Download Commonly Used Acronyms for Healthcare Interpreters

Commonly Used Acronyms for Healthcare Interpreters
The following is a compilation of commonly used medical acronyms arranged in alphabetical order.
In the first section of this document, you will find a quick reference portion which simply will tell you what an acronym stands for,
for example:
AFP: Alphafetoprotein
In the second section you will find an in depth definition of the acronym, for example:
Alphafetoprotein (AFP), 1.a protein produced by the liver and yolk sac of a fetus. 2. The alpha fetoprotein test (AFP) is a blood test
performed to measure, diagnose, or monitor fetal distress or fetal abnormalities. It can also detect some liver disorders and some
cancers in adults.
Compiled by: Yeny Lopez of Language World Services, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
ABR
Auditory Brain Stem Response
BPM
Beats per Minute
ACE
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
CABG
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
ACTH
Adrenocorticotropic hormone
CAD
Coronary Artery Disease
ADD
Attention Deficit Disorder
CAT scan
Computerized Axial Tomography Scan
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyper
“Cath”
Catheterize, Catheterization, Catheter
AFP
Alphafetoprotein
CBC
Complete Blood Count
AIDS
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
cc
Cubic Centimeter
AKA
Also Known As
CDC
Centers for Disease Control
ALL
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
CF
Cystic Fibrosis
AMA
Against Medical Advice
CHD
Coronary Heart Disease
AMI
Acute Myocardial Infarction
CHF
Congestive Heart Failure
“amnio”
Amniocentesis
CNA
Certified Nurse’s Assistant
*APGAR
Activity, Pulse, Grimace, Appearance, and Respiration.
CNM
Certified Nurse Midwife
ARF
Acute Renal Failure
CNS
Central Nervous System
ASAP
as soon as possible
CO
Carbon Monoxide
ASD
Atrial Septal Defect
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
AVR
Aortic Valve Replacement
COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
BAER
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response
CP
Cerebral Palsy
BM
Bowel Movement
CPR
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
BP
Blood Pressure
CRF
Chronic Renal Failure
BPH
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
CSF
Cerebral Spinal Fluid
Activity Disorder
C Section
Cesarean Section
FDA
Food and Drug Administration
CT
Computerized Tomography
F/U
Follow up
CVA
Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
D1,D2…
First Dorsal Vertebra, Second…
GI
Gastro intestinal
D&C
Dilation & Curettage
GTT
Glucose Tolerance Test
DHHS
Department of Health and Human Services
G Tube
Gastrostomy Tube
GYN
Gynecology
GSW
Gun Shot Wound
H2O
Water
H&P
History and Physical
HAV
Hepatitis A Virus
HBV
Hepatitis B Virus
HVD
Hypertensive Vascular Disease
HDL
High Density Lipoprotein
HH
Hard of Hearing
HIPAA
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HMO
Health Maintenance Organization
HPV
Human Papilloma Virus
ICU
Intensive Care Unit
IUD
Intrauterine Device
IV
Intravenous
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic Acid
DNR
Do not resuscitate
DOA
Dead On Arrival
DOB
Date of Birth
ECMO
Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation
ED
Erectile Dysfunction
EKG or ECG Electrocardiogram
EEG
Electroencephalogram
EGD
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
EMS
Emergency Medical Services
EMT
Emergency Medical Technician
ENT
Ear, Nose, Throat
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
ER
Emergency Room
F
Degrees Fahrenheit
K
Potassium
OB
Obstetrics
Kg
Kilogram
OCD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
L1-L5
Lumbar Vertebrae
OD
Over Dose
L-Spine
Lumbar Spine
OR
Operating Room
LAP
Laparotomy
Ortho
Orthopedics
LDL
Low Density Lipoprotein
OT
Occupational Therapy
LVN
Licensed Vocational Nurse
OTC
Over the Counter
MBS
Modified Barium Swallow
oz.
