1
Welcome to the School of Nursing at the Johns Hopkins University!
As a faculty who coordinates one of your first semester courses I am making available to you some helpful and
useful information. I have included it below for your reading pleasure! There are two documents: the
“B.U.R.P.S.” list (Building and Understanding Roots, Prefixes and Suffixes) and Talk like a Nurse. This
document lists many (not all) of the medical terms used in your first semester classes and I believe will ease
your transition into a new way of speaking.
THE B.U.R.P.S LIST
Purpose: To become proficient in Building and Understanding Roots, Prefixes and Suffixes
Rationale: Building and understanding medical terminology is simpler when the words are broken down into
roots, prefixes and suffixes.
Steps:
 Review the B.U.R.P.S. tables and try to determine the definitions of the examples
 Notice the overlap among the three groups of roots, prefixes and suffixes
 Make new words by changing one part of the word. For example, if an appendectomy is the removal
of the appendix, then a nephrectomy is the removal of a kidney. Tachycardia is a fast heart rate and
tachypnea is a fast respiration rate.
Helpful Note: R/T means “related to”
TALK LIKE A NURSE
Purpose: To become familiar with acronyms commonly used by health care providers
Rationale: Different professions have unique languages; medicine and nursing are no exceptions. The
acronyms below are used in verbal and written communication in health care settings.
Steps:
 Review the attached list of acronyms (then you can start to critique shows like “House” and “Gray’s
Anatomy” for accuracy!)
 Notice that some acronyms have two different meanings; e.g., ROM stands for “range of motion” and
“rupture of membranes” - be careful when using abbreviations
 Take the Self Assessment after reading the approved terms, found in Blackboard
NOTE: All institutions have a list of accepted and “do not use” abbreviations. Always check with the institution
before using an abbreviation.
2
I. Roots
R/T Body Parts
THE B.U.R.P.S LIST
Root Meaning Example(s)
Angi(o), Vas(o) Blood vessel Angioplasty, vasoconstriction
Brachi(o) Arm Brachial
Bucc(o) Cheek Buccal
Cardi(o) Heart Cardiopathy
Carp(o) Wrist Carpal tunnel syndrome
Cephal(o) Head Cephalic
Colp(o) Vagina Colposcopy
Crani(o) Skull Craniotomy
Cyst(o) Bladder Cystoscopy, cystitis
Cyto Cell Cytology, cytomegaly
Dactyl(o) Finger, toe Polydactyly
Encephal(o) Brain Encephalitis
Enter(o) Intestine Enteritis
Gloss(o) Tongue Glossitis, glossopharyngeal
Hemo, sanguin(o) Blood Hemolytic, serosanguinous
Hyster(o) Womb, uterus Hysterectomy
Mast(o), mamm(o) Breast Mastitis, mammography
Men(o) Month, r/t menses Menopause, menarche, dysmenorrheal
Nephr(o), Ren(o) Kidney Nephrectomy, renal
Oophor(o) Ovary Oopherectomy
Ophthalm, Ocul(o) Eye Ophthalmoscope, ocular
Ot(o), Auri, Aud Ear Otitis, auricle, audiometer
Phleb(o), Ven(o) Vein Phlebitis, venous
Pod Foot Podiatrist
Rhin(o) Nose Rhinoplasty, rhinorrhea
Salping(o) Fallopian tube Salpingectomy, salpingitis
Thorac(o) Chest Thoracotomy, thoracic
Thromb(o) Clot Thrombosis, thrombolytic
Other Roots
Root Meaning Example(s)
Gluc(o) Sweet, sugar Glucose, glucometer
Hydr(o) Water Hydrocephalus, hydrophobia
Lact(o) Milk Lactosuria, lactating
Lip(o), adip(o) Fat Lipoma, adipose
Therm Heat Hyperthermia
II. Prefixes
R/T Colors
Prefix Meaning Example(s)
Erythr(o) Red Erythema, erythrocyte
Leuk(o), leuc(o) White Leukocytes, leukemia
Cyan(o) Blue Cyanosis
Melan(o) Black Melanin
Cirrh(o) Yellow Cirrhosis
3
R/T Descriptions
Prefix Meaning Example(s)
Ankyl(o) Stiff, fixed, crooked Ankylosis
Sten(o), Stric Narrow Stenosis, stricture
Ortho Straight position Orthopnea, orthopedic
Kypho Bent, crooked Kyphoscoliosis, kyphosis
