Common Medical Abbreviations

Understanding common medical abbreviations is crucial in nursing practice. These terms help streamline communication about patient care, medication administration, and vital signs, ensuring effective treatment and safety. Mastering these abbreviations enhances your ability to provide quality nursing care.

1. PRN (as needed)

   • Indicates medication or treatment is to be given only when necessary.
   • Commonly used for pain management, nausea, or anxiety.
   • Requires assessment of the patient's condition before administration.

2. BID (twice daily)

   • Refers to administering medication two times within a 24-hour period.
   • Often scheduled at regular intervals, such as morning and evening.
   • Important for maintaining consistent therapeutic levels in the body.

3. TID (three times daily)

   • Indicates medication should be taken three times a day.
   • Typically spaced evenly throughout the day for optimal effect.
   • Useful for medications that require more frequent dosing.

4. QID (four times daily)

   • Refers to administering medication four times within a 24-hour period.
   • Often scheduled at regular intervals, such as breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime.
   • Ensures steady medication levels in the bloodstream.

5. NPO (nothing by mouth)

   • Indicates that a patient should not consume any food or liquids.
   • Commonly used before surgical procedures or certain medical tests.
   • Important for preventing aspiration and ensuring patient safety.

6. STAT (immediately)

   • Indicates that a medication or intervention is required without delay.
   • Often used in emergency situations where time is critical.
   • Requires prompt action from healthcare providers.

7. q (every)

   • A prefix used to indicate frequency of administration.
   • Often combined with a time frame (e.g., q4h means every 4 hours).
   • Essential for understanding medication schedules.

8. PO (by mouth)

   • Indicates that medication is to be taken orally.
   • Common route for many medications, including tablets and liquids.
   • Requires patient cooperation and ability to swallow.

9. IM (intramuscular)

   • Refers to the injection of medication directly into a muscle.
   • Allows for faster absorption compared to oral administration.
   • Commonly used for vaccines and certain medications.

10. IV (intravenous)

    • Indicates that medication is delivered directly into the bloodstream via a vein.
    • Provides rapid onset of action and precise control over dosage.
    • Commonly used in hospitals for hydration, medications, and blood products.

11. SC or SQ (subcutaneous)

    • Refers to the injection of medication into the fatty tissue beneath the skin.
    • Slower absorption compared to IM and IV routes.
    • Commonly used for insulin and certain vaccines.

12. BP (blood pressure)

    • Measurement of the force of blood against the walls of the arteries.
    • Important for assessing cardiovascular health and diagnosing conditions.
    • Typically recorded as systolic over diastolic (e.g., 120/80 mmHg).

13. HR (heart rate)

    • Refers to the number of heartbeats per minute.
    • Important vital sign for assessing cardiovascular function.
    • Can indicate stress, exercise, or underlying health issues.

14. RR (respiratory rate)

    • Measurement of breaths taken per minute.
    • Important for assessing respiratory function and oxygenation.
    • Can indicate distress or underlying respiratory conditions.

15. T (temperature)

    • Measurement of body heat, typically taken orally, rectally, or axillary.
    • Important for detecting fever or hypothermia.
    • Can indicate infection or other health issues.

16. O2 (oxygen)

    • Refers to the element essential for human respiration.
    • Often monitored in patients with respiratory conditions.
    • Supplemental oxygen may be administered to maintain adequate levels.

17. Rx (prescription)

    • Refers to a written order for medication or treatment from a licensed provider.
    • Essential for ensuring proper medication management.
    • Includes details such as dosage, frequency, and duration.

18. Dx (diagnosis)

    • Refers to the identification of a disease or condition based on symptoms and tests.
    • Essential for guiding treatment and management plans.
    • Requires thorough assessment and clinical judgment.

19. Hx (history)

    • Refers to the patient's medical history, including past illnesses and treatments.
    • Important for understanding the patient's background and current health status.
    • Aids in making informed clinical decisions.

20. SOB (shortness of breath)

    • Refers to difficulty or discomfort in breathing.
    • Can indicate respiratory or cardiovascular issues.
    • Requires prompt assessment and intervention to determine underlying causes.