Ounce
Mcg
Micrograms
PA
Physician’s Assistant
MD
Medical Doctor
Path
Pathology
mg
milligrams
Pap
Papanicolaou
ml
milliliters
PCA
Patient Controlled Anesthesia
MMR
Measles, Mumps, Rubella
PEG
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrectomy
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PET
Positron Emission Tomography
MRSA
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
pH
Potential of Hydrogen (acidity)
MS
Multiple Sclerosis
PPD
Purified Protein Derivative
NA
Nursing Assistant
PICU
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
N/A
Not Applicable
PID
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
NGT
Nasogastric Tube
PKU
Phenylketonuria
NHL
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
PMD
Primary Medical Doctor
NP
Nurse Practioner
PMDD
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
NPO
Nothing by mouth
PMS
Premenstrual Symptoms
PO
By Mouth
T-Spine
Thoracic Spine
PPO
Preferred Provider Organization
TSS
Toxic Shock Syndrome
PSA
Prostate Specific Antigen
U
Unit
PT
Physical Therapy
UA
Urinalysis
PTCA
Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty
US
Ultrasound
REM
Rapid Eye Movement
UTI
Urinary Tract Infection
Rh
Blood Factor
VD
Venereal Disease
RNA
Ribonucleic Acid
VSD
Ventricular Septal Defect
RN
Registered Nurse
W/, W/Out
With, Without
RSV
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
WBC
White Blood Cells
SARS
Super Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Wt
Weight
SIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
y/o
years old
SOB
Shortness of Breath
5150
Involuntary psychiatric hold (72 hrs.)
SSN
Social Security Number
Rx
Prescription
Staph
Staphylococcus

Stat
Immediately
STD
Sexually Transmitted Disease
Strep
Streptococcus
T&A
Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
TAB
Tablet
TAH
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
TB
Tuberculosis

Change
+
Positive
_
Negative
6. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), is the final
and most serious stage of HIV disease which causes severe
damage to the immune system.
1. Auditory brainstem response (ABR), audiometry is a
neurologic test of auditory brainstem function in response to
auditory stimuli (click).
2. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE
inhibitors), are medications that slow (inhibit) the activity of
the enzyme, which decreases the production of angiotensin
II. As a result, the blood vessels enlarge or dilate, and the
blood pressure is reduced. This lower blood pressure makes
it easier for the heart to pump blood and can improve the
function of a failing heart. In addition, the progression of
kidney disease due to high blood pressure or diabetes is
slowed.
3. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), a hormone
secreted from the anterior pituitary gland in the brain. An
ACTH Test measures ACTH.
4. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)/ Attention Deficit Hyper
Activity Disorder (ADHD), are problems with
inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination.
For these problems to be diagnosed as, they must be out of
the normal range for the child's age and development.
5. Alphafetoprotein (AFP), 1. A protein produced by the liver
and yolk sac of a fetus. 2. The alpha fetoprotein test (AFP) is
a blood test performed to measure, diagnose, or monitor
fetal distress or fetal abnormalities. It can also detect some
liver disorders and some cancers in adults.
7. Also Known As, (AKA)
8. Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), is a fast-growing
cancer in which the body produces a large number of
immature white blood cells (lymphocytes).
9. Against Medical Advice (AMA), term used with a patient
who checks him or herself out of a hospital against the
advice of his or her doctor.
10. Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), A heart attack or acute
myocardial infarction (MI) occurs when one of the arteries
that supplies the heart muscle becomes blocked.
11. Amniocentesis (amnio), is a diagnostic procedure
performed by inserting a hollow needle through the
abdominal wall into the uterus and withdrawing a small
amount of fluid from the sac surrounding the fetus. The test
can detect chromosomal disorders such as Down's
syndrome, structural defects such as spina bifida (open
spine, where the vertebrae fail to close), anencephaly (a
condition in which the brain is incomplete or missing), and
many rare, inherited metabolic disorders.
12. Activity, Pulse, Grimace, Appearance, and Respiration
Score, (APGAR Score), is a quick test performed at 1 and 5
minutes after birth. The 1-minute score determines how well
the baby tolerated the birthing process. The 5-minute score
assesses how well the newborn is adapting to its new
environment.