Pseudo False Pseudostrabismus, pseudoaneurysm
R/T Measurements
Prefix Meaning Example(s)
Macro Large Macrophage, macrocephaly
Micro Small Microscopic, microorganism
Poly, Hyper, Multi Many, much Polydypsia, hyperthyroidism, multiple
Brady Slow Bradypnea
Tachy Fast Tachycardia
Oligo, Hypo Few Oliguria, hypothermia
Iso Equal Isometric, isotonic
Diplo, Ambi Both, double Diplopia, ambidextrous
Hemi Half Hemiplegia, hemisphere
Pan All Pansystolic, pancytopenia
R/T Positions
Prefix Meaning Example(s)
Pro, Ante, Pre Before Prodromal, antepartum, precapillary
Post After Postnatal, posterior
Super, supra Above Superior, supraclavicular
Sub Below Submandibular, subcutaneous
Dors(o) Back Dorsoflexion, dorsal
Retro Backwards Retrograde, retrosternal
Para Beside Paramedic, paranasal
Re Again Rehydrate, recuperate
Later(o) Side Lateral
Medi(o) Middle Medial, mediastinum
Schizo Split Schizophrenia
Inter Between Intercostals, interdigital
Heter(o) Different Heterogeneous
Hom(o) Same Homozygous
Ad(o) Towards Adduction, adhesion, adrenal
Ab(o) Away from Abduction, abnormal
Anti, Contra Against Antigen, contraception
Endo, In, Intra In, within, inside Endocarditis, inhale, intrapartum
Ex(o), Ec(to) Out Exhale, ectopic
Epi Upon, above Epidermis, epigastric, epiglottis
Dia, Trans Through Diameter, transfusion
Peri, Circum Around Perinatal, circumcision
Sinister(a) Left OS (oculus sinister – left eye)
Dextr(o) Right OD (oculus dexter – right eye)
4
R/T the Body
Prefix Meaning Example(s)
Aden(o) Gland Adenoma, adenoids
Arthr(o) Joint Arthritis, arthroscopy
Cervic(o) Neck Cervical, cervicitis
Costo Rib Costochondritis, costovertebral
Cyto Cell Cytology, cytomegaly
Derm Skin Dermatitis, dermatological
Gastr(o) Stomach Gastritis, gastrointestinal
Glosso Tongue Glossopharyngeal, glossitis
Heme Blood Hematuria, hematemesis, hemangioma
Hepat(o) Liver Hepatitis, hepatocellular
Lingu Tongue Lingual, linguistic
Litho Stone Lithotomy, lithotripsy
My Muscle Myoma, myalgia
Myo, myel Marrow Myelitis
Neuro Nerve Neuromyalgia
Oto Ear Otitis, otolaryngology
Opti, Ocu Eye Optician, ocular
Osteo Bone Osteoarthritis, osteopenia
Pneum(o), Pulm Lung Pneumothorax, pulmonary
Psycho Mind Psychology, psychopath, psychosomatic
Rhino Nose Rhinorrhea, rhinitis
Thor(a) Chest Thoracic, thoracentesis
Vasc Vessel Vasculitis
Other Prefixes
Prefix Meaning Example(s)
A(n) Without Anemia, avascular
Auto Self Autoimmune
Dys Difficult, painful Dyspnea, dysuria
Gravida Pregnant, heavy Gravidity
Neo New Neonatal, neoplasm
III. Suffixes
R/T Surgery
Suffix Meaning Example(s)
Centesis Tap, puncture Thoracentesis
Ectomy Removal Mastectomy, appendectomy
Lysis Separate, destroy Hemolysis
Ostomy Form an opening Colostomy
Otomy Cut into Tracheotomy, craniotomy
Plasty Repair Rhinoplasty
R/T Diseases
Suffix Meaning Example(s)
Algia Pain Arthralgia, myalgia
Cele Hernia, swelling Hydrocele, cystocele
Emia Blood Leukemia, anemia
Gen Producing Carcinogen, allergen
Itis Inflammation Appendicitis, hepatitis
5
Megaly Enlargement Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly
Oid Resemble Fibroid, keloid
Oma Tumor Adenoma, myoma
Osis Abnormal condition Dermatosis
Pathy Disease Neuropathy, psychopathology
Penia Deficiency Cytopenia, thrombocytopenia
Phagia Eating Dysphagia
Phasia Speech Aphasia, dysphasia
Plegia Paralysis Paraplegia, quadriplegia
Phobia Fear Acrophobia, agoraphobia
Pnea Air, breathing Apnea, dyspnea, orthopnea
Rrhage Burst forth Hemorrhage
Rrhea Flow, discharge Diarrhea
Sclerosis Hardening Atherosclerosis
Spasm Contraction Bronchospasm
Troph(o) Nourishment Atrophy, hypertrophy
Uri(a) Urine Nocturia, dysuria
Other Suffixes
Suffix Meaning Example(s)
Gram Picture, record Electrocardiogram
Ology Study of Pathology, dermatology
