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MedicalVideos.com
Nursing Abbreviations — printable sheet
https://www.medicalvideos.com/medical-abbreviations/nursing/
Full searchable guide: https://www.medicalvideos.com/medical-abbreviations/
Nursing Abbreviations — printable sheet
https://www.medicalvideos.com/medical-abbreviations/nursing/
Full searchable guide: https://www.medicalvideos.com/medical-abbreviations/
Nursing Abbreviations
This list collects 668 nursing abbreviations — terms nurses use in care plans, handovers, medication rounds and bedside documentation. 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.
The printable sheet carries this page's web address and a QR code, so a paper copy always leads back to the live searchable list at https://www.medicalvideos.com/medical-abbreviations/nursing/
| Abbreviation | Full form | What it means | Used in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | one-to-one observation | Continuous dedicated staff watching one patient | Nursing Psychiatry |
| 2g Na diet | two-gram sodium diet | Low-salt diet order | Nursing Cardiology Renal & Nephrology |
| 4-point restraints | four-point restraints | Limb restraints at four points in severe agitation | Nursing Psychiatry Emergency & Critical Care |
| A&O | alert and oriented | Awake and aware of person, place and time | Vitals & Assessment Nursing |
| A&O x4 | alert and oriented times four (person place time situation) | Full orientation documentation | Neurology Nursing General Medical |
| A-line | A-line (arterial line shorthand) | Arterial catheter shorthand | Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| a.c. | ante cibum (before meals) | Latin charting for before meals | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| a.m. | ante meridiem (morning) | Charting shorthand for morning | General Medical Nursing |
| access port | access (implantable port) | Placing a needle into an implanted port | Nursing Hematology & Oncology |
| accidental extubation | accidental extubation (event) | Unplanned tube removal by movement or care | Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| acuity | patient acuity (severity level) | Measure of how much care a patient needs | Nursing General Medical |
| ADA | American Diabetes Association diet | Meal plan following diabetes association guidance | Endocrinology Nursing |
| ADA diet | American Diabetes Association diet | Diabetes meal plan shorthand | Nursing Endocrinology |
| ADC | automated dispensing cabinet | Secure electronic cabinet storing medicines on wards | Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| ADL | activities of daily living | Basic self-care tasks such as eating, bathing and dressing | General Medical Nursing |
| admit to | admit to (order phrase) | Order assigning the patient to a service or unit | Nursing General Medical |
| advance directive | advance directive (document) | Legal document stating future care wishes | Nursing General Medical |
| AFO | ankle-foot orthosis (device) | Brace supporting the ankle — device | Musculoskeletal Neurology Nursing |
| AIIR | airborne infection isolation room | Negative-pressure isolation room | Nursing Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care |
| airborne precautions | airborne precautions (isolation) | Negative-pressure room and fitted mask for airborne germs | Nursing Infectious Disease Respiratory |
| AM labs | morning labs (batch) | Routine early-morning blood tests | Nursing Laboratory |
| AMA discharge | against medical advice discharge | Patient leaving despite medical recommendation | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care General Medical |
| Amb | ambulate | To walk or move about | Nursing |
| amb ad lib | ambulate as desired | Walk freely order | Nursing |
| anaphylaxis action | anaphylaxis action plan (document) | Written allergy emergency plan | Pediatrics Nursing |
| AND | allow natural death | Order framing withholding CPR as allowing natural death | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| ankle pumps | ankle pumps (exercise) | Foot flexing exercise promoting circulation | Nursing Musculoskeletal |
| anticipatory guidance | anticipatory guidance (counseling term) | Age-based safety and development counseling | Pediatrics Nursing |
| anticipatory guidance topics | anticipatory guidance (topic set) | Counseling topics by age | Pediatrics Nursing |
| Apgar 1/5 | Apgar scores at one and five minutes | Standard newborn score timings | Pediatrics Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| APRN | advanced practice registered nurse | Nurse with advanced graduate-level training | Nursing |
| ARD | as regular diet (advance to regular) | Progression back to a normal diet | Nursing |
| area puncture | area cannulation (technique caution) | Clustering needles in one patch, discouraged technique | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| AROM procedure | artificial rupture of membranes (procedure) | Breaking the waters with a hook — procedure | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| Art line | arterial line | Catheter in an artery monitoring blood pressure | Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| ASAP order | as soon as possible (order priority) | Urgent but not immediate order priority | Nursing General Medical |
| aspiration precautions | aspiration precautions (order) | Positioning and supervision preventing food entering the airway | Nursing Neurology |
| asthma action plan | asthma action plan (document) | Written zone-based asthma instructions | Pediatrics Respiratory Nursing |
| AVPU | alert voice pain unresponsive (scale) | Simple consciousness scale — scale | Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| AWOL | absent without leave (patient) | Patient missing from a psychiatric or care unit | Nursing Psychiatry |
| baby-led weaning | baby-led weaning (solids method) | Self-feeding finger foods approach | Pediatrics Nursing |
| back to sleep | back to sleep (campaign phrase) | Supine sleeping safety slogan | Pediatrics Nursing |
| back-sleeping | supine sleep position (guidance) | Back sleeping for safety — guidance | Pediatrics Nursing |
