- a̅ = before (from Latin "ante")
- accel = acceleration
- A&P = anterior & posterior
- A.M. = before noon
- A/G = Albumin globulin ratio
- A2 = Aortic Second sound
- AA = Acute Appendectomy
- aa = of each, equal parts
- AAT = ambulate as tolerated
- AB = abortion
- abd = abdomen
- ABG = arterial blood gases
- Abn = abnormal
- ABW = adjusted body weight
- AC = Air Contrast
- A-C = Acromio-clavicular
- ACL = Anterior Cruciate Ligament
- ad = lib as much as needed, as desired
- ADH = anti-diuretic hormone
- ADL = Activities of daily living
- adm = admission
- AFB = acid-fast bacilli
- AFI = Amnitotic fluid index
- AFib = atrial fibrillation
- AFP = alpha fetaprotein
- AGA = Appropriate for gestational age
- agit. = shake or stir
- AgNo3 = Silver Nitrate
- AIDS = Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- AK = above-knee
- AKA = above-knee amputation
- AKI = acute kidney injury
- Alb = Albuterol
- alb. = albumin
- ALD = alcoholic liver disease
- ALS = amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- alt. = alternate, alternating
- AMA = Against Medical Advice
- AMB = ambulatory
- AMI = Acute Myocardial Infarction
- amnio = amniocentesis
- amp = ampule
- amt. = amount
- AMU = Acute Medical Unit
- ant. = anterior
- ante = before
- AODM = Adult Onset Diabetes Mellitus
- approx = approximately
- appt = appointment
- Appy = appendectomy
- aq = water
- aq. = dest distilled water
- ARDS = Adult respiratory distress syndrome
- AROM = Artificial rupture of membranes
- ASA = Aspirin
- ASCVD = Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease
- ASD = atrial septal defect
- ASHD = arteriosclerotic heart disease
- ASIS = anterior superior iliac spine
- asst = assistance
- ASU = Acute Surgical Unit
- ATach = Atrial Tachycardia
- Aug = Augmentation
- AV = atriovenous
- avg = average
- AVN = atrioventricular node
- AVSS = afebrile, vital signs stable
- b.i.d. = twice daily
- B.O.M. = bilateral otitis media
- B1 = thiamin
- B2 = Riboflavin
- BBB = Bundle Branch Block
- BE = barium enema
- BF = breast feeding
- bil. = bilateral
- bili = bilirubin
- BK = below-knee
- BKA = Below knee amputation
- Bl. = bleeding
- BM = Bowel Movement
- BMI = Body Mass Index
- BMP = Basic Metabolic Panel
- BMR = basal metabolic rate
- BOA = born out of asepsis
- BOM = Bilateral Otitis Media
- BOW = Bag of Water
- BP = blood pressure
- BPH = benign prostatic hypertrophy
- BPP = Biophysical Profile
- BR = Bathroom
- brady = bradycardia
- BRB = bright red blood
- Brk = Bronkosol
- BRP = bathroom privileges
- BS = blood sugar
- BSA = body surface area
- BSC = bedside commode
- BSE = breast self-exam
- BSER = brain stem evoked response
- BSN = Bachelor of Science, Nursing
- BSO = bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
- BST = Breast stimulation test
- BUE = bilateral upper extremity
- BUN = blood urea nitrogen
- BVM = bag value mask
- BVT = bag value tube
- Bx = biopsy
- C̅ = with
- C = centigrade
- C&S = culture and sensitivity
- c&v = cupping & vibration
- C.O. = Cardiac output
- C.S.M. = circulation, sensation and motion
- c/o = complaining of
- C/S = Cesarean section
- C/W = consistent with
- CA = carcinoma, cancer
- Ca++ = Calcium
- CABG = coronary artery bypass graft
- CAD = coronary artery disease
- Cal = calorie
- CAN = cord around neck
- Caps = capsule
- CAT = Computerized Axial Tomography
- cath = catheterization
- CBC = complete blood count
- CBR = complete bed rest
- CBS = chronic brain syndrome
- CCU = Coronary Care Unit
- CDC = Center for Disease Control
- CEA = carcinoembryonic antigen
- cm. = centimeter
- CHB = complete heart block
- CHD = Congenital heart disease
- CHF = Congestive Heart Failure
- chg = change
- chol = cholesterol
- CI = coronary insufficiency
- circ. = circumcision