Phon(o) Sound Egophony, bronchophony
Scope Inspect Microscope, laproscopic
TALK LIKE A NURSE
A-P anterior-posterior
ASA acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
A&W alive & well
bid 2x/day (bis in dies)
BKA below-the-knee amputation (AKA-above)
BM bowel movement
BMI body mass index
BMR basal metabolic rate
BPH benign prostatic hypertrophy
BR bed rest
BRP bathroom privileges
BS bowel sounds
BSE breast self-examination
BSO bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
BUN blood urea nitrogen
BX biopsy
c with (cum)
CA cancer
CABG coronary artery bypass graft
CAD coronary artery disease
CAGE cut down, annoyed, guilty, eye opener
CAM complementary alternative medicine
CBC complete blood count
CBE clinical breast exam
CC chief complaint
cc cubic centimeter
CHF congestive heart failure
cm centimeter
6
CN cranial nerve
CNS central nervous system
C/O complains of
Copd chronic obstructive Pulmonary Disease
C&S culture & sensitivity
Csf cerebrospinal fluid
Ct computed(computerized) tomography
Cta clear to auscultation
Cts carpal tunnel syndrome
Cva cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
Cxr chest x-ray
D/C Discharge, Discontinue
D & C dilatation and curettage
DFA difficulty falling asleep
DJD degenerative joint disease
DM diabetes mellitus
DNR do not resuscitate
DOA dead on arrival
DOB date of birth
DOE dyspnea on exertion
DPT diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (vaccine)
DSM diagnostic & statistical manual
DTR deep tendon reflexes
DVT deep vein thrombosis
Dx diagnosis
ECG electrocardiogram (or EKG)
ED emergency department
EEG electroencephalogram-gram
EMA early morning awakening
ENT ears, nose, and throat
EOM extraocular muscles or movement
ERT estrogen replacement therapy
ESR erythrocyte sedimentation rate
ESRD end-stage renal disease
ETOH ethanol (alcohol)
FB foreign body
FBS fasting blood sugar
FUO fever of unknown origin
FX fracture
GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease
GI gastrointestinal
GU genitourinary
H&P history and physical
HA headache
HBP high blood pressure
Hct hematocrit
HEENT head, eyes, ears, nose, throat
hgb hemoglobin
Hib hemophilus influenza B
h/o history of (or Hx)
HOB head of bed
HPI history of present illness
HRT hormone replacement therapy
hs hour of sleep, bedtime
HTN hypertension
I & D incision and drainage
IM intramuscular
I & O intake and output
IV intravenous
IVP intravenous pyelogram
JCAHO Joint Commission on Accreditation of
Healthcare Organizations
JVD jugular venous distention
KUB kidney, ureter and bladder (x-ray)
KVO keep vein open
LE lower extremities
LFTs liver function tests
LMP last menstrual period
LNMP last normal menstrual period
7
LOC loss or level of consciousness
LP lumbar puncture
MI myocardial infarction (heart attack)
MMR measles, mumps, and rubella (vaccine)
MMSE mini mental state exam
MRI magnetic resonance imaging
MS mental status or multiple sclerosis
NAD no acute or apparent distress
NGT nasogastric tube
NKA no known allergies
NKDA no known drug allergies
NPO nothing by mouth (non peros)
NSAID nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
NSR normal sinus rhythm
NSS normal saline solution
NV nausea/vomiting
NVD nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
NWB non-weight bearing
OA osteoarthritis
OC oral contraceptives
od right eye (ocular dexter)
OOB out of bed
os left eye (ocular sinister)
OT occupational therapy
OTC over-the-counter
ou both eyes
p after
p.c. after meals
PCN penicillin
PE physical examination or pulmonary embolism
PERRLA pupils equal, round, reactive to light and
accommodation
PID pelvic inflammatory disease
PMH past medical history
PMI point of maximal impulse (apical pulse)
S/P status post (after)
