enterocolitis
NEURO neurology
NF National Formulary
NFLPN National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses
NG nasogastric
NG tube nasogastric tube
NHIC National Health Information Center
NHL non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
NHO National Hospice Organization
NHP nursing home placement
NHPCO National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
NICU neonatal intensive care unit
NIDDM non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
NIH National Institute of Health
NINR National Institute of Nursing Research
NIOSH National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
NLN National League for Nursing
NMR nuclear magnetic resonance
NMS neuroleptic malignant syndrome
NOS not otherwise specified
NP nurse practitioner
NPO nothing by mouth (non per os)
NPT nocturnal penile tumescence
NRM non-rebreathing mask
NS normal saline or 0.9% sodium chloride
NSAID nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
NSC National Safety Council
NST nonstress test
NTG nitroglycerine

O

O2 oxygen
OA osteoarthritis
OASIS Outcome and Assessment Information Set
OB obstetrics
OB/GYN obstetrician/gynecologist
OBRA Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
OBS/OBD organic brain syndrome/organic brain disorder
OBT over-bed table
OCD obsessive-compulsive disorder
OCT oxytocin challenge test
OD overdose; right eye (oculus dexter)
OFC occipital-frontal circumference
OH  hydroxyl ion
OMH Office for Migrant Health
ONS Oncology Nursing Society
OOB out of bed
OP occiput posterior
O & P ova (eggs) and parasites
OPD outpatient department
OPHS Office of Public Health and Science
OPV (live) oral poliovirus vaccine
OR operating room
ORIF open reduction and internal fixation
ORS oral rehydration solution
ORTHO orthopedics
OS left eye (oculus sinister)
O2 Sat percent oxygen saturation
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OT occupational therapy
OTC over-the-counter
OTR Occupational Therapist, Registered
OU both eyes (oculi unitas)

P

P phosphorus
PA Physician Assistant
PACE Pre-Admission and Classification Examination
PaCO2 ; pCO2 carbon dioxide content of arterial blood
PACU postanesthesia care unit
PaO2 ; pO2 oxygen content of arterial blood
Pap test Papanicolaou test (smear)
PAR postanesthesia recovery (room)
PBI protein-bound iodine
PBSC peripheral blood stem cell
PCA patient-controlled analgesia; personal care attendant
PCM protein-calorie malnutrition
PCN penicillin
PCP Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia; primary care provider
PCT proximal convoluted tubule
PDA patent ductus arteriosus; posterior descending artery
PDR Physician’s Desk Reference
PE polyethylene (tube)
PEDS pediatrics
PEG percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
PEP postexposure prophylaxis
PERRLA C pupils equal, round, react to light, accommodation OK and coordinated
PET position emission tomography
PFT pulmonary function test
pH potential of hydrogen; power of hydrogen (hydrogen ion concentration)
PIA prolonged infantile apnea
PIC peripheral indwelling catheter
PICC peripherally inserted central catheter
PICU pediatric intensive care unit
PID pelvic inflammatory disease
PIE plan, intervention, evaluation
PIH pregnancy-induced hypertension; prolactin-inhibiting hormone
PKU phenylketonuria
PM&R physical medicine and rehabilitation
PMI point of maximal impulse
PMP previous menstrual period
PMS premenstrual syndrome
PNS peripheral nervous system
PO by mouth (per os)
POC plan of care
POS point of service
PPD purified protein derivative
PPE personal protective equipment
PPF plasma protein fraction
PPG postprandial glucose
PPIP Put Prevention Into Practice
2hPP 2-hour postprandial
PPN peripheral parenteral nutrition
PPO preferred provider organization
PPROM prolonged premature rupture of membranes
PPS prospective payment system
PRH prolactin-releasing hormone
PRK photorefractive keratotomy
PRL prolactin
PRM partial-rebreathing mask
PRN as needed
PROM passive range of motion; premature rupture of membranes
PR/R per rectum/rectal
PSA prostate-specific antigen
PSDA Patient Self-Determination Act
psi per square inch
PSV pressure support ventilation
PSYCH psychiatry
PT prothrombin time; physical therapy
PTA Physical Therapist Assistant
PTCA percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
PTH parathyroid hormone, parathormone
PTL preterm labor
PTSD posttraumatic stress disorder
PTT partial thromboplastin time
PTU propylthiouracil
PUBS percutaneous umbilical blood sampling
PUS prostate ultrasound
PVC premature ventricular contraction
PZA pyrazinamide