| BCMA | barcode medication administration | Scanning medicines and wristbands before giving doses | Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| bed alarm | bed alarm (safety device) | Alarm sounding when a patient rises | Nursing |
| bed check | bed check (safety rounds) | Scheduled checks of resting patients | Nursing Psychiatry |
| bed meeting | bed management meeting | Coordination of admissions and bed assignments | Nursing General Medical |
| bed-sharing risks | bed-sharing (risk counseling) | Risk discussion of sleeping with a baby | Pediatrics Nursing |
| BFHI | Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative | Program promoting breastfeeding support | Obstetrics & Gynecology Pediatrics Nursing |
| BID | bis in die | Twice a day | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| bid | twice a day (lowercase form) | Frequency in lowercase charting | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| bike helmet | bicycle helmet (prevention) | Head protection for cycling | Pediatrics Nursing |
| bili blanket | bili blanket (fiber-optic phototherapy) | Light-emitting blanket for jaundice | Pediatrics Nursing |
| bili lights | bili lights (overhead phototherapy) | Overhead lights treating jaundice | Pediatrics Nursing |
| bladder scan | bladder scan (bedside ultrasound) | Estimating bladder volume without a catheter | Nursing Renal & Nephrology |
| bleach baths | bleach baths (eczema care) | Dilute bleach soaks reducing skin bacteria | Pediatrics Nursing Infectious Disease |
| BM | bowel movement | Passing stool | Nursing Gastroenterology |
| boarding | boarding (ED holds) | Waiting in the emergency department for an inpatient bed | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| bolus feed | bolus feeding (tube) | Intermittent larger-volume tube feeds | Nursing Gastroenterology |
| booster seat | booster seat (car seat stage) | Belt-positioning seat stage | Pediatrics Nursing |
| Bowel prep | bowel preparation | Emptying the colon before a procedure or scan | Gastroenterology Nursing |
| BPS | Behavioral Pain Scale | Pain score based on behaviour in intensive care | Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| BR | bed rest | Staying in bed to recover | Nursing |
| bradycardia neonate | bradycardia events (NICU monitoring) | Slow heart episodes watched in preterm babies | Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| Brandt-Daroff | Brandt-Daroff exercises (vertigo) | Home habituation exercises for vertigo | Neurology Nursing |
| BRAT diet | bananas rice applesauce toast diet | Bland diet historically used for diarrhea | Nursing Gastroenterology Pediatrics |
| breastfeeding jaundice | breastfeeding jaundice (early intake) | Early jaundice from low intake | Pediatrics Nursing |
| breastfeeding SIDS | breastfeeding (SIDS risk reduction) | Feeding associated with lower sleep death risk | Pediatrics Nursing Obstetrics & Gynecology |
| Broviac | Broviac catheter (tunneled line) | Small-child tunneled central line | Pediatrics Hematology & Oncology Nursing |
| BRP | bathroom privileges | Permission to get up to use the bathroom | Nursing |
| bruit | bruit (access examination) | Whooshing sound of a working fistula — exam | Renal & Nephrology Nursing Cardiology |
| Bryant traction | Bryant traction (toddler femur) | Overhead leg traction for toddler thigh fractures | Pediatrics Musculoskeletal Nursing |
| bubble CPAP | bubble CPAP (system) | Water-seal baby CPAP — system | Pediatrics Respiratory Nursing |
| Buck traction | Buck traction (skin) | Skin traction for hip fractures | Musculoskeletal Nursing |
| buddy tape | buddy taping (fingers/toes) | Taping an injured digit to its neighbor | Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| bundle care | care bundle (infection prevention) | Grouped prevention practices | Pediatrics Nursing Infectious Disease General Medical |
| bunk bed | bunk bed safety (guidance) | Fall prevention guidance for bunk beds | Pediatrics Nursing |
| burn first aid | burn first aid (cool running water) | Cool water first aid guidance | Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| buttonhole | buttonhole cannulation (technique) | Same-spot repeated needle entry technique for fistulas | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| Buzzy | Buzzy device (vibration cold) | Bee-shaped pain distraction device | Pediatrics Nursing |
| C-spine collar | cervical collar (device) | Neck immobilizing collar — device | Musculoskeletal Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| C. diff precautions | Clostridioides difficile precautions | Soap-and-water and sporicidal cleaning precautions | Nursing Infectious Disease Gastroenterology |
| call-out | call-out (absence) | Staff calling in unable to work | Nursing General Medical |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| carb counting | carbohydrate counting | Matching insulin to carbohydrate intake method | Endocrinology Nursing |
| Category I | category I (fetal tracing) | Reassuring fetal heart pattern class | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| Category II | category II (fetal tracing) | Indeterminate fetal heart pattern class | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| Category III | category III (fetal tracing) | Abnormal fetal heart pattern needing action | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| CAUTI | catheter-associated urinary tract infection | Urine infection linked to a urinary catheter | Renal & Nephrology Infectious Disease Nursing |
| Cawthorne | Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises (vestibular) | Vestibular rehabilitation exercise set | Neurology Nursing |
| CBI | continuous bladder irrigation | Constant fluid washing through the bladder | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| CBR | complete bed rest | Staying in bed at all times | Nursing |
| CCHD screen | critical congenital heart disease screening | Pulse oximetry screening of newborns | Pediatrics Cardiology Nursing |
| census | patient census (count) | Number of patients on a unit | Nursing General Medical |
| 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 |