- cl = clear
- CL = chloride
- Cl. = Liq. clear liquids
- Cl. = Time clotting time
- cldy = cloudy
- cm = H20 centimeters of water pressure
- CMML = Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
- CMS = Circulation, motion, and sensation
- CNA = certified nurses aide
- CNS = central nervous system
- CO2 = carbon dioxide
- cocci = coccidioidomycosis
- comp. = compound
- conc. = concentrated
- conf = conference
- cong = congested
- cont. = continued
- Cont.aero = Continuous Aerosol
- COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure
- CPD = cephalopelvic disproportion
- CPK = creatinine phosphokinase
- CPM = continuous passive motion
- CPR = cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- CPT = Chest Physiotherapy
- CRAMS = Circulation, Respiration, Abdomen, Motor, Speech
- CRNA = Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
- CRP = C-Reactive protein
- CS = Central Supply
- CSF = cerebrospinal fluid
- CSP = Central Sterile Processing
- CST = contraction stimulation test
- CT = computerized tomography
- CTA = clear to auscultation
- ctx = cervical traction
- Cu = copper
- cu. = mm. cubic millimeter
- CV = cardiovascular
- CVA = cerebrovascular accident
- CVC = central venous catheter
- CVP = central venous pressure
- CXR = chest x-ray
- CTR = Carpal tunnel release
- D&C = dilatation and curettage
- D.O.E. = dyspnea on exertion
- D.O.S. = Day of surgery
- D.R. = Delivery Room
- D.T. = delirium tremens
- D.W. = distilled water
- d/c-dc = discontinue
- D/RL = dextrose and Ringer’s Lactate
- D/W = dextrose and water
- D5LR = 5 percent dextrose Lactated Ringers
- D5W = 5% dextrose in water
- DAT = diet as tolerated
- DBP = diastolic blood pressure
- DDI = dressing dry & intact
- Decel = decleeration
- decr = decrease or diminish
- decub = decubitus
- defib = defibrillation
- dept = department
- DES = Diethylstilbestrol
- dev = seq developmental sequences
- DFA = diet for age
- diag = diagnosis
- diam = diameter
- DIC = disseminated intravascular coagulopathy
- dil. = dilute or dissolve
- DIP = distal interphalangeal joint
- disch = discharge
- DISH = Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis
- disp = dispense
- div = divide
- DJD = Degenerative Joint Disease
- DKA = Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- DLCO = Diffusion capacity of lung
- DM = Diabetes Mellitus
- DME = Durable medical equipment
- DNR = Do not resuscitate
- DO = Doctor of Osteopathy
- DOA = Dead on Arrival
- DOB = Date of Birth
- DR = Doctor
- dr. = dram
- drng = drainage
- drsg = dressing
- DSD = dry sterile dressing
- DSE = daily skills evaluation
- DU = duodenal ulcer
- DUB = dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- DVT = Deep Venous Thrombosis
- DX = Diagnosis
- E. = Coli Escherichia coli
- e.g. = for example
- E.S. = electrical stimulation
- EBL = Estimated blood loss
- ECCE = Extracapsular Cataract Extraction
- ECG = Electrocardiogram
- ED = Emergency Department
- EDC = Estimated date of confinement
- EDC = Estimated date of conception
- EDD = end diastolic diameter
- EDP = end diastolic pressure
- EEG = Electroencephalogram
- EENT = Ears, eyes, nose & throat
- eff = effective
- EFM = external fetal monitor
- EGA = estimated gestational age
- EGD = esophagogastroduodenoscopy
- EKG = Electrocardiogram
- elix = elixir
- EMG = electromyogram
- Enf = Enfamil
- ENG = electronystagmography
- ENT = Ears, nose & throat
- EOA = esophageal obturator airway
- EOM = extraocular muscles
- EPID = epidural
- EPIS = episiotomy
- Eq = Su equipment set-up
- ERCP = endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
- ERV = expiratory reserve volume
- ESD = end systolic diameter
- ESR = Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- est. = estimate
