MEDICAL ABBREVIATIONS

While the “Medicalese” glossary contains medical jargon and terms and some spoken abbreviations, there are far more
abbreviations used in medical records and related documents that are rarely spoken, but commonly written. The Brooklyn
Hospital Center has a list of Approved Medical Abbreviations and Abbreviation Exclusion List which explains why dangerous
abbreviations and dosage designations should not be used.

Table 1: Dangerous abbreviations and dosage designations

Problem Term Intended Meaning Reason for Problem(s) Suggested Remedy

AU, AS, AD both ears, left ear, right ear Read as OU, OS,OD (both Write out “both ears, left ear,
eyes) or not understood right ear”

Write out “both eyes, left eye,

IU International unit Misread as IV (intravenous); i ht out”“unit” rather than
Write
The I is read as a one (6 IU International units, or spell
is read as 61 units) out International units, using
a lowercase i
QOD, QD, OD every other Mistaken for each other or Write out “every other
day read as q.i.d. (four times day” Write out
µ (Greek letter “mu”) microgram When handwritten, misread Write out “mcg” or “microgram”
or µg as mg
U or u unit When handwritten, read Write out “unit”
as 0, 4, 6, or cc
Apothecary Symbols Units of measure Not understood or Write out the metric system
(Units) misunderstood (mg, g, mL)
(MS, MSO4, MgSO4) Morphine sulfate, misunderstood for one Write out drug names,
Magnesium sulfate another e.g. “Morphine Sulfate”
cc Cubic Centimeter Looks like zeros, or “u” Write “ml.” or “mL”

Trailing zeros: 2.0 mg 2 mg Decimal point is not Never put a decimal after a whole
seen; read as 20 number.
mg causing a
tenfold overdose Example: 2.0 mg may be misread
Decimal doses 0.2 mg as 20mg
without a
leading zero .2 Always put a leading zero
mg before a decimal point.
Example: 0.2mg

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Abbreviation Description Abbreviation Description

1/2NS ½ normal saline AGA Appropriate for gestational age

A’ Artery AH Adult home

Before AI Aortic insufficiency

AVG Arterio‐venous graft (dialysis) AIDS Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

AVF Arterio‐venous fistula (dialysis) AJ Ankle jerk

A‐P Anterposterior AK Above knee

A‐V Shunt Arterio‐venous shunt or fistula Alk. phos Alkaline phosphatase

a.c. Before meals Alb Albumin

a.m.a. Against medical advice ALC Alternate level of care

A/C Assist control ALL Acute lymphocytic leukemia

A/G RATIO Albumin‐globulin ratio AMB Ambulatory

A/W Alive and well AML Acute myelogenous leukemia

A2 Aortic second sound AMML Acute myelomonocytic leukemia

Aa Of each AMS Altered mental status

A Assistance ALLO Allogenic

Afro American; Alcoholics Amytopic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s

AA Anonymous ALS Disease)

AAA Abdominal aortic aneurysm ANA Antinuclear antibody

AAL Anterior axillary line Ant Anterior

AAROM Active assisted range of motion A&O X 1,2,3 Alert and oriented x 1, 2, 3

Ab Abortion; antibody AO; AD Right ear

Abd Abdomin Appt. Appointment

Attention deficit hyperactivity

ADHD disorder Approx Approximately

ADL Activities of daily living ARDS Adult respiratory distess syndrome

Adm Admission ARF Avute renal failure

Active range of motion; artificial rupture

AF Amniotic fluid; Atrial fibrillation AROM of membrane

Acid fast bacillus; acid fast

AFB bacilli ART Antiretroviral therapy

Ag Antigen AS; a.s. Aortic stenosis, left ear

Afib Atrial fibrillation

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Abbreviation Description Abbreviation Description

Aspirin, American Society of

ASA Anesthesiologists BRADY Bradycardia

asap As soon as possible brbpr Bright red blood per rectum

ASD Atrialseptal defect BRP Bathroom privileges

ASHD Arteriosclerotic heart disease B.S. Bowel sounds, breath sounds

Auto Autogenic BSA Body surface area

Atrioventricular; arterio‐
AV venous; Audio Visual BSO Bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy

A&W Alive and well BUE Both upper extremities

b.i.d (BID) Twice a day BUN Blood urea nitrogen

Brainstem auditory evoked

BAEP potential Bx Biopsy

Brainstem auditory evoked

BAER response C Cycle

Baso. Basophile c Before

BBB Bundles branch block C&S Culture and sensitivity

BBS Bilateral breath sounds C/S Caesarean section

BCG Bacille Calmette‐Guerin C/o Complains of

bcr Breakpoint cluster region Ca Calcium

BE Barium enema CA Carcinoma or cancer

Beta‐human
BHCG chorionogonadotrophin CABG Coronary artery bypass graft

BIPAP Bilevel positive airway pressure CAD Coronary artery disease

BK Below knee Cal Calorie

Common acute lymphocytic leukemia

BKA Below knee amputation CALLA antigen

BLE Both lower extremeties Cap Capsule

Central auditory processing disorder;

Bowel movemner; bone continuous ambulatory peritoneal
BM marrow CAPD dialysis

BMO Basic metabolic panel CAT; ct (Scan) Computerized axial tomography

BMT Bone marrow transplant cath Catheter

BP Blood pressure CBC Complete blood count

BPH Benign prostatic hypertrophy CBG Capillary blood gas

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Abbreviation Description Abbreviation Description

CC Chief complaint CRF Chronic renal failure

CCA Common carotid artery CRN Certified Registered Nurse

CCU Coronary care unit CRTT Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician

CD Cluster determinant CSCU Cardiac special care unit

CD4 T‐cell helper lymphocytes Crypto Cryptococcus

CD34 Cluster determinant 34 CSA Cyclosporin A

CFA Common femoral artery CSF Cerebrospinal fluid

CG Contact guard CT Computed tomography

CAT scan angiogram, clear to

CHD Congenital heart disease CTA auscultation

CHF Congestive heart failure CV Cardiovascular

Cerebrovascular accident;
chol. Cholesterol CVA costovertebral angle

CK Creatine kinase CVL Central venous line

Cl+ Chloride; chlorine CVP Central venous pressure

Chronic myelogeneous
CML leukemia CXR Chest xray

Cytomegalovirus; controlled
CMV mechanical ventilation Cx Cervix

CNS Central nervous system D Day

CO2 Carbon dioxide D Dependent

Cont. Continued D&C Dilation and curettage

Chronic obstructive pulmonary

COPD disease D&E Dilation & evacuatuion

CPA Costophrenic angle D10W Dextrose 10% in water

Continuous positive airway

CPAP pressure D20W Dextrose 20% in water

CPD Cephalopelvic disproportion D50W Dextrose 50% in water

Dextrose 5% in Lactated Ringers

CPG Capillary blood gas D5LR Solution

CPK Creatine phospokinase D5½NS 5% Dextrose in ½ Normal Saline

CPM Continuous passive motion D5NS 5% Dextrose/Normal Saline

CPR Cardiopulmonary resuscitation D5W 5% Dextrose/Water

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Abbreviation Description Abbreviation Description

D70W Dextrose 70% in Water ECC Endocervical curettage

Dormiciliary Care Facility (adult Extended Care Facility; extracellular

DCF Home ECF Fluid

Derm Dermatology ECG,EKG Electrocardiogram

Dual energy x‐ray Enterocytopathogenic human orphan

DEXA absorpiometry ECHO virus; echocardiogram

Disseminated intravascular
DIC coagulopathy ECT Electroconvulsive therapy

diff Differential ED Emergency Department

DKA Diabetic ketoacidosis EDC Estimated date of confinement

Diffusion lung capacity of

DLCO carbon mpnoxide EEG Electroencephalogram

DM Diabetes mellitus EFW Estimated fetal weight

DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid EGD Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