| chair alarm | chair alarm (safety device) | Alarm for unsafe chair exits | Nursing |
| child life | child life services (support) | Specialists easing children's hospital stress | Pediatrics Nursing |
| CHO diet | consistent carbohydrate diet | Fixed carbohydrate per meal for diabetes | Nursing Endocrinology |
| choking hazards | choking hazard foods/objects (guidance) | Foods and objects risking airway blockage | Pediatrics Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| CLABSI | central line-associated bloodstream infection | Blood infection linked to a central line | Infectious Disease Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| CLD | clear liquid diet | Only transparent liquids allowed as food | Nursing Gastroenterology |
| cloudy effluent | cloudy effluent (PD peritonitis sign) | Milky drained fluid signaling PD infection | Renal & Nephrology Nursing Infectious Disease |
| clustered care | clustered care (NICU practice) | Grouping care tasks to protect sleep | Pediatrics Nursing |
| CMAI | Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory | Agitation measure in dementia care | Psychiatry Nursing |
| CMO | comfort measures only | Care focused entirely on comfort at end of life | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care General Medical |
| CN II-XII | cranial nerves two through twelve (exam phrase) | Cranial nerve examination summary phrase | Neurology Nursing |
| CNA | certified nursing assistant | Assistant helping patients with daily care tasks | Nursing |
| CO detector | carbon monoxide detector (home safety) | Alarm for the odorless gas in homes | Pediatrics Nursing General Medical |
| co-sleeping | bed-sharing (sleep arrangement term) | Sleeping with the baby in bed, a risk discussed in guidance | Pediatrics Nursing |
| 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 |
| cohorting | cohorting (infection control) | Grouping patients with the same infection together | Nursing Infectious Disease |
| comfort positioning | comfort positioning (holding) | Therapeutic holds easing procedures for children | Pediatrics Nursing |
| complementary feeding | complementary feeding (solids introduction) | Adding foods alongside milk from about six months | Pediatrics Nursing |
| condom cath | condom catheter (external) | External urine collection device for men | Nursing Renal & Nephrology |
| conscious sedation | moderate sedation (procedural) | Drug-induced relaxation for procedures, formerly conscious sedation | Nursing Surgery Emergency & Critical Care |
| conservative kidney | conservative kidney management (pathway) | Symptom-focused care without dialysis | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| Contact prec | contact precautions | Measures against germs spread by touch | Infectious Disease Nursing |
| contact precautions | contact precautions (isolation) | Gowns and gloves for germs spread by touch | Nursing Infectious Disease |
| continuous feed | continuous tube feeding | Slow round-the-clock tube feeds | Nursing Gastroenterology |
| core measures | core measures (quality) | Standardized quality metrics for common conditions | Nursing General Medical |
| counts correct | counts correct (documentation) | Note that all surgical counts matched | Nursing Surgery |
| CPM | continuous passive motion | Machine slowly moving a joint after surgery | Musculoskeletal Nursing |
| CPOE | computerized provider order entry | Electronic entry of clinical orders | Nursing General Medical |
| CPOT | Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool | Pain score for patients unable to self-report | Emergency & Critical Care Nursing Vitals & Assessment |
| CPR status | code status (documentation) | Documented resuscitation preference | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| CPS report | child protective services report (process) | Mandatory report of suspected abuse | Pediatrics Nursing General Medical |
| crackles | crackles (sound) | Popping lung sounds | Pediatrics Respiratory Nursing |
| CRIES | Crying Requires oxygen Increased vital signs Expression Sleeplessness | Neonatal pain score | Pediatrics Nursing Vitals & Assessment |
| CSU | catheter specimen of urine | Urine sample taken from a catheter | Renal & Nephrology Laboratory Nursing |
| cup feeding | cup feeding (method) | Open-cup baby feeding method | Pediatrics Nursing |
| CVC child | central venous catheter (childhood) | Central line — childhood | Pediatrics Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| D/C | discharge | Release of a patient from hospital care | General Medical Nursing |
| D5NS | dextrose 5% in normal saline | Intravenous fluid with sugar and salt water | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| D5W | dextrose 5% in water | Intravenous fluid containing five percent sugar | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| daily weights | daily weights (order) | Same-time daily weighing to track fluid | Nursing Cardiology Renal & Nephrology |
| dangle | dangle (legs at bedside) | Sitting with legs over the bed edge before standing | Nursing |
| DASH diet | Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet | Blood-pressure-lowering eating pattern | Nursing Cardiology |
| DAT | diet as tolerated | Food allowed as the patient can manage it | Nursing Gastroenterology |
| DBM | donor breast milk (banked) | Screened donated human milk | Pediatrics Nursing |
| deaccess | deaccess (port needle removal) | Removing the needle from an implanted port | Nursing Hematology & Oncology |
| debridement wound | wound debridement (procedure) | Removing dead tissue from a wound | Surgery Nursing |
| debrief | debrief (post-event review) | Team review after a critical event | Nursing General Medical |
| Decub | decubitus | Lying on one side for imaging or care | Radiology & Imaging Nursing |
| desat | desaturation events (NICU monitoring) | Oxygen dips watched in preterm babies | Pediatrics Respiratory Nursing |
| developmental care | developmental care (NICU model) | Light, sound and positioning care protecting preterm brains | Pediatrics Nursing Neurology |
| developmental surveillance | developmental surveillance (ongoing) | Watching development at every visit | Pediatrics Nursing |