- ET = Endotracheal
- et. = and
- etiol = etiology
- ETOH = Ethyl alcohol
- ETT = endotracheal tube
- EUA = examination under anesthesia
- eval = evaluation
- ex = excision
- exer. = exercise
- Exp. = Expired
- Exp. = Lap Exploratory laparotomy
- expl. = exploratory
- ext. = external
- F = Fahrenheit
- F.F. = force fluids
- F.F.P. = fresh frozen plasma
- f.o.b. = foot of bed
- F/U = Follow-up
- FACH = forceps after coming head
- FAS = fetal alcohol syndrome
- FB = foreign body
- FBS = fasting blood sugar
- FDA = Food & Drug Administration
- fdg = feeding
- fe = female
- Fe = iron
- FH = family history
- FHM = fetal heart monitor
- FHR = fetal heart rate
- FHT = fetal heart tones
- Fi02 = oxygen percentage
- fib = fibrillation
- fl. = fluid
- Fl. = dr. fluid dram
- fl. = oz. fluid ounce
- FM = fetal movement
- FMC = Family Maternity Center
- FP = Family Practice
- FPL = flexor pollicus longus
- FRC = functional residual capacity
- Freq = frequency
- FSE = fetal scalp electrode
- FSH = follicle stimulating hormone
- ft. = foot
- FTSG = full-thickness skin graft
- FUO = fever of undetermined origin
- FVC = forced vital capacity
- FWB = full weight bearing
- fx = fracture
- G/S = glucose and saline
- G/W = glucose and water
- GA = gestational assessment
- gal = gallon
- gastroc = gastrocnemius
- GB = gallbladder
- GBS = Group B strep
- GDM = gestational diabetes mellitus
- GERD = gastro esophageal reflux disease
- GGT = gamma glutamyl transferase
- G-Hgb = glycosylated hemoglobin
- GI = gastrointestinal
- GLU = glucose
- glut = gluteal
- gm = gram
- gm% = grams percent
- GN = graduate nurse
- GPN = graduate practical nurse
- gr = grain
- Grav, = Gr Gravida
- gt = drop
- gtt = drops
- GTT = Glucose Tolerance Test
- GU = genitourinary
- GYN = gynecology
- H&H = Hemoglobin & Hematocrit
- H&L = heart and lungs
- H&P = history and physical
- H202 = hydrogen peroxide
- H2O = water
- HA = headache
- HAE = hearing aid evaluation
- HASHD = Hypertensive arteriosclerotic heart disease
- HAT = Hemovac Auto Transfuser
- HbA = glycosylated hemoglobin
- HBIG = Hepatitis B Immune Globulin
- HBP = High Blood Pressure
- HbSAb = Hepatitis B surface antibody
- HbSAg = Hepatitis B surface antigen
- HC = head circumference
- HCG = human chorionic gonadotropin
- HCO3 = bicarbonate
- HCVD = Hypertensive Cardiovascular disease
- HDL = high density liquid protein
- HEENT = head, eyes, ears, nose & throat
- HELLP = hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes & low platelet syndrome
- hemi = half
- Hep = B Hepatitis B
- Hep = L,HL Heparin lock
- HF = Heparin flush
- HFP = High Fowler’s position
- Hg = mercury
- Hgb = hemoglobin
- HHD = Hypertensive heart disease
- HHN = hand held nebulizer
- HIDA = hepato-iminodiacetic acid
- histo = histoplasmin
- HIV = Human Immunodeficiency virus
- HMD = Hyaline Membrane Disease
- HNP = herniated nucleus pulposus
- HOB = head of bed
- hp = hot pack
- HPI = history of present illness
- HPTN = hypertension
- HR = heart rate
- hr,h = hour
- HSP = Henoch-Schönlein purpura
- HSV = herpes simplex viruses
- HT = Hubbard Tank
- Ht. = height
- HTN = Hypertension
- HWP = home walking program
- hx = history
- hypo = hypodermically
- hyst. = hysterectomy
- I = Iodine
- I&D = incision and drainage
- I&O = intake and output
- i.e. = that is
- I.V. = intravenous
- I:E = Inspiratory time to Expiratory time ration
- IABP = Intra-aortic Balloon Pump
- IBW = Ideal Body Weight
- IC = intracardiac
- ICP = intracranial pressure
- ICPM = intracranial pressure monitoring
- ICU = Intensive Care Unit
- id. = the same
- IDDM = Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
- IDM = infant of diabetic mother
- IFM = internal fetal monitor
- IM = intramuscular
- IMI = Inferior Myocardial Infarction
