Stepping into the world of nursing can often feel like learning an entirely new language. You’re faced with patient charts full of shorthand, emergency codes to memorize, and abbreviations for everyday words. It can be overwhelming, but the quicker you learn this new lingo, the smoother your journey will be.
Acronyms and abbreviations are the backbone of communication in nursing and the broader healthcare profession. At times, they can be incredibly confusing, especially since some abbreviations can have multiple meanings.
Why Are Nursing Abbreviations So Important?
You might be asking, “Wouldn’t it be easier if everyone just used the full terminology?” The answer, in short, is no. Nursing is a fast-paced, high-stakes field where quick and accurate communication is a matter of patient safety.
- Time-Saving: In a profession where every second counts, abbreviations streamline both verbal and written communication. This efficiency is vital for delivering timely patient care.
- Clarity and Precision: Surprisingly, abbreviations can enhance clarity. Many complex medical terms are long and difficult to spell. Using a well-known abbreviation can reduce the risk of errors and make charting and communication more transparent.
These abbreviations are seen everywhere: on a doctor’s notepad, a prescription bottle, lab results, and in patient charts. They are essential for accurately documenting conditions and treatment plans.
To help you get a head start, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of common abbreviations you’ll encounter. Think of this as your first-semester cheat sheet.
Common Nursing and Medical Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Definition |
|---|---|
| c/o | complains of |
| h/o | history of |
| pmHx | past medical history |
| s/s | signs and symptoms |
| VSS | vital signs stable |
| WNL | within normal limits |
| Pt | patient |
| Dx | Diagnosis |
| Fx | fracture |
| Cx | contraction |
| Sx | symptom |
| Abbreviation | Definition |
|---|---|
| Rx | prescription |
| Tx | treatment |
| PRN | as needed or when necessary |
| Stat | immediately |
| d/c | discontinue/discharge |
| a.c. | before meals |
| h.s. | before bed |
| b.i.d. | twice a day |
| t.i.d. | three times a day |
| q.i.d. | four times a day |
| q2h | every 2 hours |
| IV | intravenous |
| IM | intramuscular |
| SC | subcutaneous |
| PO | by mouth |
| gtt | drops per minute |
| NPO | nothing by mouth |
| OTC | over the counter |
| SR | sustained release |
| EC | enteric coated |
| Abbreviation | Definition |
|---|---|
| N/V/D | nausea, vomiting, diarrhea |
| CABG | coronary artery bypass graft |
| GTT | glucose tolerance test |
| ABG | Arterial blood gas |
| ABX | Antibiotics |
| AKI | Acute kidney injury |
| AMA | Against medical advice |
| BM | Bowel movement |
| BP | Blood pressure |
| BPM | Beats per minute |
| BUN | Blood urea nitrogen |
| CAD | Coronary artery disease |
| CHF | Congestive heart failure |
| CKD | Chronic kidney disease |
| CNS | Central nervous system |
| COPD | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder |
| DM | Diabetes mellitus |
| HTN | Hypertension |
| MI | Myocardial infarction (heart attack) |
| UTI | Urinary tract infection |
| LMP | Last menstrual period |
| NKA or NKDA | “No known allergies” or “no known drug allergies” |
| Abbreviation | Definition |
|---|---|
| CBC | Complete blood count |
| RBC | Red blood cell |
| WBC | White blood cell |
| Hgb | Hemoglobin |
| ECG/EKG | Electrocardiogram |
| EEG | Electroencephalogram |
| GFR | Glomerular filtration rate |
| HR | Heart rate |
| PT | Prothrombin time |
| PTT | Partial thromboplastin time |
| R/O | Rule out |
| Abbreviation | Definition |
|---|---|
| LLQ | Left lower quadrant |
| LUQ | Left upper quadrant |
| RLQ | Right lower quadrant |
| RUQ | Right upper quadrant |
| c̄ (The letter ‘c’ with a bar over it) | With |
| c/o | Complains of |
This list is just the beginning. As you progress in your nursing education, you’ll learn many more specialized abbreviations. The key is to start building this vocabulary now. The faster you master these terms, the more confident and capable you’ll feel as you navigate the dynamic world of patient care.
Start Your Future in Nursing Today
If you’re considering a career as a registered nurse (RN), Arizona College of Nursing is here to help you pursue your dream. Our BSN program enables you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just 3 years or less with qualifying transfer credits. We’ve helped hundreds of students to earn a BSN degree and enter the nursing profession – and we’re ready to support you on your path to becoming an RN.
Why Choose Arizona College of Nursing?
- Earn a BSN degree in 3 years or less with eligible transfer credits
- Campus locations throughout the US
- Night classes for general education courses
- Hybrid Online/In-Person format for general education classes
- Nursing education is all we do
- CCNE-Accredited Program*
- NCLEX-RN success coaches and exam preparation class
- Financial aid available to those who qualify
Discover Your Path to a Career in Nursing
Information in this post is accurate as of October 2, 2025.
*The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/). All Arizona College of Nursing and Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (https://www.abhes.org/), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.