| DFU | diabetic foot ulcer | Sore on the foot related to diabetes | Endocrinology Nursing |
| dialysis machine | dialysis machine (device) | Blood-cleaning machine — device | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| 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 |
| distraction | distraction techniques (procedural) | Attention-redirecting comfort methods for procedures | Pediatrics Nursing |
| diversion | diversion (ED status) | Hospital temporarily not accepting ambulances | Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| division of responsibility | division of responsibility (feeding model) | Parent provides, child decides feeding model | Pediatrics Nursing |
| DME | durable medical equipment | Reusable medical equipment for home use | General Medical Nursing |
| DMER | dysphoric milk ejection reflex | Brief negative feelings at milk release | Obstetrics & Gynecology Psychiatry Nursing |
| 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/DNI | combined do-not-resuscitate do-not-intubate order | Paired order withholding CPR and intubation | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| donor milk | donor human milk (feeding) | Another mother's screened milk — feeding | Pediatrics Nursing |
| DOS | Delirium Observation Screening scale | Nurse-observation delirium scale | Neurology Nursing |
| DOT | directly observed therapy | Watching a patient take each medicine dose | Infectious Disease Nursing |
| DP pulse | dorsalis pedis (pulse/artery) | Foot-top artery used for pulse checks | Nursing Musculoskeletal |
| DPA | durable power of attorney | Legal authority document for another person | General Medical Nursing |
| DPOA-HC | durable power of attorney for health care | Legal appointment of a medical decision maker | Nursing General Medical |
| drain volume | drain volume (peritoneal) | Fluid recovered from a PD exchange | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| drains JP | Jackson-Pratt drain (device) | Bulb suction drain | Nursing Surgery |
| draw and hold | draw and hold (labs) | Collecting blood now for possible later testing | Nursing Laboratory |
| droplet precautions | droplet precautions (isolation) | Mask for germs spread in large droplets | Nursing Infectious Disease Respiratory |
| drowning prevention | drowning prevention (guidance layers) | Fences, lessons and supervision guidance | Pediatrics Nursing |
| dry weight | dry weight (dialysis target) | Target weight without excess fluid — dialysis | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| DVPRS | Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale | Military pain scale with functional anchors | Vitals & Assessment Nursing |
| dwell | dwell time (peritoneal exchange) | Time fluid sits in the belly during PD | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| E cylinder | E cylinder (oxygen tank) | Standard portable oxygen bottle size | Respiratory Nursing |
| early decel | early deceleration (fetal) | Heart dip mirroring a contraction, from head pressure | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| EBM | expressed breast milk | Pumped mother's milk | Pediatrics Nursing Obstetrics & Gynecology |
| ECC | epicutaneous caval catheter (neonatal PICC) | European term for a newborn central line | Pediatrics Nursing |
| eloped | eloped (left unnoticed) | Patient left the unit without staff knowledge | Nursing Psychiatry |
| elopement precautions | elopement precautions | Measures preventing a patient leaving unsafely | Nursing Psychiatry |
| eMAR | electronic medication administration record | Digital chart recording medicines given | Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| EMLA | eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (cream) | Numbing cream — formulation | Pediatrics Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| emollient | emollient therapy (barrier) | Moisturizer barrier care | Pediatrics Nursing |
| EN | enteral nutrition | Nutrition given into the gut by tube | Gastroenterology Nursing |
| engorgement | engorgement (breast fullness) | Painful overfull breasts | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| enteric precautions | enteric precautions | Precautions for stool-spread infections | Nursing Infectious Disease Gastroenterology |
| enuresis alarm | bedwetting alarm (treatment) | Moisture alarm training for bedwetting | Pediatrics Nursing |
| ESC care | eat sleep console (NOWS care) | Function-based withdrawal care model | Pediatrics Nursing |
| 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 |
| excessive weight loss | excessive weight loss (newborn warning) | Over ten percent birth weight loss | Pediatrics Nursing |
| exclusive pumping | exclusive pumping (feeding method) | Feeding pumped milk only | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| exit site | exit site infection (PD catheter) | Skin infection where the PD tube exits | Renal & Nephrology Infectious Disease Nursing |
| expander | tissue expander (reconstruction) | Balloon gradually stretching skin for reconstruction | Surgery Nursing |
| failed screen | failed hearing screen (refer result) | Newborn hearing result needing follow-up | Pediatrics Nursing |
| failure to thrive | failure to thrive (growth) | Poor weight gain in infancy — growth | Pediatrics Nursing |
| fall mat | fall mat (floor mat) | Padded mat reducing injury from bed falls | Nursing |
| fall precautions | fall precautions (order) | Safety measures for patients at fall risk | Nursing |
| family presence | family presence (resuscitation) | Allowing family to witness resuscitation efforts | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| fasting labs | fasting labs (order) | Blood tests after no food for a set period | Nursing Laboratory |
| femoral line | femoral catheter (access) | Groin vein line — access | Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| FF | force fluids | Encourage drinking extra fluids | Nursing |
| FHR baseline | fetal heart rate baseline | Average fetal heart rate over ten minutes | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| FIM | Functional Independence Measure | Rehabilitation disability score | Neurology Musculoskeletal Nursing |
