Introduction

Nursing, like many healthcare professions, uses a variety of abbreviations and acronyms for efficient communication in medical records, orders, and documentation. Here’s a list of common nursing abbreviations and acronyms:

1. BID:

• Twice a day (from the Latin “bis in die”).

2. TID:

• Three times a day (from the Latin “ter in die”).

3. QID:

• Four times a day (from the Latin “quater in die”).

4. PRN:

• As needed (from the Latin “pro re nata”).

5. QD:

• Every day (from the Latin “quaque die”).

6. HS:

• At bedtime (from the Latin “hora somni”).

7. ADL:

• Activities of Daily Living.

8. B/P or BP:

• Blood Pressure.

9. CBC:

• Complete Blood Count.

10. IV: – Intravenous.

11. NGT or N/G: – Nasogastric Tube.

12. PO: – By mouth (per os).

13. PR: – Rectally (per rectum).

14. IM: – Intramuscular.

15. IVP: – Intravenous Push.

16. TLC: – Tender Loving Care.

17. BM: – Bowel Movement.

18. CXR: – Chest X-ray.

19. ECG or EKG: – Electrocardiogram.

20. NPO: – Nothing by mouth (nil per os).

21. STAT: – Immediately (from the Latin “statim”).

22. WNL: – Within Normal Limits.

23. O2: – Oxygen.

24. CVA: – Cerebrovascular Accident.

25. C/O: – Complains of.

26. DX: – Diagnosis.

27. Rx: – Prescription.

28. H&P: – History and Physical.

29. LOC: – Level of Consciousness.

30. ROM: – Range of Motion.

31. TX: – Treatment.

32. UA: – Urinalysis.

33. Rx: – Prescription.

34. WBC: – White Blood Cell.

35. DNR: – Do Not Resuscitate.

Conclusion

It’s crucial for healthcare professionals to be familiar with these abbreviations and acronyms to ensure accurate communication and documentation in the healthcare setting. However, it’s essential to use them responsibly and in compliance with organizational policies to prevent errors or misunderstandings.