---
title: Your Nursing Abbreviations Cheat Sheet
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/nursing-abbreviations-cheat-sheet/"
type: post
date_published: 2025-10-02
date_modified: 2026-04-10
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  @type: Article
language: en-US
word_count: 655
reading_time: 4 min
canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/nursing-abbreviations-cheat-sheet/"
featured_image: "https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/How-to-Become-a-NICU-Nurse.webp"
categories:
  - Nursing Careers
  - Nursing School
topic:
  - Nursing
  - Study Tips
---

# Your Nursing Abbreviations Cheat Sheet

![How to Become a NICU Nurse](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/How-to-Become-a-NICU-Nurse.webp)

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.

![How to become a nicu nurse and what is a neonatal nurse](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/How-to-become-a-nicu-nurse-and-what-is-a-neonatal-nurse.webp?w=300)

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](https://arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/nursing-school-glossary-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.

![Nursing Abbreviations for RN Courses Near Me](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/What-is-a-neonatal-nurse.webp?w=300)

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](https://arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/) 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](https://arizonacollege.edu/admissions/), 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.

**Categories:** Nursing Careers, Nursing School