| finger feeding | finger feeding (method) | Tube-on-finger baby feeding method | Pediatrics Nursing |
| fire escape | home fire escape plan (guidance) | Practiced two-exit escape planning | Pediatrics Nursing General Medical |
| fire risk | fire risk assessment (OR) | Scoring of surgical fire danger | Nursing Surgery |
| fit test | fit test (respirator) | Check that a respirator seals to the face | Nursing Infectious Disease |
| five rights | five rights of medication administration | Right patient, drug, dose, route and time checks | Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| flat nipples | flat or inverted nipples (feeding challenge) | Nipple shape making latch harder | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| FLD | full liquid diet | All liquids and foods that melt allowed | Nursing Gastroenterology |
| float | float (staffing) | Working temporarily on another unit | Nursing General Medical |
| floor | the floor (general ward) | Non-monitored general care area | Nursing General Medical |
| Fluid chart | fluid balance chart | Chart recording fluids in and out | Nursing Renal & Nephrology |
| fluid restriction | fluid restriction (order) | Limited daily intake order | Renal & Nephrology Cardiology Nursing Endocrinology |
| fluoride varnish | fluoride varnish (application) | Tooth-protecting coating in medical visits | Pediatrics Nursing |
| FMS | fecal management system | Closed rectal stool collection device | Nursing Gastroenterology |
| FNHTR | febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reaction | Fever reaction during transfusion | Hematology & Oncology Nursing |
| FOLEY | Foley catheter | Tube draining urine from the bladder, named for its designer | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| Foley balloon | Foley balloon (cervical ripening) | Balloon catheter opening the cervix | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| Foley change | Foley catheter change | Scheduled bladder catheter replacement | Nursing Renal & Nephrology |
| foremilk | foremilk (early feed milk) | Milk at the start of a feed | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing Pediatrics |
| fortifier | human milk fortifier (HMF) | Powder adding calories and minerals to breast milk | Pediatrics Nursing |
| four-limb BP | four-extremity blood pressures (coarctation) | Comparing arm and leg pressures for aorta narrowing | Pediatrics Cardiology Nursing |
| FRAIL | FRAIL scale | Simple frailty screening scale | General Medical Vitals & Assessment Nursing |
| FSE | fetal scalp electrode | Clip on the baby's head recording its heart rate | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| FTT diet | failure to thrive (nutrition context) | Poor growth needing nutritional support — nutrition | Pediatrics Nursing |
| full code | full code (status) | Full resuscitation attempt requested | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| fundal height pp | fundal height (postpartum check) | Womb top level checked after birth | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| furniture tip | furniture tip-over prevention (anchoring) | Anchoring dressers and televisions guidance | Pediatrics Nursing |
| FWB | full weight-bearing | Putting full body weight through a limb | Musculoskeletal Nursing |
| G-tube exchange | gastrostomy tube exchange | Changing an established stomach feeding tube | Gastroenterology Surgery Nursing |
| G-tube feed | gastrostomy tube feeding | Feeding through a stomach tube | Nursing Gastroenterology |
| GF diet | gluten-free diet | Diet required in celiac disease | Nursing Gastroenterology |
| giraffe | Giraffe omnibed (NICU brand) | Combined incubator-warmer bed brand | Pediatrics Nursing |
| GOC | goals of care | Discussion and documentation of treatment aims | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care General Medical |
| GPAL | gravida para abortions living | Short version of the pregnancy history count | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| grounding pad | grounding pad (electrosurgery) | Return electrode pad for cautery safety | Nursing Surgery |
| growth chart review | growth chart review (visit element) | Plotting and interpreting growth at visits | Pediatrics Nursing |
| GT | gastrostomy tube | Feeding tube going into the stomach | Gastroenterology Nursing |
| gun safety | firearm safe storage (counseling) | Locked unloaded separated storage counseling | Pediatrics Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| h.s. | hora somni (at bedtime) | Latin for at bedtime — an error-prone abbreviation | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| HAI | healthcare-associated infection | Infection acquired during medical care | General Medical Infectious Disease Nursing |
| handoff | handoff (shift report) | Transfer of care information between clinicians | Nursing General Medical |
| HAPI | hospital-acquired pressure injury | Pressure sore developing during hospital care | Nursing |
| HCAHPS | Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems | National patient experience survey | Nursing General Medical |
| HCAI | healthcare-associated infection | Infection acquired during medical care | Infectious Disease Nursing |
| HCP | health care proxy | Person appointed to make medical decisions | Nursing General Medical |
| HDU | high dependency unit | Unit for patients needing more care than a ward | Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| head circumference | occipitofrontal circumference (measurement) | Head size measurement — measurement | Pediatrics Neurology Nursing |
| head covering sleep | head covering (sleep hazard) | Covered face during sleep hazard | Pediatrics Nursing |
| hearing screening | hearing screening (newborn/child) | Hearing checks across childhood | Pediatrics Nursing |
| heel WB | heel weight bearing | Load through the heel only after foot surgery | Musculoskeletal Surgery Nursing |
| helmet | helmet use (injury prevention) | Protective headgear guidance | Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| hemo access | hemostasis (access post-dialysis) | Pressure stopping needle-site bleeding after dialysis | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| HH | hand hygiene | Cleaning hands to prevent infection spread | Infectious Disease Nursing |