PND paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea or post nasal drip
PNS peripheral nervous system
PPD purified protein derivative (TB skin test)
pr per rectum
PRN as needed (pro re nata)
PROM passive range of motion or premature rupture of
membranes
PSA prostate specific antigen (test)
PT physical therapy
PTA prior to admission
PUD peptic ulcer disease
PVD peripheral vascular disease
q4h every 4 hours
q6h every 6 hours
qam every morning
qd every day**
qh every hour
qhs every night
qid 4x/day
qod every other day**
RA rheumatoid arthritis or right atrium
RBC red blood cell
REM rapid eye movements
RLQ right lower quadrant (RUQ, LLQ, LUQ)
R/O rule out
ROM range of motion or rupture of membranes
ROS review of systems
RRR regular rate & rhythm
R/T related to
s without (sans)
SBE subacute bacterial endocarditis
SC subcutaneous
Sig label
SL sublingual
SOB shortness of breath
8
sp.gr. specific gravity
S.Q. subcutaneous(ly)
signs and symptoms
STAT immediately
STS serological test for syphilis
Sx symptoms
TCDB turn, cough, deep breathe
TIA transient ischemial attack (mini stroke)
tid 3x/day
TM tympanic membrane
TMJ temporomand-ibular joint
TNTC too numerous to count
TPN total parenteral nutrition
TURP transurethral resection of prostate
TSE testicular self- examination
UA urinalysis
UE upper extremities
URI upper respiratory infection
urinary tract infection
VS vital signs
VSS vital signs stable
white blood cell
WD/WN well developed, well nourished
WF/BF white female/black female
WM/BM white male/black male
WNL within normal limits
y/o years old
change
** appear on the JCAHO “Do Not Use” list – should
write out “daily” or “every other day”
Caution against using: < or >

burps.pdf

  • 1.
    1 Welcome to theSchool of Nursing at the Johns Hopkins University! As a faculty who coordinates one of your first semester courses I am making available to you some helpful and useful information. I have included it below for your reading pleasure! There are two documents: the “B.U.R.P.S.” list (Building and Understanding Roots, Prefixes and Suffixes) and Talk like a Nurse. This document lists many (not all) of the medical terms used in your first semester classes and I believe will ease your transition into a new way of speaking. THE B.U.R.P.S LIST Purpose: To become proficient in Building and Understanding Roots, Prefixes and Suffixes Rationale: Building and understanding medical terminology is simpler when the words are broken down into roots, prefixes and suffixes. Steps:  Review the B.U.R.P.S. tables and try to determine the definitions of the examples  Notice the overlap among the three groups of roots, prefixes and suffixes  Make new words by changing one part of the word. For example, if an appendectomy is the removal of the appendix, then a nephrectomy is the removal of a kidney. Tachycardia is a fast heart rate and tachypnea is a fast respiration rate. Helpful Note: R/T means “related to” TALK LIKE A NURSE Purpose: To become familiar with acronyms commonly used by health care providers Rationale: Different professions have unique languages; medicine and nursing are no exceptions. The acronyms below are used in verbal and written communication in health care settings. Steps:  Review the attached list of acronyms (then you can start to critique shows like “House” and “Gray’s Anatomy” for accuracy!)  Notice that some acronyms have two different meanings; e.g., ROM stands for “range of motion” and “rupture of membranes” - be careful when using abbreviations  Take the Self Assessment after reading the approved terms, found in Blackboard NOTE: All institutions have a list of accepted and “do not use” abbreviations. Always check with the institution before using an abbreviation.