Q

QA quality assurance
QI quality improvement

R

RA rheumatoid arthritis
RAA system renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system
RACE rescue, alarm, confine, extinguish
RAI radioactive iodine
RAIU radioactive iodine uptake
RAP resident assessment protocol
RBC red blood cell
RCA right coronary artery
RDA recommended dietary allowance
RDS respiratory distress syndrome
REE resting energy expenditure
REHAB rehabilitation unit
REM rapid eye movement
RF rheumatoid factor
RGP rigid gas-permeable plastic
RhoGAM Rh immune globulin
RICE rest, ice, compression, elevation
RIE recorded in error
RIND reversible ischemic neurologic deficit
RK radial keratotomy
RLQ right lower quadrant
RMP rifampin
RN registered nurse
RNA ribonucleic acid
ROI release of information
ROM range of motion
ROP retinopathy of prematurity; right occiput posterior
RP retinitis pigmentosa
RPh registered pharmacist
RPT registered physical therapist
RR recovery room
RRA registered record administrator
RSV respiratory syncytial virus
RT respiratory therapy
R/T related to
RUG resource utilization group
RUQ right upper quadrant
RV residual volume

S

S1 first heart sound
S2 second heart sound
S/A suicide attempt
SA node sinoatrial node; sinus node
SBE subacute bacterial endocarditis
SBFT small bowel follow-through x-ray
SBP; sBP systolic blood pressure
SDSU same-day surgery unit
S/G suicide gesture
SGA small for gestational age
SGOT serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase
SI suicidal ideation
SI units International system of units (or Systeme International d’Unites)
SIADH syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone
SIB self-injurious behavior
SICU surgical intensive care unit
SIDS sudden infant death syndrome
SIE stroke in evolution
SIMV synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation
SIRES stabilize, identify toxin, reverse effect, eliminate toxin, support
SL sublingual
SLD specific learning disabilities
SLE systemic lupus erythematosus
S/M sadomasochism
SMBG self-monitoring of blood glucose
SNF skilled nursing facility
SNS sympathetic nervous system
SO significant other
SO4 sulfate
SOAP subjective, objective, assessment, plan
SOAPIER subjective, objective, assessment, plan, intervention, evaluation, response
SOB short of breath
SOBOE short of breath on exertion
SP suprapubic (catheter)
SP/GP suicide precautions/general precautions
SPF sun protective factor
SRO single room occupancy
SROM spontaneous rupture of the membranes
SSA Social Security Administration
SSDI Social Security Disability Insurance
SSE soap suds enema
START Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment
STAT at once, immediately
STD sexually transmitted disease
STH somatotropic hormone (somatotropin)
STI sexually transmitted infection
SV stroke volume
SVC superior vena cava
SVE sterile vaginal examination
SVR systemic vascular resistance
SX P sexual precautions
SZ P seizure precautions

T

T1, T2, etc. level of injury in the thoracic area of the spinal cord
T3 triiodothyronine
T4 thyroxine
T&A tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
TAC time, amount, character
TB tuberculosis
TBI traumatic brain injury
TBW total body water
TCDB turning, coughing, deep breathing
TCN tetracycline
TD tardive dyskinesia
TED thromboembolic disease
TEE transesophageal echocardiography
TENS transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
TFT thyroid function test
TGV transposition of the great vessels
THA total hip arthroplasty
THC cannabis (marijuana and related drugs)
T-hold transportation hold (police)
TIA transient ischemic attack
TICU trauma intensive care unit
Title XVIII Medicare section of the Social Security Act
Title XIX Medicaid section of the Social Security Act
Title XXII source of COPs
TKA total knee arthroplasty
TLC total lung capacity
TLSO thoracolumbar sacroorthosis
Tm transport maximum
TMJ temporal mandibular joint
TMR transmyocardial revascularization
TO telephone order
TOF tetralogy of Fallot
TORCH toxoplasmosis, other, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex
t-PA tissue plasminogen activator
TPA total parenteral alimentation
TPN total parenteral nutrition
TPR temperature, pulse, and respiration
TR therapeutic recreation
TS Tourette syndrome
TSE testicular self-examination
TSH thyroid-stimulating hormone
TSLO thoracic-lumbar-sacral orthosis
TSS toxic shock syndrome
TURBT transurethral resection of bladder tumor
TURP transurethral resection of prostate
TV tidal volume
TWE tap water enema
T&X type and crossmatch

U

U-100 100 units per milliliter
UA urinalysis
UAP unlicensed assistive personnel
UL tolerance upper intake level
UN United Nations
UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund
UNOS United Network of Organ Sharing
UPP urethral pressure profile
UPT urine pregnancy test
URI upper respiratory infection
UROL urology
US ultrasound
USD U.S. Dispensatory
USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDHHS U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
USP U.S. Pharmacopoeia
USPHS U.S. Public Health Service
UTI urinary tract infection
UTox urine toxicity screen (for drugs)
UV ultraviolet (rays)

V

VC vital capacity
VCUG voiding cystourethrogram
VLBW very low birthweight
VMA vanillylmandelic acid
VNA Visiting Nurse Association
VO verbal order
Vol voluntarily admitted
VRE vancomycin-resistant enterococci
V & S; vol. and spec. volume and specific gravity (urine)
VSD ventricular septal defect

W

WA while awake
WBC white blood cell
W/C wheelchair
WHO World Health Organization
WIC Women, Infants and Children
WISC-R Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Revised
WNL within normal limits