Emergency & Critical Care Abbreviations

This list collects 708 emergency & critical care abbreviations — terms used in emergency departments, resuscitation and intensive care units. Every entry shows the full form and a plain-English meaning. One abbreviation can appear in several specialty lists when it is genuinely used in more than one area, and abbreviations with more than one common meaning get a row for each meaning. Terms flagged ⚠ Error-prone are on recognised error-prone lists: write them out in full wherever possible.

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Abbreviation	Full form	What it means	Used in
3% saline	three percent saline (hypertonic)	Concentrated sodium infusion	Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders Neurology
3D-CAM	3-minute Diagnostic Confusion Assessment Method	Quick delirium assessment	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
4-point restraints	four-point restraints	Limb restraints at four points in severe agitation	Nursing Psychiatry Emergency & Critical Care
4F-PCC	four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate	Concentrate containing factors II, VII, IX and X	Hematology & Oncology Emergency & Critical Care
5150	5150 hold (California)	California involuntary psychiatric hold code	Psychiatry Emergency & Critical Care
5150 hold eval	72-hour hold evaluation	Assessment period under an involuntary hold	Psychiatry Emergency & Critical Care
A-line	A-line (arterial line shorthand)	Arterial catheter shorthand	Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
ABC	airway, breathing, circulation	First priorities in emergency assessment	Emergency & Critical Care
ABCD	airway, breathing, circulation, disability	Emergency assessment priorities including brain function	Emergency & Critical Care
ABCDE	airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure	Structured emergency assessment sequence	Emergency & Critical Care
ABE	acute bilirubin encephalopathy	Acute brain effects of extreme jaundice	Pediatrics Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
accidental extubation	accidental extubation (event)	Unplanned tube removal by movement or care	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
ACG	angle-closure glaucoma	Raised eye pressure from a blocked drainage angle	General Medical Emergency & Critical Care
ACLF	acute-on-chronic liver failure	Sudden worsening in long-term liver disease	Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
ACLS	advanced cardiovascular life support	Advanced emergency care for cardiac arrest and dangerous rhythms	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
ACS	acute compartment syndrome	Dangerous pressure build-up within a muscle compartment	Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
ADAPT	accelerated diagnostic protocol (chest pain)	Two-hour chest pain assessment pathway	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
Adeno	adenosine	Medicine briefly slowing the heart's electrical conduction	Prescription & Medication Orders Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
adrenal crisis	adrenal crisis (emergency)	Cortisol-lack shock emergency	Emergency & Critical Care Endocrinology
AED	automated external defibrillator	Portable device that shocks the heart in cardiac arrest	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
AEIOU	AEIOU (dialysis indications mnemonic)	Acidosis, electrolytes, ingestions, overload, uremia indications	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
AFLP	acute fatty liver of pregnancy	Rare liver failure of late pregnancy	Obstetrics & Gynecology Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
AG	anion gap	Calculated gap between measured blood electrolytes	Laboratory Emergency & Critical Care
AHT	abusive head trauma	Head injury in a child caused by abuse	Pediatrics Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
AHTR	acute hemolytic transfusion reaction	Dangerous rapid red cell destruction after wrong blood	Hematology & Oncology Emergency & Critical Care
AIIR	airborne infection isolation room	Negative-pressure isolation room	Nursing Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
AIMS65	AIMS65 score	Upper GI bleed mortality score	Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
airway assessment	airway assessment (LEMON)	Look, evaluate, Mallampati, obstruction, neck difficulty screen	Emergency & Critical Care
AKI	acute kidney injury	Sudden decline in kidney function	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
AKIN	Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria	AKI staging criteria	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
ALF	acute liver failure	Sudden severe liver failure	Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
ALI	acute limb ischemia	Sudden limb artery blockage threatening the limb	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
ALI	acute lung injury	Sudden lung damage causing low oxygen; older term related to ARDS	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
ALS	advanced life support	Advanced emergency resuscitation care	Emergency & Critical Care
ALTE	apparent life-threatening event	Older term for a frightening episode in an infant that resolves	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
AMA discharge	against medical advice discharge	Patient leaving despite medical recommendation	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care General Medical
anaphylaxis child	pediatric anaphylaxis (presentation)	Severe allergic reaction in children	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Infectious Disease
ancillary test	ancillary test (brain death)	Confirmatory test when the exam cannot be completed	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Radiology & Imaging
AND	allow natural death	Order framing withholding CPR as allowing natural death	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
anion gap	anion gap (acid-base calculation)	Calculated gap used to classify metabolic acidosis	Laboratory Emergency & Critical Care Renal & Nephrology
AP	acute pancreatitis	Sudden inflammation of the pancreas	Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
APACHE	Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation	Severity score used in intensive care	Emergency & Critical Care
APACHE pancreas	APACHE II in pancreatitis	General severity score applied to pancreatitis	Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
APH	antepartum hemorrhage	Bleeding from the genital tract during pregnancy	Obstetrics & Gynecology Emergency & Critical Care
apnea test	apnea test (brain death)	Breathing test within brain death examination	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
ARDS	acute respiratory distress syndrome	Severe lung inflammation causing dangerous low oxygen levels	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
ARF	acute respiratory failure	Sudden failure of breathing or gas exchange	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
Art line	arterial line	Catheter in an artery monitoring blood pressure	Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
ASD trauma	acute stress disorder (trauma)	Early trauma reaction within a month	Psychiatry Emergency & Critical Care
Aspen	Aspen collar (brand-generic)	Common rigid neck collar type	Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
aspiration thromb	direct aspiration thrombectomy	Vacuum catheter removal of a clot	Neurology Radiology & Imaging Emergency & Critical Care
ATLS	Advanced Trauma Life Support	Standardised system for assessing injured patients	Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
ATS/IDSA criteria	ATS/IDSA severe CAP criteria	Major and minor criteria for severe pneumonia	Respiratory Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
ATV safety	ATV injury prevention (guidance)	All-terrain vehicle safety guidance	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
auto-PEEP	auto-PEEP (intrinsic PEEP)	Trapped pressure from incomplete emptying	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
AVPU	alert voice pain unresponsive (scale)	Simple consciousness scale — scale	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
awake intubation	awake intubation (technique)	Tube placement with numbing while the patient breathes	Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory Surgery
back pain child	back pain (childhood red flag)	Back pain in young children needing evaluation	Pediatrics Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
BAL	blood alcohol level (legal/clinical)	Measured alcohol concentration — clinical	Psychiatry Laboratory Emergency & Critical Care
balloon pump	intra-aortic balloon pump (device)	Heart-assist balloon — device	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
BAO	basilar artery occlusion	Brainstem artery blockage stroke	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Radiology & Imaging
bCAM	brief Confusion Assessment Method (instrument)	Short delirium instrument	Emergency & Critical Care Neurology
BCID	blood culture identification panel	Rapid molecular panel naming organisms from positive blood cultures	Laboratory Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
BiLevel	bilevel ventilation (APRV variant)	Two-level pressure ventilation mode	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
BISAP	Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis	Pancreatitis severity score	Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
blown pupil	blown pupil (fixed dilated)	One large unreactive pupil, an emergency sign	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
BLS	basic life support	Basic emergency care including CPR and defibrillator use	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
BLUE protocol	bedside lung ultrasound in emergency protocol	Lung ultrasound approach to acute breathlessness	Radiology & Imaging Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
boarding	boarding (ED holds)	Waiting in the emergency department for an inpatient bed	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
bougie	bougie (intubation introducer)	Flexible guide easing tube placement	Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
boxer fracture	boxer's fracture (hand)	Fifth knuckle neck fracture	Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
BPS	Behavioral Pain Scale	Pain score based on behaviour in intensive care	Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
bradycardia neonate	bradycardia events (NICU monitoring)	Slow heart episodes watched in preterm babies	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
brain death exam	brain death examination (determination)	Formal examination declaring death by brain criteria	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
breath-holding	breath-holding spells (toddler)	Crying-triggered brief apnea and color change	Pediatrics Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
bridging veins	bridging vein rupture (head injury)	Torn surface veins causing subdural bleeding	Pediatrics Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
BRUE	brief resolved unexplained event	Brief unexplained episode in an infant that has resolved	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
buckle fracture	torus fracture (buckle)	Bent-bone compression fracture of childhood	Pediatrics Musculoskeletal Radiology & Imaging Emergency & Critical Care
buddy tape	buddy taping (fingers/toes)	Taping an injured digit to its neighbor	Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
Burch-Wartofsky	Burch-Wartofsky score (thyroid storm)	Point score for thyroid storm likelihood	Emergency & Critical Care Endocrinology
burn first aid	burn first aid (cool running water)	Cool water first aid guidance	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
BURP	BURP (backward upward rightward pressure)	Laryngeal pressure improving the intubation view	Emergency & Critical Care Surgery Respiratory
burr hole	burr hole drainage (procedure)	Small skull hole draining a blood collection	Surgery Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
button battery	button battery ingestion (emergency)	Swallowed battery burning the food pipe — emergency	Pediatrics Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
BVM	bag-valve mask	Hand-squeezed bag giving breaths through a mask	Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
C-spine	cervical spine	The neck portion of the spine	Emergency & Critical Care Musculoskeletal
c-spine child	pediatric cervical spine (clearance)	Child neck clearance after injury	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Radiology & Imaging
C-spine collar	cervical collar (device)	Neck immobilizing collar — device	Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
C-SSRS	Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale	Standard suicide risk assessment scale	Psychiatry Emergency & Critical Care
CAM	Confusion Assessment Method	Bedside method detecting delirium	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
CAM-ICU	Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU	Delirium detection method for intensive care patients	Emergency & Critical Care Neurology Nursing
Canadian CT Head Rule	Canadian CT Head Rule	Head CT decision rule for adults	Emergency & Critical Care Neurology Radiology & Imaging
cannabis edibles child	cannabis edible ingestion (child exposure)	Accidental edible exposure in children	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
capno	capnography (device)	Exhaled CO2 monitoring — device	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
car seat	car seat safety (guidance)	Child restraint guidance	Pediatrics Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
car seat test	car seat tolerance screening (preterm)	Monitoring a preterm baby seated before discharge	Pediatrics Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
carcinoid crisis	carcinoid crisis (perioperative)	Hormone surge during tumor handling	Emergency & Critical Care Endocrinology Surgery Hematology & Oncology
cavernous thrombosis	cavernous sinus thrombosis (infection)	Infected clot in the eye-side vein network	Neurology Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
CCHR	Canadian CT Head Rule	Decision rule for head CT after minor head injury	Emergency & Critical Care Radiology & Imaging Neurology
CCR	Canadian C-Spine Rule	Decision rule for neck imaging after injury	Emergency & Critical Care Radiology & Imaging
cellulitis child	periorbital cellulitis (childhood)	Eyelid infection of children	Pediatrics Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
central DI	central diabetes insipidus (type)	Brain hormone lack type of water-losing disease	Emergency & Critical Care Endocrinology Renal & Nephrology
Central line	central venous line	Catheter in a large central vein	Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
central line kit	central line kit (equipment)	Sterile kit for central catheter placement	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
cerebral edema child	cerebral edema (head injury)	Brain swelling after head injury	Pediatrics Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
chelation	chelation therapy (lead)	Lead-removing treatment — lead	Pediatrics Prescription & Medication Orders Emergency & Critical Care
chemical burn child	chemical burn (drain cleaner)	Caustic contact burn	Pediatrics Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
chest tube	tube thoracostomy (procedure)	Chest drain insertion	Respiratory Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
choanal atresia	choanal atresia (diagnosis)	Blocked back of the nose at birth — diagnosis	Pediatrics Respiratory Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
choking hazards	choking hazard foods/objects (guidance)	Foods and objects risking airway blockage	Pediatrics Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
CICO	can't intubate can't oxygenate (emergency)	Worst-case airway emergency declaration	Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory Surgery
CICU	cardiac intensive care unit	Intensive care unit for critically ill heart patients	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
citrate anticoag	regional citrate anticoagulation (CRRT)	Calcium-binding filter anticoagulation for CRRT	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
CIWA	Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment	Score measuring alcohol withdrawal severity	Psychiatry Emergency & Critical Care
CLABSI	central line-associated bloodstream infection	Blood infection linked to a central line	Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
CLIF-C	Chronic Liver Failure Consortium score	Acute-on-chronic liver failure scoring	Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
CMO	comfort measures only	Care focused entirely on comfort at end of life	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care General Medical
CMV vent	controlled mechanical ventilation (mode)	Fully machine-controlled breathing mode	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
CO	carbon monoxide (safety)	Odorless toxic gas monitored in homes and units	General Medical Emergency & Critical Care
CO poisoning	carbon monoxide poisoning (diagnosis)	Smoke and exhaust gas poisoning — diagnosis	Emergency & Critical Care
code blue	code blue (cardiac arrest call)	Hospital emergency call for cardiac arrest	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
code team	code team (resuscitation team)	Team responding to cardiac arrest	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
COHb	carboxyhemoglobin (level)	Carbon-monoxide-bound hemoglobin — level	Emergency & Critical Care Laboratory
coin ingestion	coin ingestion (foreign body)	Swallowed coin	Pediatrics Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care Radiology & Imaging
cold calorics	cold caloric testing (brainstem)	Ice water ear test of brainstem reflexes	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
compartment child	compartment syndrome (childhood)	Tight muscle pressure emergency — childhood	Pediatrics Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
concussion	sports concussion (management)	Head impact brain injury — sports	Pediatrics Neurology Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
confirm placement	tube confirmation (waveform capnography)	Proving tube position by exhaled CO2	Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
conscious sedation	moderate sedation (procedural)	Drug-induced relaxation for procedures, formerly conscious sedation	Nursing Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
convulsive syncope	convulsive syncope (mimic)	Fainting with brief jerking movements	Neurology Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
core	ischemic core (imaging)	Dead tissue area on stroke imaging	Neurology Radiology & Imaging Emergency & Critical Care
Cormack	Cormack-Lehane grade	Grade of view of the voice box during intubation	Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
Cormack grade	Cormack-Lehane grade (view)	Intubation view grade	Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
corrected sodium	corrected sodium (glucose-adjusted)	Sodium value adjusted for high blood sugar	Laboratory Endocrinology Emergency & Critical Care
cough reflex exam	cough reflex (examination)	Cough response testing the brainstem — exam	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
COWS	Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale	Score measuring opioid withdrawal severity	Psychiatry Emergency & Critical Care
CPAP trial	CPAP trial (weaning)	Low-support spontaneous breathing weaning test	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
CPOT	Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool	Pain score for patients unable to self-report	Emergency & Critical Care Nursing Vitals & Assessment