- IMV = Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation
- inc. = incontinent
- incr = increase
- Ind = induction
- indep = independent
- inf = infection
- init = initials
- inj = injection
- INR = International Normalization Ratio
- ins = insurance
- insp. = inspiratory
- instr. = instructions
- int. = internal
- invol = involuntary
- IOL = Intraocular lens
- IOP = intraocular pressure
- IP = inpatient
- IPG = Impedence Phlebograph
- IPPB = intermittent positive pressure breathing
- IQ = intelligence quotient
- IRV = inspiratory reserve volume
- IS = incentive spirometry
- iso = isoenzymeisol
- Isol. = isolation
- Isup = Isuprel
- ITP = Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
- IUC = intrauterine catheter
- IUD = intrauterine device
- IUGR = intrauterine growth retardation
- IUPC = intrauterine pressure catheter
- IVAC = intravenous infusion pump
- IVCD = intraventricular conduction defect
- IVP = intravenous pyelogram
- IVPB = intravenous piggyback
- IV-push = intravenous push
- IVU = intravenous urogram
- IWMI = Inferior Wall Myocardial Infarction
- JDM = juvenile diabetes mellitus
- jt. = joint
- JVD = jugular vein distention
- JVP = jugular venous pulse
- K,K+ = potassium
- K.O. = keep open
- KCL = potassium chloride
- Kg = kilogram
- KI = potassium iodine
- KJ = knee jerks
- KLS = kidney, liver, spleen
- KPM = kilopound meter
- KUB = kidney, ureter, bladder
- Kv. = kilivolts
- KVO = keep vein open
- l = liter
- L = left
- LL = left lateral
- l&w = living and well
- L.E. = Lupus Erythematosis
- L.M.L. = left middle lobe
- L/D = Labor & Delivery
- L/S = lumbosacral
- L/S = ratio lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio
- LA = left arm
- LA = line left atrial line
- lab = laboratory
- lac = laceration
- LAC = long arm cast
- LAD = left anterior descending
- LAE = left atrial enlargement
- lang = language
- LAP = left atrial pressure
- LASER = light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation
- lat = lateral
- LAT = left anterior thigh
- lb. = pound
- LBBB = left bundle branch block
- LBP = low blood pressure
- LBW = low birth weight
- LCL = lateral cruciate ligament
- LD = left deltoid
- LDH = lactic dehydrogenase
- LDL = low density liquid protein
- LDR = Labor Delivery Recovery
- LDRP = Labor Delivery Recovery Postpartum
- LE = lower extremity
- LEEP = Loop electrocautery excision procedure
- LFA(RFA) = left frontoanterior (right)
- LFP = (RFP) left frontoposterior (right)
- LFT = (RFT) left frontotransverse (right)
- LG = left gluteus
- lg. = large
- LGA = large for gestational age
- liq. = liquid
- LKS = liver, kidneys, spleen
- LL = Left lateral
- LLC = long leg cast
- LLE = left lower extremity
- LLL = left lower lobe
- LLQ = left lower quadrant of abdomen
- LLSB = lower left sternal border
- LMA = (RMA) left mentoanterior (right)
- LML = left medial lateral
- LMP = last menstrual period
- LMT = (RMT) left mentotransverse (right)
- LOA = Left Occiput Anterior
- LOA = Leave of Absence
- LOC = level of consciousness
- LOP = left occiput posterior
- LOS = length of stay
- LOT = left occiput transverse
- LP = lumbar puncture
- lpm = liters per minute
- LPN = Licensed Practical Nurse
- LR = lactated ringers
- LSA(RSA) = left sacrum anterior (right)
- LSB = left sternal border
- LSO = left salpingo-oophorectomy
- LSP = (RSP) left sacrum posterior (right)
- LST(RST) = left sacrum transverse (right)
- Lt. = L left leg
- LTB = laryngotracheo bronchitis
- LTCS = low transverse Cesarean section
- LTG = long term goals
- LTM = long term memory
- LTV = long term variability
- LUAQ = left upper abdominal quadrant
- LUE = left upper extremity
- LUL = left upper lobe
- LUOQ = left upper outer quadrant of gluteal area
- LUQ = left upper quadrant