  • 2.
    2 I. Roots R/T BodyParts THE B.U.R.P.S LIST Root Meaning Example(s) Angi(o), Vas(o) Blood vessel Angioplasty, vasoconstriction Brachi(o) Arm Brachial Bucc(o) Cheek Buccal Cardi(o) Heart Cardiopathy Carp(o) Wrist Carpal tunnel syndrome Cephal(o) Head Cephalic Colp(o) Vagina Colposcopy Crani(o) Skull Craniotomy Cyst(o) Bladder Cystoscopy, cystitis Cyto Cell Cytology, cytomegaly Dactyl(o) Finger, toe Polydactyly Encephal(o) Brain Encephalitis Enter(o) Intestine Enteritis Gloss(o) Tongue Glossitis, glossopharyngeal Hemo, sanguin(o) Blood Hemolytic, serosanguinous Hyster(o) Womb, uterus Hysterectomy Mast(o), mamm(o) Breast Mastitis, mammography Men(o) Month, r/t menses Menopause, menarche, dysmenorrheal Nephr(o), Ren(o) Kidney Nephrectomy, renal Oophor(o) Ovary Oopherectomy Ophthalm, Ocul(o) Eye Ophthalmoscope, ocular Ot(o), Auri, Aud Ear Otitis, auricle, audiometer Phleb(o), Ven(o) Vein Phlebitis, venous Pod Foot Podiatrist Rhin(o) Nose Rhinoplasty, rhinorrhea Salping(o) Fallopian tube Salpingectomy, salpingitis Thorac(o) Chest Thoracotomy, thoracic Thromb(o) Clot Thrombosis, thrombolytic Other Roots Root Meaning Example(s) Gluc(o) Sweet, sugar Glucose, glucometer Hydr(o) Water Hydrocephalus, hydrophobia Lact(o) Milk Lactosuria, lactating Lip(o), adip(o) Fat Lipoma, adipose Therm Heat Hyperthermia II. Prefixes R/T Colors Prefix Meaning Example(s) Erythr(o) Red Erythema, erythrocyte Leuk(o), leuc(o) White Leukocytes, leukemia Cyan(o) Blue Cyanosis Melan(o) Black Melanin Cirrh(o) Yellow Cirrhosis
  • 3.
    3 R/T Descriptions Prefix MeaningExample(s) Ankyl(o) Stiff, fixed, crooked Ankylosis Sten(o), Stric Narrow Stenosis, stricture Ortho Straight position Orthopnea, orthopedic Kypho Bent, crooked Kyphoscoliosis, kyphosis Pseudo False Pseudostrabismus, pseudoaneurysm R/T Measurements Prefix Meaning Example(s) Macro Large Macrophage, macrocephaly Micro Small Microscopic, microorganism Poly, Hyper, Multi Many, much Polydypsia, hyperthyroidism, multiple Brady Slow Bradypnea Tachy Fast Tachycardia Oligo, Hypo Few Oliguria, hypothermia Iso Equal Isometric, isotonic Diplo, Ambi Both, double Diplopia, ambidextrous Hemi Half Hemiplegia, hemisphere Pan All Pansystolic, pancytopenia R/T Positions Prefix Meaning Example(s) Pro, Ante, Pre Before Prodromal, antepartum, precapillary Post After Postnatal, posterior Super, supra Above Superior, supraclavicular Sub Below Submandibular, subcutaneous Dors(o) Back Dorsoflexion, dorsal Retro Backwards Retrograde, retrosternal Para Beside Paramedic, paranasal Re Again Rehydrate, recuperate Later(o) Side Lateral Medi(o) Middle Medial, mediastinum Schizo Split Schizophrenia Inter Between Intercostals, interdigital Heter(o) Different Heterogeneous Hom(o) Same Homozygous Ad(o) Towards Adduction, adhesion, adrenal Ab(o) Away from Abduction, abnormal Anti, Contra Against Antigen, contraception Endo, In, Intra In, within, inside Endocarditis, inhale, intrapartum Ex(o), Ec(to) Out Exhale, ectopic Epi Upon, above Epidermis, epigastric, epiglottis Dia, Trans Through Diameter, transfusion Peri, Circum Around Perinatal, circumcision Sinister(a) Left OS (oculus sinister – left eye) Dextr(o) Right OD (oculus dexter – right eye)
  • 4.