CPP	cerebral perfusion pressure	Pressure pushing blood through the brain	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
CPR	cardiopulmonary resuscitation	Chest compressions and rescue breaths for cardiac arrest	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
CPR status	code status (documentation)	Documented resuscitation preference	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
craniectomy	decompressive craniectomy	Removing skull bone to relieve brain swelling	Surgery Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
CRAO	central retinal artery occlusion	Blocked main artery supplying the retina	General Medical Emergency & Critical Care
cric	cricothyrotomy (procedure)	Emergency airway through the front of the neck	Emergency & Critical Care Surgery Respiratory
croup	laryngotracheitis (croup diagnosis)	Barky cough airway illness — diagnosis	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
CRRT	continuous renal replacement therapy	Slow continuous dialysis used in intensive care	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
CRRT filter	CRRT filter (hemofilter)	Continuous therapy blood filter	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
Crs	respiratory system compliance	Stiffness measure of lungs and chest together	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
CRT	capillary refill time	Time for colour to return after pressing the nail bed	Vitals & Assessment Emergency & Critical Care
CSE	convulsive status epilepticus	Continuous convulsing seizure emergency	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
CSM	circulation, sensation, movement	Checks of blood flow, feeling and motion in a limb	Emergency & Critical Care Musculoskeletal
cTnI	cardiac troponin I	Heart muscle protein released after heart injury	Laboratory Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
cTnT	cardiac troponin T	Heart muscle protein released after heart injury	Laboratory Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
CTP	computed tomography perfusion	CT mapping of tissue blood flow, used in stroke	Radiology & Imaging Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
cuff leak	cuff leak test (extubation)	Air leak around the deflated tube cuff predicting airway swelling	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
Cullen	Cullen's sign	Bruising around the navel suggesting internal bleeding	Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
CURB-65	CURB-65 score	Pneumonia severity score, from its factor initials	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
currant jelly	currant jelly stool (sign)	Bloody mucus stool of intussusception	Pediatrics Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
Cushing triad	Cushing triad (sign)	High pressure, slow pulse, irregular breathing — sign	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
CVC	central venous catheter	Line in a large vein, also used for dialysis access	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
CVC child	central venous catheter (childhood)	Central line — childhood	Pediatrics Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
CVS	cyclic vomiting syndrome (episodes)	Recurrent intense vomiting episodes with well intervals	Pediatrics Gastroenterology Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
CVVH	continuous venovenous hemofiltration	Continuous blood filtration therapy in intensive care	Emergency & Critical Care Renal & Nephrology
CVVHD	continuous venovenous hemodialysis	Continuous dialysis therapy in intensive care	Emergency & Critical Care Renal & Nephrology
CVVHDF	continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration	Combined continuous therapy	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
cyanide	cyanide toxicity (smoke)	Cell poison in fire smoke — toxicology	Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
cyanotic	cyanotic heart defects (group)	Heart defects causing blue discoloration	Pediatrics Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
DAS	Difficult Airway Society (guideline body)	Airway guideline organization	Emergency & Critical Care Surgery General Medical
DCAP-BTLS	deformities, contusions, abrasions, punctures, burns, tenderness, lacerations, swelling	Trauma examination mnemonic	Emergency & Critical Care
DCI	delayed cerebral ischemia (after SAH)	Delayed brain injury from post-bleed narrowing	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
DDNC	death by neurologic criteria (term)	Formal term for brain death	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
decerebrate	decerebrate posturing (arms extended)	Extended-arm posture of severe brain injury	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
decompressive	decompressive hemicraniectomy (stroke surgery)	Skull removal for stroke swelling	Neurology Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
decorticate	decorticate posturing (arms flexed)	Flexed-arm posture of severe brain injury	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
Defib	defibrillation	Electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm	Emergency & Critical Care Cardiology
delta gap	delta gap (acid-base)	Comparing gap change with bicarbonate change	Emergency & Critical Care Laboratory Renal & Nephrology
delta ratio	delta ratio (acid-base)	Ratio refining mixed acid-base diagnosis	Laboratory Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
dialysis disequilibrium	dialysis disequilibrium syndrome	Brain swelling from a too-fast first dialysis	Renal & Nephrology Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
DIC	disseminated intravascular coagulation	Widespread clotting and bleeding disorder	Hematology & Oncology Emergency & Critical Care
DIC score	ISTH DIC score	Scoring system for disseminated intravascular coagulation	Hematology & Oncology Emergency & Critical Care Laboratory
dispo	disposition (shorthand)	Plan for where the patient goes next shorthand	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care General Medical
dispo pending	disposition pending	Awaiting a decision on the patient's next setting	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
distal perfusion	distal perfusion catheter (ECMO)	Small catheter keeping the leg supplied during ECMO	Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
diversion	diversion (ED status)	Hospital temporarily not accepting ambulances	Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
DKA	diabetic ketoacidosis	Dangerous acid build-up in uncontrolled diabetes	Endocrinology Emergency & Critical Care
DL	direct laryngoscopy (technique)	Classic blade tube placement — technique	Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
DNAR	do not attempt resuscitation	Alternative wording of a no-CPR order	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
DNI	do not intubate	Order to withhold breathing tube placement	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
DNR	do not resuscitate	Order not to attempt revival if the heart stops	General Medical Emergency & Critical Care
DNR/DNI	combined do-not-resuscitate do-not-intubate order	Paired order withholding CPR and intubation	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
DNT	door-to-needle time (stroke metric)	Arrival to clot-dissolver time	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
Dobut	dobutamine	Medicine strengthening heart contractions	Prescription & Medication Orders Emergency & Critical Care Cardiology
doll's eyes	oculocephalic reflex (doll's eyes)	Eye reflex testing brainstem function	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
door-in-door-out	door-in door-out time (transfer metric)	Time to transfer a stroke patient onward	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
DOPE	DOPE (tube deterioration mnemonic)	Displacement, obstruction, pneumothorax, equipment mnemonic	Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
DOPES	DOPES (tube problem mnemonic)	Mnemonic for sudden deterioration in an intubated child: displaced tube, obstruction, pneumothorax, equipment, stomach	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
downtime	downtime (CRRT interruption)	Time off therapy for procedures or clotting	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
dP	driving pressure (plateau minus PEEP)	Pressure actually stretching the lung each breath	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
DPT	door-to-puncture time (stroke metric)	Arrival to catheter start time	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Radiology & Imaging
DRESS	drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms	Severe drug reaction affecting skin and organs	Emergency & Critical Care
drooling child	drooling (airway/ingestion sign)	Inability to swallow secretions — sign	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
DSI	delayed sequence intubation	Sedation first to allow oxygenation before tube placement	Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
DTs	delirium tremens	Severe alcohol withdrawal with confusion, agitation and tremor	Psychiatry Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
ductal-dependent	ductal-dependent lesion (term)	Heart defect needing the fetal channel open	Pediatrics Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
dystonia	acute dystonia (reaction)	Sudden muscle spasm drug reaction	Psychiatry Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
early-onset sepsis	early-onset sepsis (newborn)	Infection in the first days of life	Pediatrics Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
EBL	estimated blood loss	Approximate amount of blood lost during a procedure	Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
ECMO	extracorporeal membrane oxygenation	Machine that oxygenates blood outside the body	Cardiology Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
ECMO neonate	neonatal ECMO (rescue)	Heart-lung bypass rescue for babies	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
eczema herpeticum	eczema herpeticum (complication)	Herpes spreading over eczema — complication	Pediatrics Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
ED	emergency department	Hospital department for urgent and emergency care	Emergency & Critical Care
EDACS	Emergency Department Assessment of Chest Pain Score	Accelerated chest pain rule-out score	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
EDH	epidural hematoma	Blood collecting between the skull and the brain covering	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
eFAST	extended FAST	Trauma ultrasound extended to the chest	Radiology & Imaging Emergency & Critical Care
eFAST	extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma	Extended bedside ultrasound scan in trauma	Emergency & Critical Care Radiology & Imaging
effluent	effluent (dialysis waste fluid)	Waste fluid leaving a dialysis filter	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
effluent dose	effluent dose (CRRT intensity)	Prescribed continuous therapy intensity	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
eFONA	emergency front of neck access	Scalpel airway in a can't-intubate emergency	Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
EJV	external jugular vein	Neck vein visible under the skin	Emergency & Critical Care
electrical burn child	electrical burn (cord/oral)	Mouth corner burn from chewing cords	Pediatrics Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
ELM	external laryngeal manipulation	Hand pressure on the neck improving the view	Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
EMCS	emergency cesarean section	Unplanned cesarean delivery done urgently	Obstetrics & Gynecology Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
EMS	emergency medical services	Pre-hospital emergency care and ambulance services	Emergency & Critical Care
EMT	emergency medical technician	Pre-hospital emergency care professional	Emergency & Critical Care
EP	ectopic pregnancy	Pregnancy developing outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube	Obstetrics & Gynecology Emergency & Critical Care
Epi	epinephrine	Adrenaline, an emergency hormone and medicine	Prescription & Medication Orders Emergency & Critical Care
epi	epinephrine auto-injector (use)	Allergy emergency pen — use	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
epiglottitis	acute epiglottitis (diagnosis)	Swollen airway flap emergency — diagnosis	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Infectious Disease
EpiPen	EpiPen (brand)	Adrenaline auto-injector brand	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
ER	emergency room	Hospital area for urgent and emergency care	Emergency & Critical Care
ESETT trial	ESETT (established status trial)	Trial comparing second-line status medicines	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
ETA	endotracheal aspirate	Airway secretion sample from a breathing tube	Laboratory Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
ETCO2 adapter	capnography adapter (device)	Sensor fitting measuring exhaled CO2	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
ETT	endotracheal tube	Tube placed through the mouth into the windpipe for breathing support	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
ETT depth	endotracheal tube depth (lip line)	Centimeter marking at the lips for tube position	Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory Nursing
ETT holder	endotracheal tube holder (device)	Securement device for a breathing tube	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
euglycemic DKA	euglycemic DKA (variant)	Ketoacidosis with near-normal sugar, linked to SGLT2 drugs	Emergency & Critical Care Endocrinology Prescription & Medication Orders
EVD	Ebola virus disease	Serious viral illness that can cause bleeding and organ failure	Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
EVD	external ventricular drain	Tube draining fluid from the brain ventricles	Surgery Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
EVD placement	external ventricular drain placement	Inserting a brain fluid drain	Surgery Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
Ex lap	exploratory laparotomy	Operation opening the abdomen to look for a problem	Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
exchange transfusion	exchange transfusion (jaundice)	Blood exchange for extreme jaundice	Pediatrics Hematology & Oncology Emergency & Critical Care
extended Apgar	extended Apgar (resuscitation documentation)	Continued scoring during ongoing resuscitation	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
extubation failure	extubation failure (reintubation need)	Needing the tube back within days of removal	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
family presence	family presence (resuscitation)	Allowing family to witness resuscitation efforts	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
FAST	face, arms, speech, time	Stroke recognition prompt used publicly	Emergency & Critical Care Neurology
FAST	focused assessment with sonography for trauma	Bedside ultrasound scan in trauma	Emergency & Critical Care Radiology & Imaging Surgery
FAST exam	focused assessment with sonography for trauma	Bedside trauma ultrasound scan	Radiology & Imaging Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
FB	foreign body	Object lodged in a body part where it does not belong	General Medical Emergency & Critical Care
FB ingestion	foreign body ingestion (presentation)	Swallowed object presentation	Pediatrics Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
FC	fibrinogen concentrate	Purified fibrinogen for bleeding	Hematology & Oncology Prescription & Medication Orders Emergency & Critical Care
femo-fem	femoral-femoral (cannulation)	Groin artery and vein ECMO setup	Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
femoral line	femoral catheter (access)	Groin vein line — access	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
fiberoptic intubation	fiberoptic intubation (technique)	Scope-guided tube placement for difficult airways	Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory Surgery
filter life	filter life (CRRT metric)	How long a continuous filter lasts	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
FiO2 setting	fraction of inspired oxygen (setting)	Oxygen percentage setting — setting	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
FIRES	febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome	Explosive status after a febrile illness in children	Neurology Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
flame burn	flame burn (mechanism)	Fire flame burn mechanism	Pediatrics Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
FONA	front of neck access (emergency airway)	Emergency airway through the front of the neck	Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
food impaction child	esophageal food impaction (childhood)	Stuck food in a child's food pipe	Pediatrics Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
FOOSH	fall on outstretched hand (mechanism)	Common wrist injury mechanism acronym	Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
FOUR	Full Outline of UnResponsiveness (score)	Coma score including brainstem — score	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
FOUR score	Full Outline of UnResponsiveness score	Coma score usable in intubated patients	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Vitals & Assessment
full code	full code (status)	Full resuscitation attempt requested	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
full workup	full sepsis workup (infant phrase)	Blood, urine, spinal fluid and cultures evaluation	Pediatrics Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
gag reflex exam	gag reflex (examination)	Throat reflex testing the brainstem — exam	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
gap closed	anion gap closure (DKA endpoint)	Resolution marker ending the insulin drip	Emergency & Critical Care Endocrinology Laboratory
Gardner-Wells	Gardner-Wells tongs (skull traction)	Skull tongs for neck traction	Musculoskeletal Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
GBS bleed	Glasgow-Blatchford Score	Pre-endoscopy upper GI bleed risk score	Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
GCA eye	giant cell arteritis (ocular involvement)	Artery inflammation threatening vision	General Medical Emergency & Critical Care Musculoskeletal
GCS	Glasgow Coma Scale	Score assessing level of consciousness	Emergency & Critical Care Neurology
GCS eye	Glasgow Coma Scale eye component	Eye-opening part of the coma score	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Vitals & Assessment
GCS motor	Glasgow Coma Scale motor component	Movement part of the coma score	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Vitals & Assessment
GCS verbal	Glasgow Coma Scale verbal component	Speech part of the coma score	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Vitals & Assessment
GI bleed	gastrointestinal bleed	Bleeding anywhere in the digestive tract	Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
GOC	goals of care	Discussion and documentation of treatment aims	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care General Medical
GOLDMARK	GOLDMARK (anion gap causes)	Updated causes mnemonic for a high gap	Emergency & Critical Care Laboratory Renal & Nephrology
grade view	grade I-IV view (laryngoscopy)	Voice box view grading at intubation	Emergency & Critical Care
grimace	grimace (response element)	Facial response to pain in coma scoring	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
Grisel	Grisel syndrome (atlantoaxial subluxation)	Neck bone slip after throat inflammation	Pediatrics Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