- LV = left ventricle
- LVE = left ventricular enlargement
- LVEDP = left ventricle and diastolic pressure
- LVET = left ventricular ejection time
- LVG = left ventrogluteal area
- LVH = left ventricular hypertrophy
- LVL = left vastus lateralis
- LVN = Licensed Vocational Nurse
- LVPW = left ventricular posterior wall
- LVSV = left ventricle stroke volume
- LVSW = left ventricle stroke work
- m = meter
- ma = male
- m.s. = morphine sulphate
- MAP = mean airway pressure
- MAS = mobile arm support
- max = maximum
- MBU = Mom/Baby Unit
- mcgm = microgram
- mcgtts = microdrops
- MCL = medial collateral ligament
- MCP = metacarpal interphalangeal joint
- MD = Medical Doctor
- MDI = Metered dose inhaler
- mech = mechanical
- med = medication
- MEF = maximal mid-expiratory flow
- mEq = milliequivalent
- mg = milligram
- Mg = Magnesium
- Mg/dl = milligrams per deciliter
- MH = medical history
- MI = Myocardial Infarction
- ml = milliliter
- ML = midline
- mm = millimeter
- mm1hg = millimeters of mercury
- mm3 = millimeter cubed
- MMK = Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz
- MMPI = Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
- MMR = mumps, measles, rubella
- MMT = manual muscle test
- MMW = Marshall-Marchetti-Weiss
- mod = moderate
- MOM = Milk of Magnesia
- Mono = mononucleosis
- MP = metabolic panel
- mph = miles per hour
- MRMI = Mental Retardation, Mental Illness
- MS = Multiple Sclerosis
- mtg = meeting
- MTP = metatarsophalangeal
- mult = multiples
- MV = mitral valve
- MVA = motor vehicle accident
- MVP = mitral valve prolapse
- MVR = mitral valve regurgitation
- N = normal
- N/A = not applicable
- N/C = no complaints
- N/V = nausea and vomiting
- NA = Nurses Aide
- Na+,Na = sodium
- NaCl = sodium chloride
- NB = newborn
- NC = nasal cannula
- neg = negative
- Neuro = Neurology
- NG = nasogastric
- NG = tube nasogastric tube
- Ng/ml = nanogram/milliliter
- NICU = Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- NIDDM = non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
- NIF = negative inspiratory force
- NKA = no known allergies
- NKDA = No known drug allergies
- NKMA = no known medication allergies
- NM = nanometer
- NNP = Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- no. = number
- noc = night
- NP = Neuropsychiatric
- NPH = Type of Insulin (Isophane)
- NPN = nonprotein nitrogen
- NPO = nothing by mouth
- NR = do not repeat
- NS = normal saline
- NSL = normal saline lock
- NSAID = Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug
- NSR = normal sinus rhythm
- NST = non-stress test
- NSU = non-specific urethritis
- NSY = Nursery
- NTG = nitroglycerine
- NVD = neck vein distention
- NWB = non weight bearing
- NYD = not yet diagnosed
- O&P = Ova & Parasites
- o.c. = open crib
- O.D. = right eye
- O.S. = left eye
- O.U. = both eyes
- O2 = Oxygen
- OA = occiput anterior
- OB = Obstetrics
- obl = oblique
- OBS = Organic Brain Syndrome
- OC = oral contraceptive
- OCT = oxytocin challenge test
- OFC = occipitofrontal circumference
- OOB = out of bed
- OP = Outpatient
- OPD = Outpatient Department
- OPG = oculoplethysmography
- OR = Operating Room
- ORIF = open reduction, internal fixation
- Ortho = Orthopedics
- OSA = Obstructed sleep apnea
- OT = Occupational Therapy
- oz. = ounce
- p̅ = after (from Latin "post")
- P = pulse
- P = ox chk pulse oximeter check
- p = ox cont. pulse oximeter continuous
- P&A = percussion & auscultation
- p.c. = after meals
- P.E. = physical examination
- P.I. = present illness
- p.m. = afternoon
- P.R.O.M. = partial range of motion
- P.S.P. = Phenolsulfonphthalein test
- P.T. = physical therapy
- PA = pulmonary artery
- PAC = premature atrial contraction
- PACU = Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