| Hickman | Hickman catheter (tunneled line) | Larger tunneled central line | Pediatrics Hematology & Oncology Nursing |
| high fiber diet | high-fiber diet | Fiber-enriched diet order | Nursing Gastroenterology |
| high pro diet | high-protein diet | Protein-enriched diet order | Nursing |
| high-alert med | high-alert medication | Drug with heightened harm risk if misused | Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| hindmilk | hindmilk (later feed milk) | Fat-richer milk later in a feed | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing Pediatrics |
| HM | human milk (term) | Breast milk — term | Pediatrics Nursing |
| HME trach | heat moisture exchanger (trach) | Filter warming air for trach patients | Nursing Respiratory |
| HOB | head of bed | Raised upper part of a hospital bed | Nursing |
| HOB 30 | head of bed thirty degrees | Semi-upright position reducing aspiration and lung infection risk | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care Respiratory |
| hold med | hold medication (order) | Instruction to temporarily not give a drug | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| home meds | home medications (list) | Medicines the patient takes at home | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| honey-thick | honey-thick liquids | Thickened fluid consistency for safe swallowing | Nursing Neurology |
| hot water heater | water heater temperature (scald prevention) | Setting heaters to 120 degrees guidance | Pediatrics Nursing |
| Huber | Huber needle (port access) | Non-coring needle for ports | Pediatrics Nursing Hematology & Oncology |
| I&O | intake and output | Measurement of fluids taken in and passed out | Nursing Renal & Nephrology |
| I&O cath | in-and-out catheterization | One-time straight catheter drainage | Nursing Renal & Nephrology |
| I&O strict | strict intake and output | Precise measurement of all fluids in and out | Nursing Renal & Nephrology |
| I-PASS | I-PASS handoff bundle | Standardized handoff mnemonic and bundle | Nursing General Medical Pediatrics |
| IAD | incontinence-associated dermatitis | Skin injury from urine or stool exposure | Nursing |
| IADL | instrumental activities of daily living | Complex daily tasks such as shopping and managing money | General Medical Nursing |
| IBCLC | International Board Certified Lactation Consultant | Lactation specialist credential | Pediatrics Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| IDDSI | International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative | Global framework for food and drink texture levels | Nursing Neurology General Medical |
| IDerm | intradermal | Into the skin, describing an injection route | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| IDWG | interdialytic weight gain | Fluid weight gained between dialysis sessions | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| IM | intramuscular | Into a muscle, describing an injection route | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| 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 |
| immunization SIDS | immunization (no SIDS link) | Vaccination not linked to sleep deaths — counseling | Pediatrics Infectious Disease Nursing |
| incident report | incident report (occurrence report) | Safety event documentation | Nursing General Medical |
| infant car seat challenge | infant car seat challenge (test) | Seated monitoring test | Pediatrics Nursing |
| infiltration access | needle infiltration (access injury) | Needle through the vessel wall causing a hematoma | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| inline suction | closed suction catheter (inline) | Suction without disconnecting the ventilator | Nursing Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care |
| inner cannula | inner cannula (trach) | Removable inner tube of a tracheostomy | Nursing Respiratory |
| inpatient status | inpatient status (admission type) | Full admission status | Nursing General Medical |
| instrument count | instrument count (surgical) | Verifying all instruments before wound closure | Nursing Surgery |
| insulin drip | insulin infusion (DKA protocol) | Continuous insulin in ketoacidosis care — protocol | Emergency & Critical Care Endocrinology Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| interdisciplinary rounds | interdisciplinary rounds (IDR) | Multi-team daily patient review | Nursing General Medical |
| IO needle | intraosseous needle (device) | Drill-placed bone access needle | Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| IPC | intermittent pneumatic compression | Inflating sleeves preventing leg clots | Nursing Surgery |
| IS | incentive spirometer | Breathing device encouraging deep breaths | Nursing Respiratory |
| ISMP | Institute for Safe Medication Practices | Organization publishing medication safety lists | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing General Medical |
| Isolation | isolation precautions | Measures separating infectious patients to protect others | Infectious Disease Nursing |
| isolette | isolette (incubator) | Enclosed heated baby bed | Pediatrics Nursing |
| IUC | indwelling urinary catheter | Tube left in place to drain urine | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| IUPC | intrauterine pressure catheter | Catheter measuring contraction strength inside the womb | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| IV | intravenous | Into a vein, describing a fluid or medicine route | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| IV access | intravenous access | A line into a vein for fluids or medicines | Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| IVP order | intravenous push (order) | Medication given directly into the vein — order | Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| IVPB | intravenous piggyback (order) | Medication infused through the main IV line — order | Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| J-tip | J-tip needle-free injector | Pressured numbing before IV starts | Pediatrics Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| J-tube feed | jejunostomy tube feeding | Feeding through a small-bowel tube | Nursing Gastroenterology |