grunting	grunting (newborn distress sign)	Sound of a baby splinting its lungs open	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
GSW	gunshot wound	Injury caused by a bullet	Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
GTC	generalized tonic-clonic seizure (type)	Full convulsion seizure type	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
guillotine amp	guillotine amputation	Rapid open amputation for severe infection	Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
gun safety	firearm safe storage (counseling)	Locked unloaded separated storage counseling	Pediatrics Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
HAEC	Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis	Dangerous bowel infection in Hirschsprung disease	Pediatrics Gastroenterology Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
HAGMA	high anion gap metabolic acidosis	Acid build-up acidosis type	Emergency & Critical Care Laboratory Renal & Nephrology
halo vest	halo vest (device)	Skull-ring neck immobilizer	Musculoskeletal Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
HD cath	hemodialysis catheter placement	Large vein catheter for dialysis	Surgery Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
HDU	high dependency unit	Unit for patients needing more care than a ward	Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
head bobbing	head bobbing (distress sign)	Neck muscle breathing sign in babies	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
HEART	HEART score	Score estimating heart risk in chest pain patients	Emergency & Critical Care Cardiology
HEART pathway	HEART Pathway	Structured early discharge chest-pain pathway	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
HEART score	HEART score (chest pain)	Emergency chest pain risk score	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care Vitals & Assessment
heliox	heliox (asthma/airway)	Helium-oxygen easing airway work	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
helmet	helmet use (injury prevention)	Protective headgear guidance	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
Hematemesis	haematemesis	Vomiting blood	Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
herniation types	herniation syndromes (uncal/subfalcine/tonsillar)	Brain shift emergency types	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
HFJV	high-frequency jet ventilation	Pulsed jet ventilation for babies	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
HFOV adult	high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (adult)	Tiny rapid breath ventilation — adult use	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
HHS	hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state	Severe high blood sugar without major ketones	Endocrinology Emergency & Critical Care
HINTS	Head Impulse Nystagmus Test of Skew	Bedside exam distinguishing central from peripheral vertigo	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
HINTS exam	HINTS examination (head impulse nystagmus test of skew)	Bedside vertigo examination distinguishing stroke	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
HLH	hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (diagnosis)	Overactive immune syndrome — diagnosis	Pediatrics Hematology & Oncology Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
HOB 30	head of bed thirty degrees	Semi-upright position reducing aspiration and lung infection risk	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
HSV workup neonate	neonatal HSV evaluation (workup)	Testing a sick newborn for herpes	Pediatrics Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
HTX	hemothorax	Blood collecting in the chest space around the lung	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
hydrocephalus acute	acute hydrocephalus (complication)	Rapid fluid build-up after bleeding	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
hyperactive delirium	hyperactive delirium (subtype)	Agitated delirium subtype	Neurology Psychiatry Emergency & Critical Care
hyperammonemia	hyperammonemia (emergency)	High ammonia poisoning the brain — emergency	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Laboratory
hypercalcemia crisis	hypercalcemic crisis (emergency)	Dangerously high calcium emergency	Emergency & Critical Care Endocrinology Laboratory Hematology & Oncology
HyperK	hyperkalemia	High potassium level in the blood	Renal & Nephrology Laboratory Emergency & Critical Care
hyperkalemia management	hyperkalemia management (ECG)	High potassium emergency care	Emergency & Critical Care Renal & Nephrology Cardiology
hyperoxia test	hyperoxia test (newborn cyanosis)	Oxygen challenge distinguishing heart from lung causes	Pediatrics Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
hypertonic saline	hypertonic saline (treatment)	Concentrated salt for brain swelling or very low sodium — treatment	Emergency & Critical Care Neurology Prescription & Medication Orders
hypoactive delirium	hypoactive delirium (subtype)	Quiet withdrawn delirium subtype	Neurology Psychiatry Emergency & Critical Care
hypoglycemia neonate	neonatal hypoglycemia (screening)	Low sugar in newborns — screening	Pediatrics Endocrinology Emergency & Critical Care
hyponatremia correction	hyponatremia correction rate (safety)	Safe speed limit for raising low sodium	Emergency & Critical Care Renal & Nephrology Endocrinology Laboratory
I:E	inspiratory-to-expiratory ratio (setting)	Breathing-in versus breathing-out time ratio	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
IABP	intra-aortic balloon pump	Balloon device in the aorta that supports heart pumping	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
iCa CRRT	ionized calcium (citrate monitoring)	Calcium checks guiding citrate therapy	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care Laboratory
ICDSC	Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist	ICU delirium checklist	Emergency & Critical Care Neurology
ICH	intracerebral hemorrhage	Bleeding inside the brain tissue itself	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
ICH score	ICH score (prognosis)	Brain bleed outcome score — prognosis	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
ICP	intracranial pressure	Pressure inside the skull	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
ICU	intensive care unit	Unit for critically ill patients needing close monitoring	Emergency & Critical Care
IHCA	in-hospital cardiac arrest	Cardiac arrest occurring inside a hospital	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
IHD	intermittent hemodialysis (session)	Standard discrete dialysis sessions	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
IJV	internal jugular vein	Large neck vein used for central access	Emergency & Critical Care
IMC	intermediate care unit	Step-down level care	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
IMCU	intermediate care unit (full abbreviation)	Step-down care unit	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
IMV	intermittent mandatory ventilation (mode)	Set breaths between spontaneous ones, older mode	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
inclined sleeper	inclined sleepers (recalled products)	Reclined infant sleep products recalled for deaths	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
inconsolable	inconsolable crying (red flag)	Crying not soothed by comfort — warning	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
ingestion	ingestion (presentation)	Swallowed substance presentation	Emergency & Critical Care Pediatrics
inhaled epi	inhaled epoprostenol (iEPO)	Inhaled lung vessel dilator used in place of nitric oxide	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
inline suction	closed suction catheter (inline)	Suction without disconnecting the ventilator	Nursing Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
iNO	inhaled nitric oxide (neonatal)	Lung vessel relaxing gas — neonatal	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
iNO adult	inhaled nitric oxide (adult ARDS)	Lung vessel relaxing gas — adult lung failure	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
insulin drip	insulin infusion (DKA protocol)	Continuous insulin in ketoacidosis care — protocol	Emergency & Critical Care Endocrinology Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing
interrupted arch	interrupted aortic arch (defect)	Gap in the aorta arch	Pediatrics Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
intox	intoxication (documentation shorthand)	Under the influence — documentation shorthand	Psychiatry Emergency & Critical Care
introducer	introducer sheath (device)	Large-bore access sheath for catheters	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care Radiology & Imaging
intussusception	intussusception (diagnosis)	Telescoping bowel — diagnosis	Pediatrics Gastroenterology Surgery Emergency & Critical Care Radiology & Imaging
IO	intraosseous	Into bone marrow, an emergency access route	Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
IO	intraosseous access	Needle into bone marrow for emergency fluids	Emergency & Critical Care
IO needle	intraosseous needle (device)	Drill-placed bone access needle	Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
IO neonate	intraosseous access (newborn resuscitation)	Bone access in newborn emergencies	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
IPPV	intermittent positive pressure ventilation	Machine-delivered positive pressure breaths	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
ISS	Injury Severity Score	Score grading overall severity of injuries	Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
IV access	intravenous access	A line into a vein for fluids or medicines	Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
IVAC	infection-related ventilator-associated complication	Ventilator deterioration with signs of infection	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Infectious Disease
IVC collapsibility	inferior vena cava collapsibility	Ultrasound clue to fluid status	Cardiology Radiology & Imaging Emergency & Critical Care
IVH neuro	intraventricular hemorrhage (adult)	Bleeding into the brain fluid spaces — adult	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
IVT	intravenous thrombolysis (stroke)	Clot-dissolving stroke treatment — treatment	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
J-tip	J-tip needle-free injector	Pressured numbing before IV starts	Pediatrics Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
ketamine asthma	ketamine (bronchodilator adjunct)	Sedative with bronchodilating effect	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
ketamine RSI	ketamine (intubation)	Dissociative sedative for tube placement	Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
King-Devick	King-Devick test (sideline)	Rapid number reading sideline screen	Pediatrics Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
Kussmaul	Kussmaul respirations (sign)	Deep fast breathing of acidosis — sign	Emergency & Critical Care Endocrinology Respiratory
lactic	lactic acidosis (type)	Lactate-driven acidosis — type	Emergency & Critical Care Laboratory
lap appy	laparoscopic appendectomy (shorthand)	Keyhole appendix removal	Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
laryngeal mask neonate	laryngeal mask airway (newborn size)	Supraglottic airway in newborn resuscitation	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
laryngospasm	laryngospasm (event)	Voice box closure event	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
LAST	local anesthetic systemic toxicity	Overdose reaction to numbing medicines	Emergency & Critical Care Surgery Prescription & Medication Orders
laundry pods	laundry packet ingestion (hazard)	Detergent pod poisoning and eye hazard	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
LBO	large bowel obstruction	Blockage of the large intestine	Gastroenterology Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
LEMON	LEMON (difficult airway screen)	Difficult intubation prediction mnemonic	Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
LEMON	LEMON airway assessment	Difficult airway prediction tool	Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
LET gel	lidocaine epinephrine tetracaine gel	Laceration numbing gel for children	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
lethargic infant	lethargic infant (presentation)	Abnormally sleepy hard-to-wake baby	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
leukocoria	leukocoria (white pupil sign)	White pupil reflex, a cancer warning sign	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Hematology & Oncology
leveling	leveling (transducer reference)	Aligning the pressure sensor to the correct body point	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
LGIB	lower gastrointestinal bleed	Bleeding from the lower intestine or colon	Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
limp child	limp (presentation)	Altered walking presentation	Pediatrics Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
lipid rescue	lipid emulsion therapy (LAST rescue)	Fat emulsion antidote for numbing drug toxicity	Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
Lisfranc	Lisfranc injury (midfoot)	Midfoot fracture-dislocation — injury	Musculoskeletal Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
LKW	last known well (stroke time)	Last time seen normal — stroke timing	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
LMA unique	LMA (laryngeal mask, generic)	Supraglottic airway mask	Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
LOC	loss of consciousness	Fainting or passing out	Emergency & Critical Care Neurology
LODS	Logistic Organ Dysfunction System	Organ dysfunction scoring system	Emergency & Critical Care
LP	liquid plasma	Plasma stored liquid, used in massive transfusion	Hematology & Oncology Laboratory Emergency & Critical Care
LPI	laser peripheral iridotomy	Laser hole in the iris treating angle closure	General Medical Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
LRINEC	Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis	Score supporting diagnosis of necrotizing soft tissue infection	Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care Surgery Laboratory
LST	life-sustaining treatment	Treatments that prolong life in serious illness	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
LTOWB	low-titer group O whole blood	Universal-type whole blood for emergency transfusion	Emergency & Critical Care Hematology & Oncology Laboratory
lucid interval	lucid interval (epidural classic)	Awake period before deterioration in epidural bleeding	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
LUS	lung ultrasound	Ultrasound examination of the lungs	Radiology & Imaging Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
LV vent	left ventricular vent (ECMO/surgery)	Drain relieving heart pressure distension	Emergency & Critical Care Cardiology Surgery
LVO	LVO (large vessel occlusion, shorthand)	Big artery stroke blockage shorthand	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Radiology & Imaging
LWBS	left without being seen	Patient departed before evaluation	Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
LWS	large-bore lavage (Ewald)	Stomach washout tube for poisoning	Emergency & Critical Care Gastroenterology
MAE	moves all extremities (exam phrase)	Motor examination summary phrase	Neurology Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
mag asthma	magnesium sulfate (asthma infusion)	Bronchodilator infusion for severe asthma	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
Mag toxicity	magnesium toxicity (obstetric)	Overdose signs of seizure-prevention magnesium	Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
magnet ingestion	magnet ingestion (multiple magnets)	Swallowed magnets attracting across bowel	Pediatrics Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
MAHA	microangiopathic hemolytic anemia	Red cell fragmentation from damaged small vessels	Hematology & Oncology Emergency & Critical Care
malignant MCA	malignant MCA syndrome (swelling)	Severe swelling after a large stroke	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
malrotation	malrotation (diagnosis)	Abnormal bowel rotation — diagnosis	Pediatrics Gastroenterology Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
MASCC	Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer score	Low-risk score for febrile neutropenia	Hematology & Oncology Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
MCI	mass casualty incident	Event overwhelming emergency resources with many casualties	Emergency & Critical Care
metaphyseal lesion	classic metaphyseal lesion (abuse)	Corner fracture strongly linked to inflicted injury	Pediatrics Radiology & Imaging Emergency & Critical Care
methemoglobin	methemoglobinemia (toxicology)	Oxidized blood unable to carry oxygen — toxicology	Emergency & Critical Care Laboratory Prescription & Medication Orders
MEWS	Modified Early Warning Score	Score flagging deteriorating ward patients	Emergency & Critical Care Vitals & Assessment Nursing
MH	malignant hyperthermia (crisis)	Anesthetic-triggered overheating crisis — crisis	Emergency & Critical Care Surgery Prescription & Medication Orders
Miami J	Miami J collar (brand)	Rigid neck collar brand	Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
MIS-C	multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (diagnosis)	Post-COVID inflammatory syndrome — diagnosis	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Infectious Disease Cardiology
mitt restraints	mitten restraints	Padded hand covers preventing tube pulling	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
MMV	mandatory minute ventilation (mode)	Mode guaranteeing a minute volume	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
MOANS	MOANS (difficult mask screen)	Difficult mask ventilation prediction mnemonic	Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
MODS	multiple organ dysfunction syndrome	Failure of several organs in critical illness	Emergency & Critical Care
MOE	malignant otitis externa	Invasive skull-base ear infection in diabetes	General Medical Infectious Disease Endocrinology Emergency & Critical Care
MOI	mechanism of injury	How an injury happened	Emergency & Critical Care
MPM	Mortality Probability Model	ICU outcome prediction model	Emergency & Critical Care
MR. SOPA	MR. SOPA (ventilation corrective steps)	Newborn ventilation troubleshooting mnemonic	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
MUDPILES	MUDPILES (anion gap causes)	Classic causes mnemonic for a high gap	Emergency & Critical Care Laboratory Renal & Nephrology
MV	mechanical ventilation	Breathing support provided by a ventilator machine	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
MVA	motor vehicle accident	Road traffic collision involving a vehicle	Emergency & Critical Care
myxedema	myxedema coma (crisis)	Extreme underactive thyroid emergency — crisis	Emergency & Critical Care Endocrinology
NAGMA	non-anion gap metabolic acidosis	Chloride-driven acidosis type	Emergency & Critical Care Laboratory Renal & Nephrology
naloxone home	naloxone (household availability)	Overdose reversal medicine in homes with opioids	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
NALS	neonatal advanced life support	Emergency resuscitation care for newborns	Emergency & Critical Care Pediatrics Obstetrics & Gynecology
nasal flaring	nasal flaring (distress sign)	Nostrils widening with breathing effort	Pediatrics Respiratory Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
NAT	non-accidental trauma	Injury in a child caused by abuse or neglect	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
NAVA	neurally adjusted ventilatory assist	Diaphragm-signal triggered ventilation	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