13. Acute Renal Failure (ARF), Acute (sudden) kidney failure is
the sudden loss of the ability of the kidneys to remove waste
and concentrate urine without losing electrolytes.
19. Bowel Movement (BM), Defecation, Emptying of the
Bowels.
20. Blood Pressure (BP), a measurement of the force applied
to the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through
the body. Blood pressure is continually changing depending
on activity, temperature, diet, emotional state, posture,
physical state, and medication use.
14. As Soon As Possible (ASAP)
15. Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), A defect between the heart's
two upper chambers (the atria).
16. Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR), an open heart the aortic
valve is replaced. The aortic valve can be affected by a
range of diseases; the valve can either become leaky (aortic
insufficiency / regurgitation) or partially blocked (aortic
stenosis).
17. Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER), test
measures brain wave activity that occurs in response to
clicks or certain tones. The test is performed to help
diagnose nervous system abnormalities and hearing losses
(especially in low birth weight newborns), and to assess
neurological functions.
18. Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH), enlarged prostate
(The prostate is a male reproductive gland that produces the
fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. It surrounds the
urethra)
21. Beats per Minute (BPM)
22. Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG), Coronary artery
bypass grafting or "CABG" (often pronounced "cabbage"). Is
performed to bypass blockages or obstructions of the
coronary arteries.
23. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), is the most common type
of heart disease. CAD happens when the arteries that supply
blood to heart muscle become hardened and narrowed.
24. Computerized Axial Tomography Scan, (CAT scan), is a
much more sensitive imaging technique than x-ray, allowing
high definition not only of the bony structures, but of the soft
tissues. Clear images of organs such as the brain, muscles,
joint structures, veins and arteries, as well as anomalies like
tumors and hemorrhages may be obtained with or without
the injection of contrasting dye.
25. Catheter, Catheterize, Catheterization, (“Cath”), a
catheter is a thin flexible tube.
26. Complete Blood Count (CBC), Test that isolates and
counts the six types of cells found in the blood.
27. Cubic Centimeter (cc)
28. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an agency of the
United States Department of Health and Human Services
whose mission is to To promote health and quality of life by
preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability.
29. Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease
that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs
and digestive tract. It is the most common type of chronic
lung disease in children and young adults, and may result in
early death.
30. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), a narrowing of the small
blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart.
CHD is also called coronary artery disease.
31. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), a life-threatening
condition in which the heart can no longer pump enough
blood to the rest of the body.
32. Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA)
33. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), registered nurses who
possess advanced training in midwifery allowing them to
care for expectant mothers and to provide a range of clinical
services for women.
34. Central Nervous System (CNS), refers to the brain and
spinal cord.
35. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), refers
to chronic lung disorders that result in blocked air flow in the
lungs.
36. Carbon Monoxide (CO), a colorless odorless very toxic gas.
37. Carbon Dioxide, (CO2), a heavy colorless gas.
38. Cerebral Palsy (CP), a group of disorders that affect a
person's ability to move and to maintain balance and
posture. The disorders appear in the first few years of life.
Usually they do not get worse over time. Cerebral palsy
happens when the areas of the brain that control movement
and posture do not develop correctly or get damaged.
39. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), an emergency
procedure for a person whose heart has stopped or is no
longer breathing. It consists of Rescue breathing, to get
oxygen to the lungs and Chest compressions, to keep blood
circulating
40. Chronic Renal Failure (CRF), a slowly worsening loss of
the ability of the kidneys to remove wastes, concentrate
urine, and conserve electrolytes.
41. Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF), the fluid found in and around
the central nervous system (CNS) organs, the brain and
spinal cord. It protects the brain and spinal cord by acting
like a liquid cushion.
42. Cesarean Section (C Section), is surgery to deliver a baby.
The baby is taken out through the mother's abdomen.
43. Computerized Tomography (CT), See CAT Scan
44. Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke) (CVA), an interruption
of the blood supply to any part of the brain.
45. First Dorsal Vertebra…,( D1…)
Dorsal Vertebrae.