- PACU = Post Anesthesia Care Unit
- Pap = Papanicolaou smear
- PAP = pulmonary arterial pressure
- PAR = postanesthesia recovery
- para = number of births
- PAT = paroxysmal atrial tachycardia
- Path = pathology
- PAWP = pulmonary artery wedge pressure
- PB = barometric pressure
- PBI = protein bound iodine
- PBP = peak blood pressure
- PC = packed cells
- PCA = patient controlled analgesia
- PCL = posterior cruciate ligament
- PCN = penicillin
- PCP = Primary Care Physician
- PCW = pulmonary capillary wedge
- PCXR = portable chest x-ray
- PD = postural drainage
- PE = pulmonary embolism
- Peds = Pediatrics
- PEEP = positive and expiratory pressure
- PEF = positive expiratory force
- PEFR = peak expiratory flow rate
- PEG = percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
- PEP = Positive Expiratory Pressure
- PERLA = pupils equal reactive to light and accommodation
- PFC = persistent fetal circulation
- PFT = pulmonary function test
- PG = phosphatidyl glycerol
- pH = hydrogen ion concentration
- PH = past history
- PHR = peak heart rate
- PI = phosphatydinnositol
- PICC = Peripherally-inserted central catheter
- PID = pelvic inflammatory disease
- PIH = pregnancy induced hypertension
- PIP = proximal interphalangeal
- pit = pitocin
- PJC = premature junctional contraction
- PKU = phenylketonuria
- PMH = past medical history
- PMI = point of maximum impulse
- PMS = premenstrual syndrome
- PNA = pneumonia
- po = by mouth
- POD = Post Op Day
- POP = persistent occipitoposterior
- pos = positive
- PP = postpartum
- PPBS = post-prandial blood sugar
- PPD = purified protein derivative
- PPT = partial prothrombin time
- PPTL = Postpartum tubal ligation
- PRBC = packed red blood cells
- prep = prepare for
- PRN = as necessary
- Pro. = Prosobee
- PROM = premature rupture of membranes
- Pro-time = prothrombin time
- PS = Pressure Support
- PSA = prostatic specific antigen
- PSIS = posterior superior iliac spine
- psych = psychology
- PT = prothrombin time
- PTA = prior to arrival
- PTCA = Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
- PTSD = Posttraumatic stress disorder
- PTT = partial thromboplastin time
- pud = pudendal
- PUD = Peptic ulcer disease
- pulm = pulmonary
- pulse = AP apical pulse
- Pulse = R radial pulse
- Pulv. = powder
- PUW = pick up walker
- PV = pulmonary valve
- PVC = premature ventricular contraction
- PVD = peripheral vascular disease
- PVR = pulmonary vascular resistance
- PWB = partial weight bearing
- q = every
- q2h = every 2 hours
- qh = every hour
- qid = four times a day
- QNS = quantity not sufficient
- QS = quantity sufficient
- qt. = quart
- quad = quadriplegia
- quads = quadriceps
- qv = as much as you wish
- R = right
- R.O.M. = range of motion
- R/O = rule out
- RA = room air
- RAT = right anterior thigh
- RBBB = right bundle branch block
- rbc = red blood cells
- RBC = red blood count
- RBP = resting blood pressure
- RCP = Respiratory Care Practitioner
- RD = right deltoid
- RDS = respiratory distress syndrome
- ref = refused
- REM = rapid eye movement
- reps = repetitions
- res = residual
- resp = respiration
- resus = resuscitation
- RF = rheumatoid arthritis factor
- RG = right gluteus
- Rh = Rhesus blood factor
- RHD = rheumatic heart disease
- RHR = resting heart rate
- RL = right lateral
- RLE = right lower extremity
- RLL = right lower lobe
- RLQ = right lower quadrant
- rm = room
- RML = right middle lobe
- RN = Registered Nurse
- ROA = right occiput anterior
- ROM = rupture of membranes
- ROP = right occiput posterior
- ROS = review of systems
- ROT = right occiput transverse
- RPh = Registered Pharmacist
- RPR = rapid plasma reagin
- Rpt = repeat
- RR = Recovery Room
- RRR = regular rhythm, rate
- RSA = right sacral anterior