NCSE	nonconvulsive status epilepticus	Seizure activity without convulsions	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
NEC	necrotizing enterocolitis	Serious bowel disease mainly affecting premature babies	Pediatrics Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
NELA	National Emergency Laparotomy Audit risk	Emergency abdominal surgery risk model	Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
NeoPuff	NeoPuff (T-piece brand)	Newborn T-piece resuscitator brand	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
nephrogenic DI	nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (type)	Kidney hormone resistance type	Emergency & Critical Care Endocrinology Renal & Nephrology
NEWS	National Early Warning Score	Score flagging deteriorating ward patients	Emergency & Critical Care Vitals & Assessment Nursing
NEWS2	National Early Warning Score 2	Updated score flagging deteriorating ward patients	Emergency & Critical Care Vitals & Assessment Nursing
NEXUS	National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study criteria	Decision criteria for neck imaging after injury	Emergency & Critical Care Radiology & Imaging
nicotine ingestion	liquid nicotine ingestion (vape hazard)	E-liquid poisoning hazard for children	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
NICU	neonatal intensive care unit	Unit for critically ill newborn babies	Emergency & Critical Care Pediatrics Obstetrics & Gynecology
NIF	negative inspiratory force (monitoring)	Breathing strength measure — monitoring	Neurology Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
NIF wean	negative inspiratory force (weaning criterion)	Breathing strength threshold for weaning	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
NIHSS	National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale	Score measuring stroke severity	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
Nikolsky	Nikolsky sign (skin)	Skin sliding with gentle rubbing — sign	Pediatrics Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
NIPPV	nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation ()	Machine breaths through the nose	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
NIRS	cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (monitoring)	Brain oxygen monitoring — monitoring	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Neurology
NIV asthma	noninvasive ventilation (asthma)	Mask support in severe asthma	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
NMB	neuromuscular blockade	Muscle paralysis from anaesthetic medicines	Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
NMB vent	neuromuscular blockade (ventilation adjunct)	Paralyzing medicines easing ventilation	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
NMS	neuroleptic malignant syndrome	Rare severe reaction with fever, rigidity and confusion	Psychiatry Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
non-tunneled	non-tunneled catheter (temporary access)	Short-term bedside dialysis line	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
Norepi	norepinephrine	Noradrenaline, a medicine supporting blood pressure	Prescription & Medication Orders Emergency & Critical Care
NORSE	new-onset refractory status epilepticus	Refractory status without a prior cause	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
NPA	nasopharyngeal airway	Soft tube through the nose keeping the airway open	Emergency & Critical Care
NRP	Neonatal Resuscitation Program (algorithm)	Newborn resuscitation training algorithm	Pediatrics Obstetrics & Gynecology Emergency & Critical Care
Nu-DESC	Nursing Delirium Screening Scale	Bedside nurse delirium screen	Nursing Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
nursemaid	nursemaid elbow (radial head subluxation)	Pulled elbow of toddlers	Pediatrics Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
OD	overdose (presentation)	Drug excess presentation — presentation	Emergency & Critical Care Psychiatry Prescription & Medication Orders
ODS	osmotic demyelination syndrome	Brain injury from correcting sodium too fast	Neurology Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
OESIL	Osservatorio Epidemiologico sulla Sincope nel Lazio score	Syncope risk score	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
OG tube	orogastric tube (device)	Mouth-to-stomach tube	Nursing Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
OHCA	out-of-hospital cardiac arrest	Cardiac arrest occurring outside a hospital	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
OHSS	ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome	Over-response of ovaries to fertility drugs	Obstetrics & Gynecology Emergency & Critical Care
omphalitis	omphalitis (cord infection)	Infected umbilical stump	Pediatrics Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
onset-to-door	onset-to-door time (stroke metric)	Symptom start to arrival time	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
OPA	oropharyngeal airway	Curved device keeping the tongue off the airway	Emergency & Critical Care
opioid exposure child	opioid exposure (household)	Child contact with household opioids emergency	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
OPQRST	onset, provocation, quality, radiation, severity, time	Pain history mnemonic used in assessment	Emergency & Critical Care Vitals & Assessment
orbital	orbital cellulitis (emergency)	Eye socket infection emergency	Pediatrics Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
osm gap	osmolal gap	Difference between measured and calculated osmolality	Laboratory Emergency & Critical Care Renal & Nephrology
OTC def	ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency	Commonest urea cycle disorder	Pediatrics Laboratory Emergency & Critical Care
PA cath	pulmonary artery catheter	Heart pressure monitoring catheter	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
PAC	pulmonary artery catheter	Catheter measuring pressures in the heart and lung artery	Emergency & Critical Care Cardiology
PACG	primary angle-closure glaucoma	Raised eye pressure from a closed drainage angle	General Medical Emergency & Critical Care
PALS	Pediatric Advanced Life Support	Standardised emergency care system for children	Emergency & Critical Care Pediatrics
PAPR	powered air-purifying respirator	Battery-powered filtered air hood for high-risk care	Nursing Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
partial code	partial code (chemical code)	Resuscitation with medicines but no chest compressions or tube	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
pathologic jaundice	pathologic jaundice (newborn warning)	Jaundice in the first day or rising fast	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
PAV	proportional assist ventilation	Support proportional to patient effort	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
PbtO2	brain tissue oxygen tension	Probe measuring brain oxygen directly	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
PC ventilator	pressure control (ventilation mode)	Ventilator mode delivering a set breath pressure	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
PCC	prothrombin complex concentrate	Blood product supplying several clotting factors	Hematology & Oncology Emergency & Critical Care
PCU	progressive care unit	Step-down unit name in many hospitals	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
PEA	pulseless electrical activity	Heart electrical activity present but no pulse or pumping	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
PEC w SF	preeclampsia with severe features	Preeclampsia with danger signs shorthand	Obstetrics & Gynecology Emergency & Critical Care
PECARN	Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network rule	Decision rules for imaging injured children	Emergency & Critical Care Pediatrics Radiology & Imaging
PECARN febrile	PECARN febrile infant rule	Low-risk febrile baby criteria	Pediatrics Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
PEEP setting	positive end-expiratory pressure (setting)	End-breath pressure keeping lungs open — setting	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
penumbra	ischemic penumbra (imaging)	Salvageable tissue around a stroke	Neurology Radiology & Imaging Emergency & Critical Care
PERC	Pulmonary Embolism Rule-out Criteria	Criteria helping rule out lung clots in low-risk patients	Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
percutaneous trach	percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy	Bedside neck airway created over a wire	Respiratory Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
Perf	perforation	A hole through the wall of an organ	Gastroenterology Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
peripartum hysterectomy	peripartum hysterectomy (emergency)	Removing the womb around delivery for bleeding	Obstetrics & Gynecology Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
peritonitis PD	PD peritonitis (infection)	Belly lining infection in PD	Renal & Nephrology Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
PESI	Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index	Mortality risk score for pulmonary embolism	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Cardiology
PEWS	Pediatric Early Warning Score	Child deterioration warning score	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Vitals & Assessment Nursing
PGE1	prostaglandin E1 (ductal therapy)	Infusion keeping the fetal channel open	Pediatrics Cardiology Prescription & Medication Orders Emergency & Critical Care
pheo crisis	pheochromocytoma crisis (emergency)	Catecholamine surge emergency	Emergency & Critical Care Endocrinology Cardiology
Philadelphia	Philadelphia collar (type)	Foam rigid neck collar type	Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
PICU	pediatric intensive care unit	Unit for critically ill children	Emergency & Critical Care Pediatrics
Pierre Robin	Pierre Robin sequence (airway)	Small jaw, tongue fallback and cleft palate sequence	Pediatrics Respiratory Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
pigtail	pigtail catheter drainage	Small curled drain for fluid collections	Radiology & Imaging Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
pink pulseless	pink pulseless hand (elbow emergency)	Warm hand without pulse after elbow fracture	Pediatrics Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
pinpoint pupils	pinpoint pupils (finding)	Extremely small pupils, as in opioid effect or pons injury	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
PIRRT	prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy	Extended intermittent ICU dialysis family	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
PLASMIC	PLASMIC score	Score estimating TTP likelihood	Hematology & Oncology Emergency & Critical Care
Pmean	mean airway pressure (measurement)	Average airway pressure over the cycle	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
PMS	pulse, motor, sensation	Checks of pulse, movement and feeling in a limb	Emergency & Critical Care Musculoskeletal
POCUS	point-of-care ultrasound	Bedside ultrasound by the treating clinician	Radiology & Imaging Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
POGO	percentage of glottic opening (view score)	How much of the voice box opening is seen	Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
Poison Control	Poison Control (hotline resource)	National poison help line resource	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care General Medical
poison prevention	poison-proofing (home safety)	Locked storage of medicines and chemicals guidance	Pediatrics Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
POLST	Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment	Portable medical order form for serious illness	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care General Medical
posterior slab	posterior slab splint (leg)	Back-of-leg plaster splint	Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
posturing	decorticate/decerebrate posturing (finding)	Abnormal flexion or extension after brain injury	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
PPCI	primary percutaneous coronary intervention	Emergency artery-opening procedure for heart attack	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
Ppeak	peak inspiratory pressure (measurement)	Highest pressure during a breath	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
PPH	postpartum hemorrhage	Heavy bleeding after childbirth	Obstetrics & Gynecology Emergency & Critical Care
PPHN	persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (diagnosis)	Failed circulation transition after birth — diagnosis	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
Pplat	plateau pressure (measurement)	Pressure during a no-flow pause, reflecting lung stretch	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
PPV neonate	positive pressure ventilation (newborn)	Bag breaths for a newborn	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
procedural sedation	procedural sedation and analgesia	Sedation given specifically for a procedure	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
prone vent	prone positioning (ventilation therapy)	Face-down positioning improving oxygen in lung failure	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
proning team	proning team (staffing)	Trained team turning ventilated patients face-down	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
pseudosubluxation	pseudosubluxation (child c-spine)	Normal forward slip appearance in young necks	Pediatrics Radiology & Imaging Emergency & Critical Care
PTX	pneumothorax	Collapsed lung from air leaking into the chest space	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
PVAP	possible ventilator-associated pneumonia	Surveillance category combining ventilator deterioration and lab evidence	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Infectious Disease
PVC	peripheral venous catheter	Small tube in a surface vein for fluids or medicines	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
pyloric stenosis	hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (diagnosis)	Thickened stomach outlet in infants — diagnosis	Pediatrics Gastroenterology Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
qSOFA	quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment	Bedside score flagging sepsis risk	Emergency & Critical Care Infectious Disease
racemic epi	racemic epinephrine (croup)	Nebulized adrenaline for croup — treatment	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
rapid response	rapid response team activation	Urgent bedside team call for a deteriorating patient	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
RASS	Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale	Score of agitation and sedation in intensive care	Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
Raw	airway resistance (measurement)	Opposition to air flow in the airways	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
RCA	regional citrate anticoagulation (abbreviation)	Citrate filter protection — abbreviation	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
RD	retinal detachment	Retina separating from the back of the eye	General Medical Emergency & Critical Care
reduction pulled	reduction maneuver (pulled elbow)	Supination-flexion or pronation fix for pulled elbow	Pediatrics Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
refeeding	refeeding syndrome (eating)	Dangerous shifts restarting nutrition — eating-disorder	Psychiatry Endocrinology Emergency & Critical Care Laboratory
reintubation	reintubation (event)	Replacing a breathing tube after failed removal	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
replacement fluid	replacement fluid (CRRT)	Clean fluid infused during continuous therapy	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
restraint	physical restraint (order)	Device or hold restricting movement, used as a last resort	Nursing Psychiatry Emergency & Critical Care
retinal hemorrhage child	retinal hemorrhages (abuse evaluation)	Eye bleeding in abusive head trauma checks	Pediatrics Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
retractions	retractions (distress sign)	Skin sucking in with breathing effort	Pediatrics Respiratory Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
rib fractures child	posterior rib fractures (abuse marker)	Back rib breaks strongly linked to inflicted injury	Pediatrics Radiology & Imaging Emergency & Critical Care
RIFLE	Risk Injury Failure Loss End-stage criteria	AKI classification system	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
roc	rocuronium (intubation)	Fast paralyzing drug for tube placement	Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
ROSC	return of spontaneous circulation	Heartbeat and circulation restarting after cardiac arrest	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
ROSC care	post-ROSC care	Care bundle after return of circulation	Emergency & Critical Care Nursing Cardiology
RR setting	respiratory rate (ventilator setting)	Breaths-per-minute setting — ventilator	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
RRD	rhegmatogenous retinal detachment	Retina detached through a tear	General Medical Emergency & Critical Care
RRT	renal replacement therapy	Dialysis-type treatments replacing kidney function	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
RSBI	rapid shallow breathing index	Breathing pattern score predicting weaning success	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
RSE	refractory status epilepticus	Status continuing despite first treatments	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
RSI	rapid sequence induction	Fast airway procedure using medicines to place a breathing tube	Emergency & Critical Care
RTC	road traffic collision	Crash involving vehicles on the road	Emergency & Critical Care
RTS	Revised Trauma Score	Score grading injury severity from vital signs	Emergency & Critical Care
RUSH	rapid ultrasound in shock	Bedside ultrasound protocol for shock	Radiology & Imaging Emergency & Critical Care
SA	septic arthritis	Infection inside a joint	Musculoskeletal Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
SA	suicide attempt	Self-harm act carried out with intent to die	Psychiatry Emergency & Critical Care
SAD PERSONS	SAD PERSONS scale	Older suicide risk mnemonic scale	Psychiatry Emergency & Critical Care
SAH	subarachnoid hemorrhage	Bleeding into the space around the brain	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
salt-wasting	salt-wasting crisis (CAH)	Life-threatening salt loss in adrenal disorders	Pediatrics Endocrinology Emergency & Critical Care
SAM nutrition	severe acute malnutrition (diagnosis)	Life-threatening childhood undernutrition	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
SAMPLE	signs and symptoms, allergies, medications, past history, last intake, events	History mnemonic used in emergency assessment	Emergency & Critical Care
SAPS	SAPS (Simplified Acute Physiology Score)	ICU severity scoring system	Emergency & Critical Care
SAPS	simplified acute physiology score	Severity score used in intensive care	Emergency & Critical Care
SAS	Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale	Sedation score for ICU patients	Emergency & Critical Care Vitals & Assessment
SAT	spontaneous awakening trial	Daily pause of sedation to assess a patient in intensive care	Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
SBO	small bowel obstruction	Blockage of the small intestine	Gastroenterology Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
SBP	spontaneous bacterial peritonitis	Infection of abdominal fluid in liver disease	Gastroenterology Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
SBT	SBT (spontaneous breathing trial, shorthand)	Weaning trial shorthand	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