DNI Do not intubate EIA External Iliac Artery

DNR Do not resuscitate EMA Emergency Medical Area

DOA Dead on arrival EMC Endometrial curettage

DOH Department of Health EMG electromyogram

Electromyography/nerve conducation
DOB Date of birth EMG/NCV velocity studies

Diphtheria toxoid, pertussis

DPT vaccine, tetanus toxoid ENG Electronystagmogram

DR Delivery room ENT Ear, nose, throat

DSMIV Diagnostic Statistical Manual IV EOB Edge of bed

DTR Deep tendon reflexes EOM Extraocular movement

DUB Dysfunctional uterine bleeding eos Eosinophil

DVT Deep vein thrombosis EP Evoked potential

d/w Discussed with EPAP Expiratory positive airway pressure

Dx Diagnosis Epith. Epithelium or epithelial

Electrophysiology study; extra pyramidal

EBL Estimated blood loss EPS syndrome

EBV Epstein‐Barr virus ER Emergency Room

Endoscopic retrograde
ERCP cholangiopancreatography

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Abbreviation Description Abbreviation Description

ESR Erythrocyte sedimentation rate Grav. I Primigravida

ESRD End stge renal disease Grav. II Secundigravida, etc

ETT Endotracheal tube GT Gastric tube

expr. Expiratory or expiration GTT Glucose tolerance test

ext External GU Genitourinary

FBS Fasting blood sugar GYN Gynecology

Fiber optic endoscopic

FEES examination of swallowing h.s. Hour of sleep

Forced expiratory volume ‐ 1, 2

FEV1, FEV2 seconds H/F Hispanic female

FFP Fresh frozen plasma H/M Hispanic male

FH Fetal heart h/o; H/O History of

Fraction of inspired oxygen

FIO2 concentration HA Health Aid

FK506 OR “FK” Prograf HAART Highly active antiretroviral therapy

FM Family history Hb Hemoglobinm as in Hb R,, Hb S, etc

FOI Flight of ideas HBs Ag Hepatitis B surface antigen

FP Family Practive HLA Human leucocyte antigen

FROM Full range of motion HCL Hairy cell leukemia

FSH Follicle stimulating hormone HCO3 Bicarbonate

Fluorescent treponema
FTA antibody Hct Hematocrit

FUO Fever of unknown origin HAV Hepatitis a virus

FWB Full weight bearing HBV Hepatitis b virus

Fx Fracture HCV Hepatitis c virus

Granulocyte colony stimulating

G‐CSF factor HD Hodgkin’s Disease

GB Gallbladder HDR High dose rate

GFR Glomerular filtration rate HDCT High dose chemotherapy

GI Gastrointestinal HEENT Head, eyes, ears, nose and throat

GJT Gastro‐jejunostromy tube HEM Hematology

GM‐CSF or Granulocyte macrophage

“GM” colony stimulating factor heme Blood

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Abbreviation Description Abbreviation Description

Hem/onc Hematology Oncology IH Inguinal hernia

HEP Home exercise program IMRT Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

High frequency oscillatory Intermittent mandatory ventilation

HFOV ventilation IMV

HGB hemoglobin Inj. Injection

Home Health Aid Inhaled nitic oxide; internuclear

HHA INO ophthalmoplegia

HPI History of present illness INR International normalization ratio

HIV Human immunodeficiency virus IPAP Inspiratory positive airway pressure

HLA Human leukoocytic antigen IPPB Intermittent positive pressure breathing

HMD Hyaline membrane disease IRDM Insulin requiring diabetes mellitus

Health Maintenance Inhibitor studies; incentive spirometry

HMO Organization IS

Hpf Per high power field IT Inspiratory time

HRF Health related facility ITP Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

HSV Herpes simplex virus IUD Intrauterine device

HTN Hypertension IV Intravenously

Hx History IVC Inferior Vena Cava

I&D Incision and drainage IVIG Intravenous immunoglobulin

Intake and output Intravenous pyelogram; intravenous

I&O IVP push

IABP Intra Aortic Balloon Pump IVPB Intravenous piggy back

IBD Inflammatory Bowel Disease JP Jackson Pratt

IBS Irritale Bowel Syndrome JT Jejunostomy tube

ICS Immumo‐chemistry studies K+ Potassium

ICU Intensive Care Unit KJ Knee jerk

IDB Identification band KUB Kidney ureter, bladder

Insulin dependent diabetes Labor and Delivery

IDDM mellitus L&D

I:E Inspiratory to expiratory ratio L/M Liters per minute

IEP Immunoelectrophoresis L Left

IgA, IgD, IgE, Immunoglobins, A, D, E, M etc Lecithing‐sphingomyelin ratio

IgM L/S RATIO

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Abbreviation Description Abbreviation Description