| jackknife | jackknife position (prone bent) | Prone bent position for rectal surgery | Nursing Surgery |
| jet neb | jet nebulizer (device) | Compressed-gas aerosol device | Respiratory Nursing |
| JP drain | Jackson-Pratt drain | Bulb drain removing fluid after surgery | Surgery Nursing |
| JT | jejunostomy tube | Feeding tube going into the small intestine | Gastroenterology Nursing |
| kangaroo care | kangaroo care (NICU) | Skin-to-skin care in the NICU | Pediatrics Nursing |
| keto diet | ketogenic diet | Very low carbohydrate diet, also used for epilepsy | Nursing Endocrinology Neurology Pediatrics |
| kidney supportive | kidney supportive care (program) | Palliative approach alongside kidney care | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| KVO | keep vein open | Slow drip rate to keep an intravenous line open | Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| LASA | look-alike sound-alike | Medications easily confused by name or appearance | Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| latch | latch (breastfeeding quality) | How the baby attaches to the breast | Pediatrics Nursing Obstetrics & Gynecology |
| LATCH score | LATCH score (breastfeeding) | Breastfeeding assessment tool | Pediatrics Nursing Obstetrics & Gynecology |
| late decel | late deceleration (fetal) | Heart dip after a contraction, suggesting placenta strain | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| let-down | let-down reflex (milk ejection) | Milk release reflex | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| leveling | leveling (transducer reference) | Aligning the pressure sensor to the correct body point | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| LF diet | low-fat diet | Fat-restricted diet order | Nursing Gastroenterology |
| life jacket | life jacket (USCG-approved) | Approved flotation guidance | Pediatrics Nursing |
| line draw | line draw (blood from catheter) | Blood sampled through an existing catheter | Nursing Laboratory |
| lithotomy | lithotomy position | On the back with legs in stirrups | Nursing Obstetrics & Gynecology Surgery |
| LKW | last known well (stroke time) | Last time seen normal — stroke timing | Neurology Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| LLD | left lateral decubitus | Lying on the left side | Nursing Radiology & Imaging |
| LNMP | last normal menstrual period | Most recent normal period date | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| LOC level | level of care (placement) | Intensity of care setting required | Nursing General Medical |
| lock | catheter lock (heparin/saline) | Fluid left in a line keeping it open | Nursing |
| low bed | low bed (safety) | Bed lowered close to the floor for fall safety | Nursing |
| low K diet | low-potassium diet | Diet limiting potassium for kidney or heart patients | Nursing Renal & Nephrology |
| low phos diet | low-phosphorus diet | Diet limiting phosphate in kidney disease | Nursing Renal & Nephrology |
| low residue | low-residue diet | Low-fiber diet resting the bowel | Nursing Gastroenterology |
| low-lying UVC | low-lying umbilical venous catheter (position) | Cord line tip below the liver used short-term | Pediatrics Nursing |
| LP I | late preterm infant (care) | Baby born 34 to 36 weeks needing closer watching | Pediatrics Nursing |
| LPN | licensed practical nurse | Licensed nurse working under registered nurse supervision | Nursing |
| LST | life-sustaining treatment | Treatments that prolong life in serious illness | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| LVN | licensed vocational nurse | Licensed nurse qualification used in some states | Nursing |
| LW | living will | Document stating end-of-life treatment wishes | Nursing General Medical |
| LWBS | left without being seen | Patient departed before evaluation | Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| M&M | morbidity and mortality conference | Case review meeting for complications and deaths | Nursing Surgery General Medical |
| MAE | moves all extremities (exam phrase) | Motor examination summary phrase | Neurology Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| Mag toxicity | magnesium toxicity (obstetric) | Overdose signs of seizure-prevention magnesium | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| maintenance bundle | line maintenance bundle (care) | Routine line care practice set | Pediatrics Nursing Infectious Disease |
| MAR | medication administration record | Chart recording medicines given to a patient | Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| MAR check | medication administration record check | Verification against the medication record | Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| MASD | moisture-associated skin damage | Skin injury from prolonged moisture exposure | Nursing |
| mastitis | mastitis (lactation) | Breast infection while nursing — lactation | Obstetrics & Gynecology Infectious Disease Nursing |
| MDI spacer | spacer (inhaler chamber) | Holding chamber improving inhaler delivery | Nursing Respiratory Pediatrics |
| MDRO precautions | multidrug-resistant organism precautions | Extra precautions for resistant bacteria | Nursing Infectious Disease |
| meal support | meal support (eating disorder care) | Supervised meals and post-meal observation | Psychiatry Pediatrics Nursing |
| mech soft | mechanical soft diet | Minced and moist texture diet for chewing problems | Nursing |
| med rec | medication reconciliation (shorthand) | List comparison process shorthand | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| medical home | medical home (care model) | Coordinated family-centered primary care model | Pediatrics General Medical Nursing |
| medical play | medical play (preparation) | Play-based procedure preparation for children | Pediatrics Nursing |
| mesh neb | vibrating mesh nebulizer | Quiet electronic aerosol device | Respiratory Nursing |
| MEWS | Modified Early Warning Score | Score flagging deteriorating ward patients | Emergency & Critical Care Vitals & Assessment Nursing |