SBT	spontaneous breathing trial	Test of breathing without machine support in intensive care	Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
SCA	sudden cardiac arrest	Sudden loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
scald	scald burn (mechanism)	Hot liquid burn mechanism	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
SCFE	slipped capital femoral epiphysis	Hip growth plate slip in adolescents	Musculoskeletal Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
SCI	spinal cord injury	Damage to the spinal cord	Emergency & Critical Care Neurology
SCIWORA	spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality	Cord injury with normal imaging, classically in children	Pediatrics Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Radiology & Imaging
SCUF	slow continuous ultrafiltration	Fluid-only continuous removal	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care Cardiology
SCV	subclavian vein	Vein under the collarbone used for central access	Emergency & Critical Care
SDH child	subdural hematoma (infant evaluation)	Blood collection in abusive head trauma checks	Pediatrics Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
SDU	step-down unit (abbreviation)	Intermediate care unit abbreviation	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
SE	status epilepticus	A prolonged seizure or seizures without recovery between	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
second impact	second impact syndrome (sports)	Catastrophic swelling after a repeat concussion	Pediatrics Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Musculoskeletal
seesaw	seesaw breathing (paradoxical)	Chest and belly moving oppositely in distress	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
self-extubation	self-extubation (event)	Patient removing their own breathing tube	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
self-inflating bag	self-inflating bag (newborn)	Squeezing ventilation bag — newborn	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
sentinel bleed	sentinel hemorrhage (warning leak)	Small warning aneurysm leak before a major rupture	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
sentinel injury	sentinel injury (abuse marker)	Minor injury in a pre-mobile baby warning of abuse	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
sepsis workup infant	febrile infant evaluation (workup)	Testing a young febrile baby for serious infection	Pediatrics Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
septic AB	septic abortion (term)	Infected miscarriage emergency	Obstetrics & Gynecology Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
septic hip	septic arthritis (hip)	Infected hip joint in a child	Pediatrics Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care Infectious Disease
serotonin syndrome	serotonin syndrome (diagnosis)	Excess serotonin drug reaction — diagnosis	Psychiatry Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
serum tox	serum toxicology (panel)	Blood drug level panel	Emergency & Critical Care Laboratory
shaken baby	abusive head trauma (preferred term)	Inflicted shaking head injury	Pediatrics Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
sharp FB	sharp object ingestion ()	Swallowed sharp object	Pediatrics Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
SIC	sepsis-induced coagulopathy score	Early coagulopathy score in sepsis	Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care Hematology & Oncology
silent chest	silent chest (ominous sign)	No breath sounds in severe asthma — sign	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
SiPAP	SiPAP (sigh positive airway pressure)	Baby noninvasive breathing support mode	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
SIRS	systemic inflammatory response syndrome	Whole-body inflammatory response criteria	Emergency & Critical Care Infectious Disease
SJS	Stevens-Johnson syndrome	Severe drug reaction affecting skin and mucous membranes	Emergency & Critical Care
skeletal survey	skeletal survey (abuse)	Full bone X-ray series for injury evaluation	Pediatrics Radiology & Imaging Emergency & Critical Care
skeletal traction	skeletal traction (orthopedic)	Pin-and-weight bone pulling — orthopedic	Musculoskeletal Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
skew	skew deviation (eye finding)	Vertical eye misalignment suggesting brainstem stroke	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
SLED	sustained low-efficiency dialysis	Prolonged gentle dialysis used in intensive care	Emergency & Critical Care Renal & Nephrology
SMART-COP	SMART-COP score	Predicts need for intensive support in pneumonia	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Infectious Disease
smoke inhalation	smoke inhalation injury (diagnosis)	Airway and lung injury from fire smoke — diagnosis	Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
snuffbox	anatomic snuffbox (tenderness)	Thumb-side wrist hollow checked after falls	Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
SOFA	Sequential Organ Failure Assessment	Score of organ function in critical illness	Emergency & Critical Care
soft restraints	soft restraints (limb holders)	Padded limb holders limiting movement	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
sPESI	simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index	Short version of the PE mortality score	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
splint types	splints (sugar-tong/stirrup/volar types)	Common fracture splint shapes	Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
spot sign	spot sign (CT bleeding)	Contrast leak predicting bleed growth on scan	Neurology Radiology & Imaging Emergency & Critical Care
square wave	square wave test (line damping)	Flush test checking pressure line accuracy	Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
SRSE	super-refractory status epilepticus	Status beyond 24 hours of anesthesia	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
SSNHL	sudden sensorineural hearing loss	Rapid hearing loss in the inner ear	General Medical Emergency & Critical Care
SSSS	staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome	Toxin-caused skin peeling of young children	Pediatrics Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
STAT	immediately (statim)	Do it now — urgent order priority	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care General Medical
stat dose	stat dose (single immediate)	One dose to be given immediately	Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
status asthmaticus	status asthmaticus (pediatric emergency)	Severe unrelenting asthma attack — pediatric	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
Status epi	status epilepticus	Prolonged or repeated seizures without recovery	Emergency & Critical Care Neurology
steal syndrome	dialysis access steal syndrome (diagnosis)	Hand starved by a greedy access — diagnosis	Renal & Nephrology Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
STEMI	ST-elevation myocardial infarction	Heart attack with a fully blocked artery pattern on ECG	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
Step-by-Step	Step-by-Step approach (febrile infant)	European febrile infant risk approach	Pediatrics Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care
step-down	step-down unit (intermediate care)	Unit between intensive care and the ward	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
stirrup splint	stirrup splint (ankle)	U-shaped ankle splint	Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
stridor	stridor (sound)	Harsh upper airway sound	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
stridor child	upper airway obstruction (stridor presentation)	Noisy breathing presentation	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
stylet	stylet (intubation stiffener)	Shaping wire inside a breathing tube	Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
sugar-tong	sugar-tong splint (forearm)	U-shaped forearm splint	Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
suicide precautions	suicide precautions (observation)	Constant observation and environment checks for safety	Nursing Psychiatry Emergency & Critical Care
supination	supination (return to back)	Turning a patient back onto their back	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
supracondylar	supracondylar humerus fracture (childhood)	Above-elbow fracture of childhood	Pediatrics Musculoskeletal Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
suprapubic pressure	suprapubic pressure (maneuver)	Pressure above the pubic bone freeing a shoulder	Obstetrics & Gynecology Emergency & Critical Care
sux	sux (succinylcholine shorthand)	Very short paralyzing drug shorthand	Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
sux apnea	sux apnea (prolonged paralysis)	Extended paralysis from enzyme deficiency after succinylcholine	Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
SVC syndrome	superior vena cava syndrome (oncology)	Face and arm swelling from a blocked chest vein — oncology	Renal & Nephrology Hematology & Oncology Radiology & Imaging Emergency & Critical Care
Swan	Swan-Ganz catheter (pulmonary artery)	Balloon catheter measuring heart pressures	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
syncope types	syncope (reflex/orthostatic/cardiac types)	Fainting classified by mechanism	Cardiology Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
syrup ipecac	syrup of ipecac (no longer recommended)	Obsolete vomiting inducer kept out of homes	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
SZC	sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (binder)	Fast potassium binder powder	Renal & Nephrology Prescription & Medication Orders Emergency & Critical Care
T-piece	T-piece resuscitator (newborn device)	Controlled-pressure newborn breathing device	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
T-piece trial	T-piece trial (weaning)	Breathing unassisted through the tube as a weaning test	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
TACO	transfusion-associated circulatory overload	Fluid overload from transfusion	Hematology & Oncology Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
tandem	TandemHeart (percutaneous VAD)	External pump drawing blood across the heart	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
TBI	traumatic brain injury	Brain injury caused by external force	Emergency & Critical Care Neurology
TBSA	total body surface area	Percentage of skin area affected, used for burns	Emergency & Critical Care Surgery
TEG	thromboelastography	Whole-blood test of clot formation and strength	Laboratory Hematology & Oncology Emergency & Critical Care
TEN	toxic epidermal necrolysis	Severe drug reaction causing widespread skin loss	Emergency & Critical Care
TEN-4	TEN-4 rule (bruising)	Bruising rule flagging possible abuse in young children	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
tet spell	tet spell (hypercyanotic episode)	Sudden blue episode in tetralogy	Pediatrics Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
therapeutic hypothermia	therapeutic hypothermia (cooling)	Whole-body cooling after birth brain injury — treatment	Pediatrics Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
third nerve palsy	third nerve palsy (finding)	Down-and-out eye with droopy lid and large pupil	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
thoracentesis procedure	thoracentesis (procedure)	Needle drainage of chest fluid — procedure	Respiratory Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
thrombectomy stroke	mechanical thrombectomy (stroke)	Catheter removal of a brain clot in stroke	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Radiology & Imaging
thumbprint sign	thumbprint sign (epiglottitis imaging)	Swollen epiglottis shape on a neck X-ray	Pediatrics Radiology & Imaging Emergency & Critical Care
thunderclap	thunderclap headache (descriptor)	Instant peak severe headache descriptor	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
thyroid storm	thyroid storm (crisis)	Extreme overactive thyroid emergency — crisis	Emergency & Critical Care Endocrinology
titrate	titrate (dose adjustment)	Adjusting dose to response	Prescription & Medication Orders General Medical Emergency & Critical Care
TLS	tumor lysis syndrome (emergency)	Cancer breakdown emergency	Emergency & Critical Care Hematology & Oncology Laboratory
TNK	tenecteplase (stroke shorthand)	Single-bolus clot-dissolving drug shorthand	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
toddler fracture	toddler's fracture (spiral tibia)	Twisting shin fracture of new walkers	Pediatrics Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
TOF	train-of-four	Nerve stimulation pattern testing muscle relaxation	Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
TOF monitoring	train-of-four monitoring (paralysis)	Nerve stimulator checking paralysis depth	Emergency & Critical Care Nursing Surgery
torticollis acquired	acquired torticollis (causes)	New neck tilt from pain or inflammation	Pediatrics Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
tox screen	toxicology screen (panel)	Drug test panel — panel	Emergency & Critical Care Laboratory
tPA	alteplase (stroke)	Clot-dissolving drug — stroke treatment	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Prescription & Medication Orders
Trach	tracheostomy	Opening into the windpipe for breathing	Surgery Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
tracheitis	bacterial tracheitis (diagnosis)	Infected windpipe emergency of children — diagnosis	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Infectious Disease
TRALI	transfusion-related acute lung injury	Lung injury within hours of a blood transfusion	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Hematology & Oncology
transducer	pressure transducer (device)	Sensor converting pressure to a monitor waveform	Emergency & Critical Care Nursing
transient synovitis	transient synovitis (hip)	Temporary hip irritation in children	Pediatrics Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care
TRD	tractional retinal detachment	Retina pulled off by scar tissue	General Medical Emergency & Critical Care
triple-H	triple-H therapy (historical SAH)	Older pressure and volume strategy after bleeding	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
trophic feed	trophic feeding	Tiny-volume feeds keeping the gut active	Nursing Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
TTP	thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura	Clotting disorder causing low platelets and organ damage	Hematology & Oncology Emergency & Critical Care
tumor lysis child	tumor lysis syndrome (childhood)	Cancer breakdown emergency — childhood	Pediatrics Hematology & Oncology Emergency & Critical Care Laboratory
TV tip	television tip-over (injury pattern)	Falling television crushing injuries	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
type A lactic	type A lactic acidosis (perfusion)	Lactate from poor tissue perfusion	Emergency & Critical Care Laboratory
type B lactic	type B lactic acidosis (non-perfusion)	Lactate from drugs or metabolism without shock	Emergency & Critical Care Laboratory
UAC	umbilical arterial catheter	Cord artery line for pressures and samples	Pediatrics Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
UB-CAM	Ultra-Brief Confusion Assessment Method	Two-item delirium screen	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
UDS	urine drug screen (panel)	Urine drug panel — panel	Emergency & Critical Care Laboratory Psychiatry
UGIB	upper gastrointestinal bleed	Bleeding from the food pipe, stomach or upper intestine	Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care
umbilical lines	umbilical catheter (UAC/UVC)	Cord vessel lines of newborns	Pediatrics Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
uncal	uncal herniation (type)	Side brain tissue pressing on the brainstem	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
uremia	uremia (syndrome)	Waste build-up symptom syndrome	Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care
uremic encephalopathy	uremic encephalopathy (indication)	Brain dysfunction from uremia — indication	Renal & Nephrology Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
uremic pericarditis	uremic pericarditis (dialysis indication)	Heart sac inflammation from uremia — indication	Renal & Nephrology Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
UVC	umbilical venous catheter	Cord vein line for fluids and medicines	Pediatrics Nursing Emergency & Critical Care
VAC	ventilator-associated condition	Surveillance category of worsening oxygenation on a ventilator	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
VAE	ventilator-associated event	Surveillance term for deterioration on a ventilator	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Infectious Disease
Vaso	vasopressin	Hormone and medicine supporting blood pressure and water balance	Prescription & Medication Orders Emergency & Critical Care Endocrinology
vasospasm	cerebral vasospasm (after SAH)	Delayed artery narrowing after bleeding	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
vasovagal	vasovagal syncope (diagnosis)	Emotion or pain triggered faint — diagnosis	Cardiology Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
VC ventilator	volume control (ventilation mode)	Ventilator mode delivering a set breath volume	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
VC wean	vital capacity (weaning criterion)	Breathing volume threshold for weaning	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
Vd/Vt	dead space fraction (measurement)	Wasted ventilation proportion	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
VE setting	minute ventilation (measurement)	Total air moved per minute — measurement	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
VF	ventricular fibrillation	Chaotic lower-chamber rhythm that stops effective pumping	Cardiology Emergency & Critical Care
VH	vitreous hemorrhage	Bleeding into the eye gel	General Medical Emergency & Critical Care
VL	video laryngoscopy (technique)	Camera-blade tube placement	Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
VN	vestibular neuritis	Sudden prolonged vertigo after viral inner-ear inflammation	General Medical Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
volvulus	midgut volvulus (emergency)	Twisted bowel emergency — emergency	Pediatrics Gastroenterology Surgery Emergency & Critical Care
VT setting	tidal volume (ventilator setting)	Breath size setting — ventilator	Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
wake-up stroke	wake-up stroke (presentation)	Stroke found on waking	Neurology Emergency & Critical Care
wasting	wasting (weight deficit term)	Acute undernutrition thinness term	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
watcher	watcher (high-risk patient flag)	Patient flagged for close deterioration monitoring	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care Pediatrics
WB	whole blood (transfusion)	Unseparated donor blood used increasingly in trauma	Hematology & Oncology Laboratory Emergency & Critical Care
Westley	Westley croup score	Severity score for croup	Pediatrics Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care
window falls	window fall prevention (guards)	Window guard safety guidance	Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care
winter	Winter formula (compensation)	Expected breathing compensation in acidosis — formula	Emergency & Critical Care Laboratory Respiratory
YEARS	YEARS criteria	Simplified PE diagnostic algorithm	Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory
zeroing	zeroing (pressure line)	Calibrating a pressure line to air	Nursing Emergency & Critical Care

