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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