    4 R/T the Body PrefixMeaning Example(s) Aden(o) Gland Adenoma, adenoids Arthr(o) Joint Arthritis, arthroscopy Cervic(o) Neck Cervical, cervicitis Costo Rib Costochondritis, costovertebral Cyto Cell Cytology, cytomegaly Derm Skin Dermatitis, dermatological Gastr(o) Stomach Gastritis, gastrointestinal Glosso Tongue Glossopharyngeal, glossitis Heme Blood Hematuria, hematemesis, hemangioma Hepat(o) Liver Hepatitis, hepatocellular Lingu Tongue Lingual, linguistic Litho Stone Lithotomy, lithotripsy My Muscle Myoma, myalgia Myo, myel Marrow Myelitis Neuro Nerve Neuromyalgia Oto Ear Otitis, otolaryngology Opti, Ocu Eye Optician, ocular Osteo Bone Osteoarthritis, osteopenia Pneum(o), Pulm Lung Pneumothorax, pulmonary Psycho Mind Psychology, psychopath, psychosomatic Rhino Nose Rhinorrhea, rhinitis Thor(a) Chest Thoracic, thoracentesis Vasc Vessel Vasculitis Other Prefixes Prefix Meaning Example(s) A(n) Without Anemia, avascular Auto Self Autoimmune Dys Difficult, painful Dyspnea, dysuria Gravida Pregnant, heavy Gravidity Neo New Neonatal, neoplasm III. Suffixes R/T Surgery Suffix Meaning Example(s) Centesis Tap, puncture Thoracentesis Ectomy Removal Mastectomy, appendectomy Lysis Separate, destroy Hemolysis Ostomy Form an opening Colostomy Otomy Cut into Tracheotomy, craniotomy Plasty Repair Rhinoplasty R/T Diseases Suffix Meaning Example(s) Algia Pain Arthralgia, myalgia Cele Hernia, swelling Hydrocele, cystocele Emia Blood Leukemia, anemia Gen Producing Carcinogen, allergen Itis Inflammation Appendicitis, hepatitis
  • 5.
    5 Megaly Enlargement Splenomegaly,hepatomegaly Oid Resemble Fibroid, keloid Oma Tumor Adenoma, myoma Osis Abnormal condition Dermatosis Pathy Disease Neuropathy, psychopathology Penia Deficiency Cytopenia, thrombocytopenia Phagia Eating Dysphagia Phasia Speech Aphasia, dysphasia Plegia Paralysis Paraplegia, quadriplegia Phobia Fear Acrophobia, agoraphobia Pnea Air, breathing Apnea, dyspnea, orthopnea Rrhage Burst forth Hemorrhage Rrhea Flow, discharge Diarrhea Sclerosis Hardening Atherosclerosis Spasm Contraction Bronchospasm Troph(o) Nourishment Atrophy, hypertrophy Uri(a) Urine Nocturia, dysuria Other Suffixes Suffix Meaning Example(s) Gram Picture, record Electrocardiogram Ology Study of Pathology, dermatology Phon(o) Sound Egophony, bronchophony Scope Inspect Microscope, laproscopic TALK LIKE A NURSE A-P anterior-posterior ASA acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) A&W alive & well bid 2x/day (bis in dies) BKA below-the-knee amputation (AKA-above) BM bowel movement BMI body mass index BMR basal metabolic rate BPH benign prostatic hypertrophy BR bed rest BRP bathroom privileges BS bowel sounds BSE breast self-examination BSO bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy BUN blood urea nitrogen BX biopsy c with (cum) CA cancer CABG coronary artery bypass graft CAD coronary artery disease CAGE cut down, annoyed, guilty, eye opener CAM complementary alternative medicine CBC complete blood count CBE clinical breast exam CC chief complaint cc cubic centimeter CHF congestive heart failure cm centimeter
  • 6.