Educational reference only. This guide is for learning and quick reference. Abbreviations vary between hospitals, countries and specialties, and some are discouraged because they can be misread. Always write and interpret orders using your own institution’s approved abbreviation list, and check anything unclear with the prescriber or your local policy.

Emergency & Critical Care Abbreviations — MedicalVideos.com

3% saline — three percent saline (hypertonic)

3D-CAM — 3-minute Diagnostic Confusion Assessment Method

4-point restraints — four-point restraints

4F-PCC — four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate

5150 — 5150 hold (California)

5150 hold eval — 72-hour hold evaluation

A-line — A-line (arterial line shorthand)

ABC — airway, breathing, circulation

ABCD — airway, breathing, circulation, disability

ABCDE — airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure

ABE — acute bilirubin encephalopathy

accidental extubation — accidental extubation (event)

ACG — angle-closure glaucoma

ACLF — acute-on-chronic liver failure

ACLS — advanced cardiovascular life support

ACS — acute compartment syndrome

ADAPT — accelerated diagnostic protocol (chest pain)

Adeno — adenosine

adrenal crisis — adrenal crisis (emergency)

AED — automated external defibrillator

AEIOU — AEIOU (dialysis indications mnemonic)

AFLP — acute fatty liver of pregnancy

AG — anion gap

AHT — abusive head trauma

AHTR — acute hemolytic transfusion reaction

AIIR — airborne infection isolation room

AIMS65 — AIMS65 score

airway assessment — airway assessment (LEMON)

AKI — acute kidney injury

AKIN — Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria

ALF — acute liver failure

ALI — acute limb ischemia

ALI — acute lung injury

ALS — advanced life support

ALTE — apparent life-threatening event

AMA discharge — against medical advice discharge

anaphylaxis child — pediatric anaphylaxis (presentation)

ancillary test — ancillary test (brain death)

AND — allow natural death

anion gap — anion gap (acid-base calculation)

AP — acute pancreatitis

APACHE — Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation

APACHE pancreas — APACHE II in pancreatitis

APH — antepartum hemorrhage

apnea test — apnea test (brain death)

ARDS — acute respiratory distress syndrome

ARF — acute respiratory failure

Art line — arterial line

ASD trauma — acute stress disorder (trauma)

Aspen — Aspen collar (brand-generic)

aspiration thromb — direct aspiration thrombectomy

ATLS — Advanced Trauma Life Support

ATS/IDSA criteria — ATS/IDSA severe CAP criteria

ATV safety — ATV injury prevention (guidance)

auto-PEEP — auto-PEEP (intrinsic PEEP)

AVPU — alert voice pain unresponsive (scale)

awake intubation — awake intubation (technique)

back pain child — back pain (childhood red flag)

BAL — blood alcohol level (legal/clinical)

balloon pump — intra-aortic balloon pump (device)

BAO — basilar artery occlusion

bCAM — brief Confusion Assessment Method (instrument)

BCID — blood culture identification panel

BiLevel — bilevel ventilation (APRV variant)

BISAP — Bedside Index of Severity in Acute Pancreatitis

blown pupil — blown pupil (fixed dilated)

BLS — basic life support

BLUE protocol — bedside lung ultrasound in emergency protocol

boarding — boarding (ED holds)

bougie — bougie (intubation introducer)

boxer fracture — boxer's fracture (hand)

BPS — Behavioral Pain Scale

bradycardia neonate — bradycardia events (NICU monitoring)

brain death exam — brain death examination (determination)

breath-holding — breath-holding spells (toddler)

bridging veins — bridging vein rupture (head injury)

BRUE — brief resolved unexplained event

buckle fracture — torus fracture (buckle)

buddy tape — buddy taping (fingers/toes)

Burch-Wartofsky — Burch-Wartofsky score (thyroid storm)

burn first aid — burn first aid (cool running water)

BURP — BURP (backward upward rightward pressure)

burr hole — burr hole drainage (procedure)

button battery — button battery ingestion (emergency)

BVM — bag-valve mask

C-spine — cervical spine

c-spine child — pediatric cervical spine (clearance)

C-spine collar — cervical collar (device)

C-SSRS — Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale

CAM — Confusion Assessment Method

CAM-ICU — Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU

Canadian CT Head Rule — Canadian CT Head Rule

cannabis edibles child — cannabis edible ingestion (child exposure)

capno — capnography (device)

car seat — car seat safety (guidance)

car seat test — car seat tolerance screening (preterm)

carcinoid crisis — carcinoid crisis (perioperative)

cavernous thrombosis — cavernous sinus thrombosis (infection)

CCHR — Canadian CT Head Rule

CCR — Canadian C-Spine Rule

cellulitis child — periorbital cellulitis (childhood)

central DI — central diabetes insipidus (type)