In reference to the
46. Dilation & Curettage (D&C), D and C (dilatation and
curettage) is a procedure in which the vaginal canal is held
open with a speculum and the cervix is dilated with a metal
rod. A curette is then passed through the cervical canal into
the uterine cavity where endometrial tissue is scraped away
and collected.
47. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS),
department of the United States government with the goal of
protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential
human services.
48. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), is a nucleic acid that
contains the genetic instructions used in the development
and functioning of all known living organisms.
50. Dead on Arrival (DOA), is a term used to indicate that a
patient was found to be dead upon the arrival of professional
medical assistance, often in the form of first responders such
as emergency medical technicians, paramedics, or police.
51. Date of Birth (DOB)
52. Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), is used
in infants who are extremely ill due to breathing or heart
problems. The ECMO machine circulates blood through an
artificial lung back into the bloodstream. This provides
adequate oxygen to the baby while allowing time for the
lungs and heart to "rest" or heal.
53. Erectile Dysfunction (ED), trouble getting or keeping an
erection.
54. Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), is a noninvasive test
that is used to reflect underlying heart conditions by
measuring the electrical activity of the heart.
55. Electroencephalogram (EEG), is a test to detect problems
in the electrical activity of the brain.
49. Do not Resuscitate (DNR), a physician’s written order
instructing healthcare providers not to attempt
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in case of cardiac or
respiratory arrest. A DNR order is written at the request of a
person or his or her family, however it must be signed by a
physician to be valid.
56. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), an examination of
the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum
with a small camera (flexible endoscope) which is inserted
down the throat.
57. Emergency Medical Services (EMS), a service providing
out-of-hospital acute care and transport to definitive care, to
patients with illnesses and injuries which the patient believes
58. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT),
65. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), A condition
characterized by the improper closing of the muscle at the
end of the esophagus, allowing stomach contents to leak
back, or reflux, into the esophagus causing irritation.
59. Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT), Term used in reference to
otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, the branch of
medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of
ear, nose, throat, and head & neck disorders. Also to refer to
doctors of this discipline -otolaryngologists-head and neck
surgeons.
66. Gastrointestinal (GI), Most often used in reference to the
Gastrointestinal Tract which extends from the mouth to the
large bowel. The upper gastrointestinal tract is located
between the mouth and outflow tract of the stomach. The
lower GI tract is located from the outflow tract of the stomach
to the anus (small and large bowel included).
constitutes a medical emergency. The most common and
recognized EMS type is an ambulance organization.
60. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), A federal
agency, established in 1970, whose mission is to protect
human health and the environment.
61. Emergency Room (ER), Sometimes also referred to as
Emergency Department (ED).
62. Degrees Fahrenheit (F), relating or conforming to a
thermometric scale on which under standard atmospheric
pressure the boiling point of water is at 212 degrees above
the zero of the scale, the freezing point is at 32 degrees
above zero.
63. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an agency of the
United States Department of Health and Human Services
that is responsible for the safety regulation of most types of
foods, dietary supplements, drugs, vaccines, biological
medical products, blood products, medical devices,
radiation-emitting devices, veterinary products, and
cosmetics.
64. Follow Up (F/U or FU), Usually in reference to an
appointment given to a patient to track a condition and/or
progress.
67. Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT), a laboratory method to
check how the body breaks down (metabolizes) blood sugar.
68. Gastrostomy Tube (G Tube), is a feeding tube that is
inserted through the skin and the stomach wall, directly into
the stomach.
69. Gynecology (GYN), the branch of medicine that deals with
the diseases and routine physical care of the reproductive
system of women.
70. Gun Shot Wound (GSW), a wound caused by a bullet or
other type of projectile from a firearm.
71. Water (H2O)
72. History and Physical (H&P), Medical history and Physical
Examination records.
73. Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), an inflammation of the liver spread
by faecal-oral route. Outbreaks frequently associated with
consumption of shellfish.
74. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), an inflammation of the liver that
spreads by contact with an infected person's blood, semen
or other body fluid.