- RSB = right sternal border
- RSO = right salpingo-oophorectomy
- RSR = regular sinus rhythm
- RSV = Respiratory Syncytial Virus
- RT = Respiratory Therapy
- Rt.L = right leg
- RTC = return to clinic
- Rx = prescription
- s̅ = without (from Latin "sine")
- S.G. = specific gravity
- S/P = status post
- S/P = O2 special Oxygen
- SAA = same as above
- SAB = spontaneous abortion
- SaO2 = Oxygen Saturation
- SCN = Special Care Nursery
- SE = spiral electrode
- SF = Semi fowlers
- SGOT = serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase
- SGPT = serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase
- SIDS = Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
- Sig. = let it be labeled
- Sim. = Similac
- SIMV = Synchronous Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation
- SL = saline lock
- SLE = Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- SMAC = lab profile study
- SN = student nurse
- SOB = shortness of breath
- Sol = solution
- SOP = standard operating procedure
- SOS = one dose only
- sp. = gr. specific gravity
- spu = ind Sputum Induction
- SR = Sinus rhythm
- SROM = spontaneous rupture of membranes
- s/s = signs and symptoms
- SSE = Soapsuds enema
- ST = Sinus tachycardia
- Staph = Staphylococcus
- stat = at once, immediately
- STD = sexually transmitted disease
- Stim. = Stimulation
- Str = strong
- Strep = Streptococcus
- STV = short term variability
- subq = subcutaneous
- supp. = suppository
- Surg. = Surgery
- SVD = single vaginal delivery
- SVN = small volume nebulizer
- syr. = syrup
- T = temperature
- T#3 = Tylenol #3
- T&A = tonsillectomy & adenoidectomy
- T&S = type and screen
- t.i.d. = three times a day
- T.O. = telephone order
- T.P. = Total protein
- tab = tablet
- TAB = Therapeutic abortion
- TAH = Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
- TB = Tuberculosis
- Tbsp = tablespoon
- temp = temperature
- Tet = Tetanus
- THA = Total Hip Arthroplasty
- TIA = Transient Ischemic Attack
- TIBC = Total iron binding capacity
- TKA = Total knee arthroplasty
- TKO = To keep open
- TMJ = Temporomandibular joint
- TOCO = tocometer
- Top = topically
- TORCH = toxoplasmosis, other, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus
- TPN = Total Parenteral nutrition
- TPR = temperature, pulse, respiration
- tr. = tincture
- tsp. = teaspoon
- TTP = Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
- TUR = Transurethral resection
- TURP = Transurethral resection of prostate
- TVH = Total Vaginal Hysterectomy
- TVTO = tension free transvaginal tape – obturator approach
- TX = treatment
- U.S.P. = United States Pharmacopecia
- UA = urinalysis
- UAC = umbilical artery catheter
- UC = Uterine Contractions
- UE = upper extremity
- UGI = upper gastrointestinal
- UHF = ultrabeige frequency
- ung = ointment
- UO = urine output
- URI = upper respiratory infection
- US = ultrasound
- USN = Ultrasonic nebulizer
- UTI = urinary tract infection
- UV = ultraviolet
- UVC = umbilical vein catheter
- V = volume
- V = Fib Ventricular fibrillation
- V = Tach Ventricular tachycardia
- vag = vaginal
- VBAC = vaginal birth after Cesarean
- VC = Vital capacity
- VD = venereal disease
- VDRL = Venereal disease research laboratory
- VE = vaginal exam
- vit = vitamin
- VO = verbal order
- VS = vital signs
- VSS = vital signs stable
- Vt = Tidal Volume
- VTE = Venous Thromboembolism
- VTX = Vertex
- w/o = without
- wa = while awake
- Wass = Wasserman
- WB = whole blood
- wbc = white blood cell
- WBC = White Blood Count
- wc = wheelchair
- WDWN = well-developed, well-nourished
- WF = white female
- WM = white male
- WNL = within normal limits
- WP = whirlpool
- WPW = Wolf-Parkinson-White
- wt = weight
- x = times
- XM = cross-match
- XR = x-ray
- Y = year
- Yd = Yard