Lab Laboratory LPE Lipoprotein electrophoresis

LAD Left axis deviation LS Lipid studies

LADA Left anterior descending artery LR Lactated Ringer Solution

LAHB Left anterior hemiblock LSA (RSA) Left sacrum anterior(right)

Lap Laparotomy LSP (RSP) Left sacrum posterior (right)

Lat Lateral LST (RST) Left sacrum transverse(right)

Ldh Lactic dehydrogenase LTC Long Term Care

Lupus erythematosus Left upper extremity

LE prep prepration LUE

LFT Liver function test LUL Left upper lobe ‐ lung; left upper limb

LGA Large for gestational age LUQ Left upper quadrant – abdomen

LIH Left inguial hernia Lymph Lymphocyte

LH Luteinizing hormone M Murmurs

Linear accelerator Myocardial infarction; myorcardial

LINAC M.I.; MI infarct

Liquid Microbacterium avium complex;

monitored anesthesia coverage;
Liq MAC Monitored Anesthesia Case

LLE Left lower extremity MAI Microbacterium avium intercellulare

Left lower lobe – lung; left Mixed venous blood gases

LLL lower limb MBG

LLQ Left lower quadrant – abdomen MBS Modified barium swallow

LMA (RMA) Left mentoanterior (right) MCA Motorcycle accident

Last menstrual period Mean corpuscular hemoglobin;

LMP MCH Maternal Child Health

Left mentoposterior (right) Mean corpuscular hemoglobin;

LMP (RMP) MCHC concentration

LOA Loosening of association MCL Mid‐clavicular line

LOA (ROA) Left occiput anterior (right) MCV Mean corpuscular volume

Left occiput posterior (right) Musculary dystrophy; Medical Doctor;

LOP (ROP) MD Physician

LOS Length of stay MDR Multi‐drug resistant

LOT (ROT) Left occiput transverse (right) Med Medicine, medical

LP Lumbar puncure Meds Medication

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Abbreviation Description Abbreviation Description

MG Myasthenia gravis nl Normal

MICU Medical Intensive Care Unit NHL Non Hodgkins Lymphoma

MM Multiple Myeloma NIBP Non Invasive Blood Pressure

MMR Measles, mumps, rubella NICU Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

MMT Manual muscle test NIDDM Noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus

MN Midnight NIF Negative inspiratory force

MOM Milk of magnesia NKA No known allergy

Mono Monocyte; mononucleosis NKDA No known drug allergy

MR Mitral regurgitation NP Nurse Practitioner

Magnetic resonance NPH Neutral protamine hagedorn insulin

MRA angiography

Magnetic Resonance Cholangio NPO Nothing by mouth

MRCP Pancreatography

MRI Magnetic resonance imaging NS Normal saline

Mitral stenosis; multiple NST Non‐stress test

MS sclerosis

MSE Mental Status examination NSVD Normal spontaneous vaginal delivery

MTB Mycobacterium tuberculosis NWB Non‐weight bearing

MVA Motor vehicle accident NYS DOH New Yorks State Department of Health

Nawrite outa and vomiting NYPORTS New York Patient Occurrence Reporting
N&V and Tracking System

NA Not applicable O.D. Right eye

NA+ Sodium O.S. Left eye

NAD No abnormality detected O.U. Both eyes

n.a.d. No Apparent Distress O2 Oxygen

NAPD No active pulmonary disease O2 cap Oxygen capacity

NARD No acute respiratory distress O2 sat. Oxygen saturation

Normal contour a traumatic OBS Organic brain syndrome; Obstetrics;

NC/AT observation

Neuro Neurology OCD Obsessive compulsive disrfer

NG Nitroglycerin OD Overdose

NGT Naso‐gastri tube Ogt Orogastric tube

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Abbreviation Description Abbreviation Description

OOB Out of bed PaO2 Partial pressure of arterial oxygen

OPD Outpatient Department PAT Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia

Oper Operation Path Pathology

OPV Oral polio vaccine Paw Mean airway pressure

OR Operating Room PCA Patient Controlled Analgesia

ORIF Open reducation and internal PCD Plasma cell dycrasia (disorder)
fixation

Ortho Orthopedics PCEA Patient Controlled Epidural Analgesia

OT Occupational Therapy PCIRV Pressure contol inverse ratio ventilation

OT/R Occupational Therapist PCL Posterior cruciate element

Registerd

OTC Over the Counter PCN Percutaneous Nephrostomy

P After PCNU Percutaneour Nephro‐uretual stent

P Pulse pCO2 Partial pressure of carbon dioxide

P&A Percussion and auscultation PCP Pneumocystis Carinii pneumonia;

primary care provider

P‐A Poseroanterior PCV Pressure control ventilation

P.A.T. Pre‐admission testing PCWP Pulmonary capillary wedge

p.c. After meals PE Pulmonary embolism; physical

examination

p.o. By mouth Ped. Pediatrics

p.p.b.s. Post prandial blood sugar PEG Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

tube; polyethylene glycosylated

p2 Pulmonic second heart sound PEEP Positive expiratory pressure

p50O2 Partial pressure at which 50% PEP Protein electrophoresis

saturation

Pap smear Papanicolaou smear PERLA Pupils equal, reactive to light and
accommodation

PACU Post‐Anesthesia Recovery Unit PERRLA Pupils equal, round, reactive yo light and
accomodation

Para I, Para II Primipara, secundipara, etc PFT Pulmonary function test

PA Posterior/anterior view; PGY Post graduate year

Physician Assistant; platelet
aggregation; Pahologist
Assistant of blood by oxygen

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Abbreviation Description Abbreviation Description

pH Negative log of hydrogen; PPN Peripheral parenteral nutrition

hydrogen concentration

Ph Philadelphia (leukemia) PRE Progressive resistive exercise

PI Present illness RRE Round, regular and equal

PICC Peripheral inserted central Prep Prepare for

catheter

PICU Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Prn As often as necessary

PID Pelvic inflammatory disease PRO Peer Review Organization

PIH Pregnancy induced PROM Premature rupture of membranes;

hypertension passive range of motion

PKU Phenylketonuria PPROM Preterm premature rupture of

membrane

plt Platelet Prot Protein

PMD Private medical doctor’ primary PSA Protective Services Administration;

medical doctor prostate specific antigen

PMH Past medical history PSH Past surgical history

PMI Point of maximal impulse PSCT Peripheral stem vell transplant

PND Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea PSV Pressure support ventilation

PHN Paroxysmal nocturnal PSVT Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

hemoglobinuria

pO2 Partial pressure of oxygen PT Physical Therapy; prothrombin time;

Physical Therapist

po Per oral (by mouth) PTCA Percutaneous transluminal coronary

angioplasty

POC Product of conception pt Patient

POD Post Operative Day PTA Prior to admission

polys (PMN) Polymorphonuclear leukocytes PTH Parathormone

post Posterior; after PTL Pre‐term labor

Pr Per rectum PTT Partial thromboplastin time

pre Before PUD Peptic ulcer disease

PPD Purified protein derivative; Pulm Pulmonary

Packs Per Day

PPLO Pleuropneumonia‐like PVC Premature ventricular contraction

organism

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Abbreviation Description Abbreviation Description

PVD Peripheral vascular disease RO Radiation Oncology

PWB Partial weight bearing ROM Range of motion

Px physical ROS Review of systems

q.h. Every hout RPAC Registered Physician Assistant Certirfied

q.h.s. Every bed time RR Respiratory Rate

q.i.d. Four times daily RRT Registered Respiratory Therapist

q.s. Quantity sufficient RPR Syphilis test

q2h, q3h, q4h, Every two, three, four hours, RSR Regular sinus rhythm
etc. etc..