Central line — central venous line

central line kit — central line kit (equipment)

cerebral edema child — cerebral edema (head injury)

chelation — chelation therapy (lead)

chemical burn child — chemical burn (drain cleaner)

chest tube — tube thoracostomy (procedure)

choanal atresia — choanal atresia (diagnosis)

choking hazards — choking hazard foods/objects (guidance)

CICO — can't intubate can't oxygenate (emergency)

CICU — cardiac intensive care unit

citrate anticoag — regional citrate anticoagulation (CRRT)

CIWA — Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment

CLABSI — central line-associated bloodstream infection

CLIF-C — Chronic Liver Failure Consortium score

CMO — comfort measures only

CMV vent — controlled mechanical ventilation (mode)

CO — carbon monoxide (safety)

CO poisoning — carbon monoxide poisoning (diagnosis)

code blue — code blue (cardiac arrest call)

code team — code team (resuscitation team)

COHb — carboxyhemoglobin (level)

coin ingestion — coin ingestion (foreign body)

cold calorics — cold caloric testing (brainstem)

compartment child — compartment syndrome (childhood)

concussion — sports concussion (management)

confirm placement — tube confirmation (waveform capnography)

conscious sedation — moderate sedation (procedural)

convulsive syncope — convulsive syncope (mimic)

core — ischemic core (imaging)

Cormack — Cormack-Lehane grade

Cormack grade — Cormack-Lehane grade (view)

corrected sodium — corrected sodium (glucose-adjusted)

cough reflex exam — cough reflex (examination)

COWS — Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale

CPAP trial — CPAP trial (weaning)

CPOT — Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool

CPP — cerebral perfusion pressure

CPR — cardiopulmonary resuscitation

CPR status — code status (documentation)

craniectomy — decompressive craniectomy

CRAO — central retinal artery occlusion

cric — cricothyrotomy (procedure)

croup — laryngotracheitis (croup diagnosis)

CRRT — continuous renal replacement therapy

CRRT filter — CRRT filter (hemofilter)

Crs — respiratory system compliance

CRT — capillary refill time

CSE — convulsive status epilepticus

CSM — circulation, sensation, movement

cTnI — cardiac troponin I

cTnT — cardiac troponin T

CTP — computed tomography perfusion

cuff leak — cuff leak test (extubation)

Cullen — Cullen's sign

CURB-65 — CURB-65 score

currant jelly — currant jelly stool (sign)

Cushing triad — Cushing triad (sign)

CVC — central venous catheter

CVC child — central venous catheter (childhood)

CVS — cyclic vomiting syndrome (episodes)

CVVH — continuous venovenous hemofiltration

CVVHD — continuous venovenous hemodialysis

CVVHDF — continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration

cyanide — cyanide toxicity (smoke)

cyanotic — cyanotic heart defects (group)

DAS — Difficult Airway Society (guideline body)

DCAP-BTLS — deformities, contusions, abrasions, punctures, burns, tenderness, lacerations, swelling

DCI — delayed cerebral ischemia (after SAH)

DDNC — death by neurologic criteria (term)

decerebrate — decerebrate posturing (arms extended)

decompressive — decompressive hemicraniectomy (stroke surgery)

decorticate — decorticate posturing (arms flexed)

Defib — defibrillation

delta gap — delta gap (acid-base)

delta ratio — delta ratio (acid-base)

dialysis disequilibrium — dialysis disequilibrium syndrome

DIC — disseminated intravascular coagulation

DIC score — ISTH DIC score

dispo — disposition (shorthand)

dispo pending — disposition pending

distal perfusion — distal perfusion catheter (ECMO)

diversion — diversion (ED status)

DKA — diabetic ketoacidosis

DL — direct laryngoscopy (technique)

DNAR — do not attempt resuscitation

DNI — do not intubate

DNR — do not resuscitate

DNR/DNI — combined do-not-resuscitate do-not-intubate order

DNT — door-to-needle time (stroke metric)

Dobut — dobutamine

doll's eyes — oculocephalic reflex (doll's eyes)

door-in-door-out — door-in door-out time (transfer metric)

DOPE — DOPE (tube deterioration mnemonic)

DOPES — DOPES (tube problem mnemonic)

downtime — downtime (CRRT interruption)

dP — driving pressure (plateau minus PEEP)

DPT — door-to-puncture time (stroke metric)

DRESS — drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms

drooling child — drooling (airway/ingestion sign)

DSI — delayed sequence intubation

DTs — delirium tremens

ductal-dependent — ductal-dependent lesion (term)

dystonia — acute dystonia (reaction)

early-onset sepsis — early-onset sepsis (newborn)

EBL — estimated blood loss

ECMO — extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

ECMO neonate — neonatal ECMO (rescue)

eczema herpeticum — eczema herpeticum (complication)

ED — emergency department

EDACS — Emergency Department Assessment of Chest Pain Score

EDH — epidural hematoma

eFAST — extended FAST

eFAST — extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma

effluent — effluent (dialysis waste fluid)

effluent dose — effluent dose (CRRT intensity)

eFONA — emergency front of neck access

EJV — external jugular vein

electrical burn child — electrical burn (cord/oral)

ELM — external laryngeal manipulation

EMCS — emergency cesarean section

EMS — emergency medical services

EMT — emergency medical technician

EP — ectopic pregnancy

Epi — epinephrine

epi — epinephrine auto-injector (use)

epiglottitis — acute epiglottitis (diagnosis)

EpiPen — EpiPen (brand)

ER — emergency room

ESETT trial — ESETT (established status trial)

ETA — endotracheal aspirate

ETCO2 adapter — capnography adapter (device)

ETT — endotracheal tube

ETT depth — endotracheal tube depth (lip line)

ETT holder — endotracheal tube holder (device)

euglycemic DKA — euglycemic DKA (variant)

EVD — Ebola virus disease

EVD — external ventricular drain

EVD placement — external ventricular drain placement

Ex lap — exploratory laparotomy

exchange transfusion — exchange transfusion (jaundice)

extended Apgar — extended Apgar (resuscitation documentation)

extubation failure — extubation failure (reintubation need)

family presence — family presence (resuscitation)

FAST — face, arms, speech, time

FAST — focused assessment with sonography for trauma

FAST exam — focused assessment with sonography for trauma

FB — foreign body

FB ingestion — foreign body ingestion (presentation)

FC — fibrinogen concentrate

femo-fem — femoral-femoral (cannulation)

femoral line — femoral catheter (access)

fiberoptic intubation — fiberoptic intubation (technique)

filter life — filter life (CRRT metric)

FiO2 setting — fraction of inspired oxygen (setting)

FIRES — febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome

flame burn — flame burn (mechanism)

FONA — front of neck access (emergency airway)

food impaction child — esophageal food impaction (childhood)

FOOSH — fall on outstretched hand (mechanism)

FOUR — Full Outline of UnResponsiveness (score)

FOUR score — Full Outline of UnResponsiveness score

full code — full code (status)

full workup — full sepsis workup (infant phrase)

gag reflex exam — gag reflex (examination)

gap closed — anion gap closure (DKA endpoint)

Gardner-Wells — Gardner-Wells tongs (skull traction)

GBS bleed — Glasgow-Blatchford Score

GCA eye — giant cell arteritis (ocular involvement)

GCS — Glasgow Coma Scale

GCS eye — Glasgow Coma Scale eye component

GCS motor — Glasgow Coma Scale motor component

GCS verbal — Glasgow Coma Scale verbal component

GI bleed — gastrointestinal bleed

GOC — goals of care

GOLDMARK — GOLDMARK (anion gap causes)

grade view — grade I-IV view (laryngoscopy)

grimace — grimace (response element)

Grisel — Grisel syndrome (atlantoaxial subluxation)

grunting — grunting (newborn distress sign)

GSW — gunshot wound

GTC — generalized tonic-clonic seizure (type)

guillotine amp — guillotine amputation

gun safety — firearm safe storage (counseling)

HAEC — Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis

HAGMA — high anion gap metabolic acidosis

halo vest — halo vest (device)

HD cath — hemodialysis catheter placement

HDU — high dependency unit

head bobbing — head bobbing (distress sign)

HEART — HEART score

HEART pathway — HEART Pathway

HEART score — HEART score (chest pain)

heliox — heliox (asthma/airway)

helmet — helmet use (injury prevention)

Hematemesis — haematemesis

herniation types — herniation syndromes (uncal/subfalcine/tonsillar)

HFJV — high-frequency jet ventilation

HFOV adult — high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (adult)

HHS — hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state

HINTS — Head Impulse Nystagmus Test of Skew

HINTS exam — HINTS examination (head impulse nystagmus test of skew)

HLH — hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (diagnosis)

HOB 30 — head of bed thirty degrees

HSV workup neonate — neonatal HSV evaluation (workup)

HTX — hemothorax

hydrocephalus acute — acute hydrocephalus (complication)

hyperactive delirium — hyperactive delirium (subtype)

hyperammonemia — hyperammonemia (emergency)

hypercalcemia crisis — hypercalcemic crisis (emergency)

HyperK — hyperkalemia

hyperkalemia management — hyperkalemia management (ECG)

hyperoxia test — hyperoxia test (newborn cyanosis)

hypertonic saline — hypertonic saline (treatment)

hypoactive delirium — hypoactive delirium (subtype)

hypoglycemia neonate — neonatal hypoglycemia (screening)

hyponatremia correction — hyponatremia correction rate (safety)

I:E — inspiratory-to-expiratory ratio (setting)

IABP — intra-aortic balloon pump

iCa CRRT — ionized calcium (citrate monitoring)

ICDSC — Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist

ICH — intracerebral hemorrhage

ICH score — ICH score (prognosis)

ICP — intracranial pressure

ICU — intensive care unit

IHCA — in-hospital cardiac arrest

IHD — intermittent hemodialysis (session)

IJV — internal jugular vein

IMC — intermediate care unit

IMCU — intermediate care unit (full abbreviation)

IMV — intermittent mandatory ventilation (mode)

inclined sleeper — inclined sleepers (recalled products)

inconsolable — inconsolable crying (red flag)

ingestion — ingestion (presentation)

inhaled epi — inhaled epoprostenol (iEPO)

inline suction — closed suction catheter (inline)

iNO — inhaled nitric oxide (neonatal)

iNO adult — inhaled nitric oxide (adult ARDS)

insulin drip — insulin infusion (DKA protocol)

interrupted arch — interrupted aortic arch (defect)

intox — intoxication (documentation shorthand)

introducer — introducer sheath (device)

intussusception — intussusception (diagnosis)

IO — intraosseous

IO — intraosseous access

IO needle — intraosseous needle (device)

IO neonate — intraosseous access (newborn resuscitation)

IPPV — intermittent positive pressure ventilation

ISS — Injury Severity Score

IV access — intravenous access

IVAC — infection-related ventilator-associated complication

IVC collapsibility — inferior vena cava collapsibility

IVH neuro — intraventricular hemorrhage (adult)

IVT — intravenous thrombolysis (stroke)

J-tip — J-tip needle-free injector

ketamine asthma — ketamine (bronchodilator adjunct)

ketamine RSI — ketamine (intubation)

King-Devick — King-Devick test (sideline)

Kussmaul — Kussmaul respirations (sign)

lactic — lactic acidosis (type)

lap appy — laparoscopic appendectomy (shorthand)

laryngeal mask neonate — laryngeal mask airway (newborn size)

laryngospasm — laryngospasm (event)

LAST — local anesthetic systemic toxicity

laundry pods — laundry packet ingestion (hazard)

LBO — large bowel obstruction

LEMON — LEMON (difficult airway screen)

LEMON — LEMON airway assessment

LET gel — lidocaine epinephrine tetracaine gel

lethargic infant — lethargic infant (presentation)

leukocoria — leukocoria (white pupil sign)

leveling — leveling (transducer reference)

LGIB — lower gastrointestinal bleed

limp child — limp (presentation)

lipid rescue — lipid emulsion therapy (LAST rescue)

Lisfranc — Lisfranc injury (midfoot)

LKW — last known well (stroke time)

LMA unique — LMA (laryngeal mask, generic)

LOC — loss of consciousness

LODS — Logistic Organ Dysfunction System

LP — liquid plasma

LPI — laser peripheral iridotomy

LRINEC — Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis

LST — life-sustaining treatment

LTOWB — low-titer group O whole blood

lucid interval — lucid interval (epidural classic)

LUS — lung ultrasound

LV vent — left ventricular vent (ECMO/surgery)

LVO — LVO (large vessel occlusion, shorthand)

LWBS — left without being seen

LWS — large-bore lavage (Ewald)

MAE — moves all extremities (exam phrase)

mag asthma — magnesium sulfate (asthma infusion)

Mag toxicity — magnesium toxicity (obstetric)

magnet ingestion — magnet ingestion (multiple magnets)

MAHA — microangiopathic hemolytic anemia

malignant MCA — malignant MCA syndrome (swelling)

malrotation — malrotation (diagnosis)

MASCC — Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer score

MCI — mass casualty incident

metaphyseal lesion — classic metaphyseal lesion (abuse)

methemoglobin — methemoglobinemia (toxicology)

MEWS — Modified Early Warning Score

MH — malignant hyperthermia (crisis)