75. Hypertensive Vascular Disease (HVD), a group of
disorders that include heart failure, ischemic heart disease,
and left ventricular hypertrophy (excessive thickening of the
heart muscle). It is the number 1 cause of death associated
with hypertension.
81. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a common virus that is
spread through sexual intercourse. Almost all cervical
cancers are caused by HPV, however many different types
of HPV do not cause problems.
82. Intensive Care Unit (ICU), specialized department in a
hospital that provides intensive care medicine.
83. Intrauterine Device (IUD), is an object implanted in the
uterus to prevent conception and pregnancy.
76. High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Lipoproteins are proteins
in the blood that move cholesterol, triglycerides, and other
lipids (fats) to various tissues. (HDL), is a form of "good"
cholesterol.
84. Intravenous (IV), "within a vein." usually reference to giving
medications or fluids through a needle or tube inserted into a
vein, which allows immediate access to the blood supply.
77. Hard of Hearing (HH), a term sometimes used to describe
people who have a less severe hearing loss than deafness.
85. Potassium (K), a mineral involved in electrical and cellular
body functions. In the body, potassium is classified as an
electrolyte.
78. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
(HIPAA), An act that consists of two Titles. Title I protects
health insurance coverage for workers and their families
when they change or lose their jobs. Title II requires the
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to
establish national standards for electronic health care
transactions and addresses the security and privacy of
health information.
86. Kilogram (Kg), the base unit of mass in the International
System of Units
87. Lumbar 1-5 (L1-L5), See Lumbar Spine.
79. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Virus know to
cause AIDS. HIV progressively destroys the body's ability to
fight infections and certain cancers.
88. Lumbar Spine (L-Spine), the five vertebra (L1-L5) of the
lower back.
80. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), a health care
system that assumes or shares both the financial risks and
the delivery risks associated with providing comprehensive
medical services to its enrollees.
89. Laparotomy (LAP), Surgery that opens the abdomen is
called a Laparotomy. Laparotomy may be done to treat
certain health problems and conditions, or to examine the
abdomen (abdominal exploration).
90. Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), a type of cholesterol. Too
much LDL in the blood can clog arteries therefore it is
commonly known as the “bad cholesterol”
99. Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a progressive autoimmune
disease that affects the central nervous system.
91. Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
100.
Nursing Assistant (NA)
92. Modified Barium Swallow (MBS), or Videofluoroscopy is a
radiographic study of swallowing recorded on videotape. A
swallow study is useful in evaluating specific swallowing
problems.
101.
Not Applicable (N/A)
93. Milligrams (mg.), one thousandth of a gram.
94. Milliliter (ml.), one thousandth of a liter.
95. Medical Doctor (MD)
96. Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Usually used in
reference to the MMR Vaccine, which is a mixture of live
attenuated viruses, administered via injection for
immunization, against measles, mumps and rubella.
97. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive way to take pictures of the
body using powerful magnets and radio waves.
98. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA),
Usually in reference to an infection with a strain of
Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria that is resistant to
antibiotics known as beta-lactams. These antibiotics include
methicillin, amoxicillin, and penicillin. MRSA bacteria are
common bacteria that normally live on the skin.
102. Nasogastric Tube (NGT), a tube that is inserted through
the nose into the trachea (airway) or stomach usually done
to maintain breathing or prevent aspiration (inhaling) of food
into the airway. It may also be done to relieve excess air
from the stomach, or to deliver nutrients or drugs into the
stomach.
103. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), cancer that starts in
the lymphoid tissue. Such tissue makes up the lymph nodes,
spleen, and other organs of the immune system.
104. Nurse Practitioner (NP), a nurse with a graduate degree
in advanced practice nursing.
105. Nothing by Mouth (NPO), (abbreviated from Latin nil per
os, nothing by mouth) a medical instruction meaning to
withhold food and fluids from a patient.
106. Obstetrician (OB), physician who specializes in
obstetrics a branch of medical science that deals with birth
and with its antecedents and any problems following.
107. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), an anxiety
disorder characterized by recurrent thoughts, feelings, ideas
or sensations (obsessions) or behaviors that make a person
feel driven to perform (compulsions).