qns Quantity not sufficient RT Radiation Therapy

R Respiration; right RUC Random urine chemistry

R/o Rule out RUE Right upper extremeity

R/T Related to RUL Right upper lobe – lung; right upper limb

RAD Radiology RUQ Right upper quadrant – abdomen

RAHB Right anterior hemiblock Rx Therapy

RBB Right bundle branch block S Supervision

RBC Red blood cell s/p Status post

RCA Right coronary artery; Root SaO2 Arterial oxygen saturation

caWrite out Analysis

Reg Regular SBO Small bowel obstruction

RCP Respiratory Care Practitioner SC or SQ Stem cell

Rehab Rehabilitation s.c. Subcutaneous

RF Rhematic fever; rheumatoid SCUT Schizophrenic Chronic Undifferentiated

factor RH+Rhesus positive Type

Rh‐ Rhesus negative S.O.B Shortness of breath

RIA Radioimmunoassay S.T.S.G. Split thickness skin graft

RIH Right inguinal hernia S.W. Social Worker

RLE Right lower extremity Sed rate Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

RLL Right lower lobe – lung; right SGA Small for gestational age
lower limb

RN Registered Nurse SGC Swan‐Ganz (catheter)

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Abbreviation Description Abbreviation Description

SGOT (AST) Serum glutamic oxaloacetic Sympt Symptoms

transaminase (aspartate
transaminase)

SGHP (ALT) Serum glutamic pyruvic T temperature

transaminase (alanine
transferase)

SH Social history T&A Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy

SI Sputum induction t.i.d. Three times daily

SICU Surgical Intensive Care Unit T3 Tri iodithryronine

SIMV Synchronized intermittent T4 Total thyroxide

mandatory ventilation

SLE Systemic lupus erythematous Tachy Tachycardia

SMA Sequential multiple analysis TAH Total abdominal hysterectomy

SNF Skilled Nursing Facility TB Tuberculosis

SO Salpingo oophorectomy; TBI Traumatic brain injury; total body

Significant Other irradiation

Soln. Solution TENS Transcutaneous electrical nerve

stimulatore

SPE/SPEP Serum protein electrophoresis TO Telephone Order

sp. gr. Specific gravity TFT Thyroid function test

SROM Spontaneous rupture of TLC Total lung capacity

membrane

SSE Soap solution enema Toxo Toxoplasmosis

Staph Staphylococcus TPN Total parenteral nutrition

Stat Immediately, once only TPR Temperature, pulse and respiration

STD Sexually transmitted disease TRH Thyrotropin releasing hormone

Std. Standard Trigly Triglyceride

Strep Streptoccu TSH Thyroid stimulating hormone

Subcut Subcutaneous TTP Thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura

SL Sublingual TULIP Transurethral ultrasoung‐guided laser

induced prostatectomy

SS Signs and symptoms TURBT Transurethral resection bladder tumor

Surg. Surgery TURP Transurethral resection, prostate

Sx Signs Tx Therapy; treatment

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Abbreviation Description Abbreviation Description

U/a Urinalysis VZ(v) Varicella zoster (virus)

UFE Uterine Fibroid embolization W/c Wheelchair

UG Microgram WBAT Weight bearing as tolerated

UIF Urine immunofixation Wnl Within normal limits

electrophoresis

UPE Urine proteing electrophoresis WPW Wolf Parkinson White

URI Upper respiratory infection y/o Year old

Urol Urology WBQC Wide based quad cane

U.S. Ultrasound WD, WN Well developed, well nourished

UTI Urinary tract infection WFL Within functional limits

V.O. Verbal order WIC Women Infants & Children

V.S. Vital signs WBC White Blood Count

Vag Vagina or vaginal

VAS Verbal/ visual analog scale

VBAC Vaginal birth after C‐section

VC or vit.ca Vital capacity

VD Dead space ventilation

VD Venereal disease

VDRL Venereal disease research

laboratory test

Ve Minute ventilation

VEP Visual evoked potentials

VF Ventricular fibrillation

VIR Vascular/Interventional
Radiology

Vit Vitamin

VMA Vanillylmandelic acid

PVC Premature ventricular

contraction

VT Tidal volume

VT Ventricular tachycardia

Vtx Vertex

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Symbols Description

= ? approximately, change

? ? decrease, lower

= ? equal

, extension

♀ female

, Flexion

? increase

♂ male

‐ minus

# number, pound, parallel

+ plus

c with

s or o without

? change

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Symbols Description

[] concentration

´
?
feet

" inches

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