Miami J — Miami J collar (brand)

MIS-C — multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (diagnosis)

mitt restraints — mitten restraints

MMV — mandatory minute ventilation (mode)

MOANS — MOANS (difficult mask screen)

MODS — multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

MOE — malignant otitis externa

MOI — mechanism of injury

MPM — Mortality Probability Model

MR. SOPA — MR. SOPA (ventilation corrective steps)

MUDPILES — MUDPILES (anion gap causes)

MV — mechanical ventilation

MVA — motor vehicle accident

myxedema — myxedema coma (crisis)

NAGMA — non-anion gap metabolic acidosis

naloxone home — naloxone (household availability)

NALS — neonatal advanced life support

nasal flaring — nasal flaring (distress sign)

NAT — non-accidental trauma

NAVA — neurally adjusted ventilatory assist

NCSE — nonconvulsive status epilepticus

NEC — necrotizing enterocolitis

NELA — National Emergency Laparotomy Audit risk

NeoPuff — NeoPuff (T-piece brand)

nephrogenic DI — nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (type)

NEWS — National Early Warning Score

NEWS2 — National Early Warning Score 2

NEXUS — National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study criteria

nicotine ingestion — liquid nicotine ingestion (vape hazard)

NICU — neonatal intensive care unit

NIF — negative inspiratory force (monitoring)

NIF wean — negative inspiratory force (weaning criterion)

NIHSS — National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale

Nikolsky — Nikolsky sign (skin)

NIPPV — nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation ()

NIRS — cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (monitoring)

NIV asthma — noninvasive ventilation (asthma)

NMB — neuromuscular blockade

NMB vent — neuromuscular blockade (ventilation adjunct)

NMS — neuroleptic malignant syndrome

non-tunneled — non-tunneled catheter (temporary access)

Norepi — norepinephrine

NORSE — new-onset refractory status epilepticus

NPA — nasopharyngeal airway

NRP — Neonatal Resuscitation Program (algorithm)

Nu-DESC — Nursing Delirium Screening Scale

nursemaid — nursemaid elbow (radial head subluxation)

OD — overdose (presentation)

ODS — osmotic demyelination syndrome

OESIL — Osservatorio Epidemiologico sulla Sincope nel Lazio score

OG tube — orogastric tube (device)

OHCA — out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

OHSS — ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

omphalitis — omphalitis (cord infection)

onset-to-door — onset-to-door time (stroke metric)

OPA — oropharyngeal airway

opioid exposure child — opioid exposure (household)

OPQRST — onset, provocation, quality, radiation, severity, time

orbital — orbital cellulitis (emergency)

osm gap — osmolal gap

OTC def — ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency

PA cath — pulmonary artery catheter

PAC — pulmonary artery catheter

PACG — primary angle-closure glaucoma

PALS — Pediatric Advanced Life Support

PAPR — powered air-purifying respirator

partial code — partial code (chemical code)

pathologic jaundice — pathologic jaundice (newborn warning)

PAV — proportional assist ventilation

PbtO2 — brain tissue oxygen tension

PC ventilator — pressure control (ventilation mode)

PCC — prothrombin complex concentrate

PCU — progressive care unit

PEA — pulseless electrical activity

PEC w SF — preeclampsia with severe features

PECARN — Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network rule

PECARN febrile — PECARN febrile infant rule

PEEP setting — positive end-expiratory pressure (setting)

penumbra — ischemic penumbra (imaging)

PERC — Pulmonary Embolism Rule-out Criteria

percutaneous trach — percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy

Perf — perforation

peripartum hysterectomy — peripartum hysterectomy (emergency)

peritonitis PD — PD peritonitis (infection)

PESI — Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index

PEWS — Pediatric Early Warning Score

PGE1 — prostaglandin E1 (ductal therapy)

pheo crisis — pheochromocytoma crisis (emergency)

Philadelphia — Philadelphia collar (type)

PICU — pediatric intensive care unit

Pierre Robin — Pierre Robin sequence (airway)

pigtail — pigtail catheter drainage

pink pulseless — pink pulseless hand (elbow emergency)

pinpoint pupils — pinpoint pupils (finding)

PIRRT — prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy

PLASMIC — PLASMIC score

Pmean — mean airway pressure (measurement)

PMS — pulse, motor, sensation

POCUS — point-of-care ultrasound

POGO — percentage of glottic opening (view score)

Poison Control — Poison Control (hotline resource)

poison prevention — poison-proofing (home safety)

POLST — Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment

posterior slab — posterior slab splint (leg)

posturing — decorticate/decerebrate posturing (finding)

PPCI — primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Ppeak — peak inspiratory pressure (measurement)

PPH — postpartum hemorrhage

PPHN — persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (diagnosis)

Pplat — plateau pressure (measurement)

PPV neonate — positive pressure ventilation (newborn)

procedural sedation — procedural sedation and analgesia

prone vent — prone positioning (ventilation therapy)

proning team — proning team (staffing)

pseudosubluxation — pseudosubluxation (child c-spine)

PTX — pneumothorax

PVAP — possible ventilator-associated pneumonia

PVC — peripheral venous catheter

pyloric stenosis — hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (diagnosis)

qSOFA — quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment

racemic epi — racemic epinephrine (croup)

rapid response — rapid response team activation

RASS — Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale

Raw — airway resistance (measurement)

RCA — regional citrate anticoagulation (abbreviation)

RD — retinal detachment

reduction pulled — reduction maneuver (pulled elbow)

refeeding — refeeding syndrome (eating)

reintubation — reintubation (event)

replacement fluid — replacement fluid (CRRT)

restraint — physical restraint (order)

retinal hemorrhage child — retinal hemorrhages (abuse evaluation)

retractions — retractions (distress sign)

rib fractures child — posterior rib fractures (abuse marker)

RIFLE — Risk Injury Failure Loss End-stage criteria

roc — rocuronium (intubation)

ROSC — return of spontaneous circulation

ROSC care — post-ROSC care

RR setting — respiratory rate (ventilator setting)

RRD — rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

RRT — renal replacement therapy

RSBI — rapid shallow breathing index

RSE — refractory status epilepticus

RSI — rapid sequence induction

RTC — road traffic collision

RTS — Revised Trauma Score

RUSH — rapid ultrasound in shock

SA — septic arthritis

SA — suicide attempt

SAD PERSONS — SAD PERSONS scale

SAH — subarachnoid hemorrhage

salt-wasting — salt-wasting crisis (CAH)

SAM nutrition — severe acute malnutrition (diagnosis)

SAMPLE — signs and symptoms, allergies, medications, past history, last intake, events

SAPS — SAPS (Simplified Acute Physiology Score)

SAPS — simplified acute physiology score

SAS — Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale

SAT — spontaneous awakening trial

SBO — small bowel obstruction

SBP — spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

SBT — SBT (spontaneous breathing trial, shorthand)

SBT — spontaneous breathing trial

SCA — sudden cardiac arrest

scald — scald burn (mechanism)

SCFE — slipped capital femoral epiphysis

SCI — spinal cord injury

SCIWORA — spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality

SCUF — slow continuous ultrafiltration

SCV — subclavian vein

SDH child — subdural hematoma (infant evaluation)

SDU — step-down unit (abbreviation)

SE — status epilepticus

second impact — second impact syndrome (sports)

seesaw — seesaw breathing (paradoxical)

self-extubation — self-extubation (event)

self-inflating bag — self-inflating bag (newborn)

sentinel bleed — sentinel hemorrhage (warning leak)

sentinel injury — sentinel injury (abuse marker)

sepsis workup infant — febrile infant evaluation (workup)

septic AB — septic abortion (term)

septic hip — septic arthritis (hip)

serotonin syndrome — serotonin syndrome (diagnosis)

serum tox — serum toxicology (panel)

shaken baby — abusive head trauma (preferred term)

sharp FB — sharp object ingestion ()

SIC — sepsis-induced coagulopathy score

silent chest — silent chest (ominous sign)

SiPAP — SiPAP (sigh positive airway pressure)

SIRS — systemic inflammatory response syndrome

SJS — Stevens-Johnson syndrome

skeletal survey — skeletal survey (abuse)

skeletal traction — skeletal traction (orthopedic)

skew — skew deviation (eye finding)

SLED — sustained low-efficiency dialysis

SMART-COP — SMART-COP score

smoke inhalation — smoke inhalation injury (diagnosis)

snuffbox — anatomic snuffbox (tenderness)

SOFA — Sequential Organ Failure Assessment

soft restraints — soft restraints (limb holders)

sPESI — simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index

splint types — splints (sugar-tong/stirrup/volar types)

spot sign — spot sign (CT bleeding)

square wave — square wave test (line damping)

SRSE — super-refractory status epilepticus

SSNHL — sudden sensorineural hearing loss

SSSS — staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome

STAT — immediately (statim)

stat dose — stat dose (single immediate)

status asthmaticus — status asthmaticus (pediatric emergency)

Status epi — status epilepticus

steal syndrome — dialysis access steal syndrome (diagnosis)

STEMI — ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Step-by-Step — Step-by-Step approach (febrile infant)

step-down — step-down unit (intermediate care)

stirrup splint — stirrup splint (ankle)

stridor — stridor (sound)

stridor child — upper airway obstruction (stridor presentation)

stylet — stylet (intubation stiffener)

sugar-tong — sugar-tong splint (forearm)

suicide precautions — suicide precautions (observation)

supination — supination (return to back)

supracondylar — supracondylar humerus fracture (childhood)

suprapubic pressure — suprapubic pressure (maneuver)

sux — sux (succinylcholine shorthand)

sux apnea — sux apnea (prolonged paralysis)

SVC syndrome — superior vena cava syndrome (oncology)

Swan — Swan-Ganz catheter (pulmonary artery)

syncope types — syncope (reflex/orthostatic/cardiac types)

syrup ipecac — syrup of ipecac (no longer recommended)

SZC — sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (binder)

T-piece — T-piece resuscitator (newborn device)

T-piece trial — T-piece trial (weaning)

TACO — transfusion-associated circulatory overload

tandem — TandemHeart (percutaneous VAD)

TBI — traumatic brain injury

TBSA — total body surface area

TEG — thromboelastography

TEN — toxic epidermal necrolysis

TEN-4 — TEN-4 rule (bruising)

tet spell — tet spell (hypercyanotic episode)

therapeutic hypothermia — therapeutic hypothermia (cooling)

third nerve palsy — third nerve palsy (finding)

thoracentesis procedure — thoracentesis (procedure)

thrombectomy stroke — mechanical thrombectomy (stroke)

thumbprint sign — thumbprint sign (epiglottitis imaging)

thunderclap — thunderclap headache (descriptor)

thyroid storm — thyroid storm (crisis)

titrate — titrate (dose adjustment)

TLS — tumor lysis syndrome (emergency)

TNK — tenecteplase (stroke shorthand)

toddler fracture — toddler's fracture (spiral tibia)

TOF — train-of-four

TOF monitoring — train-of-four monitoring (paralysis)

torticollis acquired — acquired torticollis (causes)

tox screen — toxicology screen (panel)

tPA — alteplase (stroke)

Trach — tracheostomy

tracheitis — bacterial tracheitis (diagnosis)

TRALI — transfusion-related acute lung injury

transducer — pressure transducer (device)

transient synovitis — transient synovitis (hip)

TRD — tractional retinal detachment

triple-H — triple-H therapy (historical SAH)

trophic feed — trophic feeding

TTP — thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

tumor lysis child — tumor lysis syndrome (childhood)

TV tip — television tip-over (injury pattern)

type A lactic — type A lactic acidosis (perfusion)

type B lactic — type B lactic acidosis (non-perfusion)

UAC — umbilical arterial catheter

UB-CAM — Ultra-Brief Confusion Assessment Method

UDS — urine drug screen (panel)

UGIB — upper gastrointestinal bleed

umbilical lines — umbilical catheter (UAC/UVC)

uncal — uncal herniation (type)

uremia — uremia (syndrome)

uremic encephalopathy — uremic encephalopathy (indication)

uremic pericarditis — uremic pericarditis (dialysis indication)

UVC — umbilical venous catheter

VAC — ventilator-associated condition

VAE — ventilator-associated event

Vaso — vasopressin

vasospasm — cerebral vasospasm (after SAH)

vasovagal — vasovagal syncope (diagnosis)

VC ventilator — volume control (ventilation mode)

VC wean — vital capacity (weaning criterion)

Vd/Vt — dead space fraction (measurement)

VE setting — minute ventilation (measurement)

VF — ventricular fibrillation

VH — vitreous hemorrhage

VL — video laryngoscopy (technique)

VN — vestibular neuritis

volvulus — midgut volvulus (emergency)

VT setting — tidal volume (ventilator setting)

wake-up stroke — wake-up stroke (presentation)

wasting — wasting (weight deficit term)

watcher — watcher (high-risk patient flag)

WB — whole blood (transfusion)

Westley — Westley croup score

window falls — window fall prevention (guards)

winter — Winter formula (compensation)

YEARS — YEARS criteria

zeroing — zeroing (pressure line)

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