108. Overdose (OD), the ingestion or application of a drug or
other substance in quantities greater than are recommended
or generally practiced.
109. Operating Room (OR), a room within a hospital within
which surgical operations are carried out.
110. Orthopedics (Ortho), branch of medicine concerned
with the correction or prevention of deformities, disorders, or
injuries of the skeleton and associated structures, such as
tendons and ligaments.
111. Occupational Therapist (OT), a health profession
that helps people participate fully in life (i.e.
accomplish their daily living tasks, learn new skills,
adapt to permanent losses, fulfill their life roles).
112. Over-the-counter (OTC), drugs that may be purchased
without a prescription.
113. Ounce (oz.), a unit of weight equal to 1/12 pound or
31.103 grams
114. Physician’s Assistant (PA), prepared, both
academically and clinically, to provide health care services
with the direction and responsible supervision of a Doctor of
Medicine (MD) or Osteopathy (DO). PA functions include
performing diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and health
maintenance services.
115. Pathology (Path), the study of the essential nature of
diseases and especially of the structural and functional
changes produced by them.
116. Papanicolaou (Pap), a microscopic examination of cells
scraped from the cervix performed as part of a gynecological
exam
117. Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA), a patient
controled, computerized pump that contains a syringe of
pain medication as prescribed by a doctor that is connected
directly to a patient's intravenous (IV) line
118. Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrectomy (PEG), a
surgical procedure for placing a feeding tube without having
to perform an open operation on the abdomen (Laparotomy).
119. Positron Emission Tomography (PET), a diagnostic
examination that involves the acquisition of physiologic
images based on the detection of radiation from the
emission of positrons.
120. Potential of Hydrogen (pH), a measure of the acidity or
alkalinity of a solution.
121. Purified Protein Derivative (PPD), usually in reference
to the PPD skin test which is a method used to diagnose
tuberculosis.
122. Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU/Peds. ICU),
specialized department in a hospital that provides intensive
care medicine for pediatric patients.
123. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), a general term for
infection of the lining of the uterus, the fallopian tubes, or the
ovaries.
124. Phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare condition in which the
body does not properly break down (metabolize) an amino
acid called phenylalanine.
125. Philosophy Doctor,(Ph D), an advanced academic
degree.
126. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder(PMDD), a condition
marked by severe depression, irritability, and tension before
menstruation.
127. Premenstrual Symptoms (PMS), symptoms that occur
in relation to the menstrual cycle and which interfere with the
woman's life.
128. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Managed
Health Care organization which combines traditional fee-forservice and Health Maintenance Organization services.
129. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Usually used in
reference to the PSA test, which measures the amount
prostate-specific antigen in the blood. The test is performed
to check for high levels of PSA in the blood which has been
linked to an increased chance of having prostate cancer.
130. Physical Therapist (PT), also referred to as
physiotherapy is the medical discipline that provides services
to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and
functional ability throughout the lifespan. It includes the
provision of services in circumstances where movement and
function are threatened by the process of aging or that of
injury or disease.
131. Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty
(PTCA), (also known as Balloon Angioplasty) a medical
procedure to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels of the
heart by inserting a catheter into or near the blockage, and
inflating a balloon at the end of the catheter to open the
blocked vessel and restore proper blood flow to the heart.
132. Rapid Eye Movement (REM), usually in reference to
REM sleep, which is the normal stage of sleep characterized
by rapid movements of the eyes.
133. Rhesus Factor (Rh Factor), While blood types are
classified as either A, B, AB or O, they are also further
categorized depending on whether a person carries the
protein on the surface of red blood cells that indicates the Rh
factor, (Rh positive) or does not (Rh negative.) About 85% of
people are Rh positive.
134. Registered Nurse (RN), a graduate trained nurse who
has been licensed by a state authority after passing
qualifying examinations for registration.
135. Ribonucleic Acid (RNA), a nucleic acid molecule similar
to DNA but containing ribose rather than deoxyribose
136. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), A common virus
that causes mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older
healthy children, but It can cause serious respiratory
infections in young babies, especially those in certain highrisk groups.