    6 CN cranial nerve CNScentral nervous system C/O complains of Copd chronic obstructive Pulmonary Disease C&S culture & sensitivity Csf cerebrospinal fluid Ct computed(computerized) tomography Cta clear to auscultation Cts carpal tunnel syndrome Cva cerebrovascular accident (stroke) Cxr chest x-ray D/C Discharge, Discontinue D & C dilatation and curettage DFA difficulty falling asleep DJD degenerative joint disease DM diabetes mellitus DNR do not resuscitate DOA dead on arrival DOB date of birth DOE dyspnea on exertion DPT diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (vaccine) DSM diagnostic & statistical manual DTR deep tendon reflexes DVT deep vein thrombosis Dx diagnosis ECG electrocardiogram (or EKG) ED emergency department EEG electroencephalogram-gram EMA early morning awakening ENT ears, nose, and throat EOM extraocular muscles or movement ERT estrogen replacement therapy ESR erythrocyte sedimentation rate ESRD end-stage renal disease ETOH ethanol (alcohol) FB foreign body FBS fasting blood sugar FUO fever of unknown origin FX fracture GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease GI gastrointestinal GU genitourinary H&P history and physical HA headache HBP high blood pressure Hct hematocrit HEENT head, eyes, ears, nose, throat hgb hemoglobin Hib hemophilus influenza B h/o history of (or Hx) HOB head of bed HPI history of present illness HRT hormone replacement therapy hs hour of sleep, bedtime HTN hypertension I & D incision and drainage IM intramuscular I & O intake and output IV intravenous IVP intravenous pyelogram JCAHO Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations JVD jugular venous distention KUB kidney, ureter and bladder (x-ray) KVO keep vein open LE lower extremities LFTs liver function tests LMP last menstrual period LNMP last normal menstrual period
  • 7.
    7 LOC loss orlevel of consciousness LP lumbar puncture MI myocardial infarction (heart attack) MMR measles, mumps, and rubella (vaccine) MMSE mini mental state exam MRI magnetic resonance imaging MS mental status or multiple sclerosis NAD no acute or apparent distress NGT nasogastric tube NKA no known allergies NKDA no known drug allergies NPO nothing by mouth (non peros) NSAID nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSR normal sinus rhythm NSS normal saline solution NV nausea/vomiting NVD nausea, vomiting, diarrhea NWB non-weight bearing OA osteoarthritis OC oral contraceptives od right eye (ocular dexter) OOB out of bed os left eye (ocular sinister) OT occupational therapy OTC over-the-counter ou both eyes p after p.c. after meals PCN penicillin PE physical examination or pulmonary embolism PERRLA pupils equal, round, reactive to light and accommodation PID pelvic inflammatory disease PMH past medical history PMI point of maximal impulse (apical pulse) S/P status post (after) PND paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea or post nasal drip PNS peripheral nervous system PPD purified protein derivative (TB skin test) pr per rectum PRN as needed (pro re nata) PROM passive range of motion or premature rupture of membranes PSA prostate specific antigen (test) PT physical therapy PTA prior to admission PUD peptic ulcer disease PVD peripheral vascular disease q4h every 4 hours q6h every 6 hours qam every morning qd every day** qh every hour qhs every night qid 4x/day qod every other day** RA rheumatoid arthritis or right atrium RBC red blood cell REM rapid eye movements RLQ right lower quadrant (RUQ, LLQ, LUQ) R/O rule out ROM range of motion or rupture of membranes ROS review of systems RRR regular rate & rhythm R/T related to s without (sans) SBE subacute bacterial endocarditis SC subcutaneous Sig label SL sublingual SOB shortness of breath
  • 8.
    8 sp.gr. specific gravity S.Q.subcutaneous(ly) signs and symptoms STAT immediately STS serological test for syphilis Sx symptoms TCDB turn, cough, deep breathe TIA transient ischemial attack (mini stroke) tid 3x/day TM tympanic membrane TMJ temporomand-ibular joint TNTC too numerous to count TPN total parenteral nutrition TURP transurethral resection of prostate TSE testicular self- examination UA urinalysis UE upper extremities URI upper respiratory infection urinary tract infection VS vital signs VSS vital signs stable white blood cell WD/WN well developed, well nourished WF/BF white female/black female WM/BM white male/black male WNL within normal limits y/o years old change ** appear on the JCAHO “Do Not Use” list – should write out “daily” or “every other day” Caution against using: < or >