137. Super Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), a serious
form of pneumonia, caused by a virus isolated in 2003.
Infection with the SARS virus results in acute respiratory
distress (severe breathing difficulty) and sometimes death.
138. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the
unexpected, sudden death of a child under age 1 in which an
autopsy does not show an explainable cause of death.
139. Shortness of Breath (SOB), difficult or uncomfortable
breathing or a feeling of not getting enough air.
140.
143. Streptococcus (Strep), infections of which are two
types: group A and group B. Antibiotics are used to treat
both.Group A strep causes Strep throat, Scarlet fever,
Impetigo,Toxic shock syndrome, Cellulitis and necrotizing
fasciitis. Group B strep can cause blood infections,
pneumonia and meningitis in newborns.
144. Sexually Transmitted Disease, (STD), referred to also
as VD, an STD is a disease that is contracted and
transmitted by sexual contact, caused by microorganisms
that survive on the skin or mucus membranes, or that are
transmitted via semen, vaginal secretions, or blood during
intercourse. The causes of STDs are bacteria, parasites and
viruses. There are more than 20 types of STDs, including,
Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes Simplex, HIV/AIDS, HPV,
Syphilis.
145. Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy (T&A), Removal of
the Tonsils and adenoid glands
Social Security Number (SSN)
141. Staphylococcus (Staph), a type of bacteria of which
there are over 30 types; Staphylococcus aureus causes
most staph infections, including Skin infections, Pneumonia,
Food poisoning, Toxic shock syndrome, Blood poisoning
(bacteremia).
142. Statim (Stat), from the Latin statim meaning
immediately.
146.
Tablet (TAB)
147. Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH), surgical
removal of the uterus and cervix. It may be done through the
abdomen or the vagina (Laparoscopically-Assisted Vaginal
Hysterectomy- LAVH).
148. Tuberculosis (TB), is a bacterial infection caused by a
germ called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. The bacteria
usually attack the lungs, but they can also damage other
parts of the body.
149. Thoracic Spine (T-Spine), the twelve chest (thoracic)
vertebrae. The vertebrae are separated by flat pads of
cartilage that cushion them.
158. White Blood Cells (WBC), cells of the immune system
which defend the body against both infectious disease and
foreign materials.
150. Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), Toxic shock syndrome is
a severe disease that involves fever, shock, and problems
with the function of several body organs and is caused by a
toxin produced by certain types of Staphylococcus bacteria.
151. Unit (U), a fundamental quantity of measurement.
159.
Weight (wt.)
160.
Years-old (y/old), in reference to age.
152. Urinalysis (UA), the physical, chemical, and microscopic
examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect
and measure various compounds that pass through the
urine.
161. Involuntary psychiatric hold (72 hrs.) (5150), a section
of California's Welfare and Institutions Code, which allows a
qualified officer or clinician to involuntarily confine a person
deemed a danger to himself, herself, and/or others and/or
gravely disabled. A qualified officer, who includes any
California peace officer, as well as any specifically
designated county clinician, can request the confinement
after signing a written declaration.
153. Ultrasound (US), involves the use of high-frequency
sound waves to create images of organs and systems within
the body.
154. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), an infection that can
happen anywhere along the urinary tract. The urinary tract
includes the Bladder , Kidneys , Ureters -- the tubes that
take urine from each kidney to the bladder, Urethra -- the
tube that empties urine from the bladder to the outside
155.
Venereal Disease (VD), (See STD)
156. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), one or more holes in
the wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the
heart. Ventricular septal defect is one of the most common
congenital (present from birth) heart defects.
157.
With/, With Out (w/, w/out), containing, not containing.
162.
Prescription (Rx ), a medical prescription.
Resource Page
Caring Connections
http://www.caringinfo.org/Resources/Glossary.htm
Medicine Net.com,
http://www.medterms.com/
Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/encyclopedia
The Merck Manual Medical Library: The Merck Manual of
Diagnosis and Therapy
www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
http://www.epa.gov/epahome/aboutepa.htm
WebMD
http://www.webmd.com
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org