| milk bank | human milk bank (facility) | Screening and pasteurizing donor milk facility | Pediatrics Nursing |
| milk blister | milk bleb (nipple pore) | White spot blocking a nipple pore | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| milk stools | milk stools (breastfed pattern) | Yellow seedy stools of breastfed babies | Pediatrics Nursing |
| milk storage | milk storage guidelines (handling) | Safe pumped milk times and temperatures | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing Pediatrics |
| milk transfer | milk transfer (feeding effectiveness) | How well milk moves to the baby | Pediatrics Nursing |
| minimal handling | minimal handling (preterm care) | Limiting touches for fragile preterm babies | Pediatrics Nursing |
| mitt restraints | mitten restraints | Padded hand covers preventing tube pulling | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| MN | midnight (charting shorthand) | Charting abbreviation for midnight | Nursing General Medical |
| MOLST | Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment | New York version of the portable treatment order form | Nursing General Medical |
| MUAC | mid-upper arm circumference (nutrition screen) | Arm tape screening for malnutrition | Pediatrics Nursing |
| murmur grades | murmur grading (1-6 scale) | Loudness scale for heart murmurs | Pediatrics Cardiology Nursing |
| MUST | Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool | Score screening for malnutrition risk | Nursing Gastroenterology |
| N95 | N95 respirator | Fitted mask filtering airborne particles | Nursing Infectious Disease Respiratory |
| NAS | no added salt | Meal prepared without extra salt | Nursing Cardiology |
| nasal flaring | nasal flaring (distress sign) | Nostrils widening with breathing effort | Pediatrics Respiratory Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| NBM | nil by mouth | Nothing to eat or drink | Gastroenterology Nursing |
| NCS | no concentrated sweets | Meal limiting sugary foods | Nursing Endocrinology |
| NDD | National Dysphagia Diet | Standard levels for swallowing-safe food textures | Nursing Neurology |
| near miss | near miss (safety) | Error caught before reaching the patient | Nursing General Medical |
| nebulizer mask | nebulizer mask (device) | Mask delivering aerosol medicine | Nursing Respiratory |
| nectar-thick | nectar-thick liquids | Mildly thickened fluid consistency | Nursing Neurology |
| neutropenic precautions | neutropenic precautions (protective) | Protecting a patient with very low white cells | Nursing Hematology & Oncology Infectious Disease |
| 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 |
| NG | nasogastric | Through the nose into the stomach, as a tube | Nursing Gastroenterology |
| NG decompression | nasogastric decompression (therapy) | Stomach drainage relieving bowel blockage | Nursing Gastroenterology Surgery |
| NG dependence | nasogastric tube dependence (feeding) | Continued tube reliance beyond medical need | Pediatrics Gastroenterology Nursing |
| NG feeds | nasogastric feeding (eating disorder care) | Tube feeding in eating disorder treatment | Psychiatry Pediatrics Nursing |
| NG tube | nasogastric tube (device) | Nose-to-stomach tube — device | Nursing Gastroenterology |
| NGT | nasogastric tube | Tube through the nose into the stomach | Gastroenterology Nursing |
| NIDCAP | Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program | Structured developmental care program | Pediatrics Nursing |
| nipple shield | nipple shield (feeding aid) | Silicone cover aiding latch | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| NIPS | Neonatal Infant Pain Scale | Newborn pain scoring tool | Pediatrics Nursing |
| NKA | no known allergies | No allergies recorded for the patient | General Medical Nursing |
| NKDA | no known drug allergies | No medicine allergies recorded for the patient | General Medical Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| NKFA | no known food allergies | No food allergies recorded for the patient | General Medical Nursing |
| non-tunneled | non-tunneled catheter (temporary access) | Short-term bedside dialysis line | Renal & Nephrology Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| nonnutritive | nonnutritive sucking (pacifier comfort) | Pacifier soothing during procedures | Pediatrics Nursing |
| NOWS | neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (diagnosis) | Newborn opioid withdrawal — diagnosis | Pediatrics Psychiatry Nursing |
| NP | nurse practitioner | Advanced practice nurse who assesses and treats patients | Nursing General Medical |
| NPO | nil per os | Nothing to eat or drink by mouth | Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| NPO | nothing by mouth (order) | Order to take no food or drink — order | Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders Surgery |
| NPO after MN | nothing by mouth after midnight | Standard pre-procedure fasting order | Nursing Surgery |
| NPWT | negative pressure wound therapy | Vacuum dressing helping a wound heal | Surgery Nursing |
| NPWT change | negative pressure wound therapy change | Changing a vacuum wound dressing | Nursing Surgery |
| NS | normal saline | Salt water solution matching body salt concentration | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| NS flush | normal saline flush | Saline line-clearing saline syringe | Nursing |
| Nu-DESC | Nursing Delirium Screening Scale | Bedside nurse delirium screen | Nursing Neurology Emergency & Critical Care |
| NWB | non-weight-bearing | Putting no weight through a limb | Musculoskeletal Nursing |
| O2 concentrator | oxygen concentrator (device) | Machine making oxygen from room air | Respiratory Nursing |
| OBS | observation | Watching a patient over time for changes | General Medical Nursing |
| Obs chart | observation chart | Chart recording vital signs over time | Nursing Vitals & Assessment |
| obturator | obturator (trach introducer) | Guide used when inserting a trach tube | Nursing Respiratory Surgery |
| OG | orogastric | Through the mouth into the stomach, as a tube | Nursing Gastroenterology |
| OG tube | orogastric tube (device) | Mouth-to-stomach tube | Nursing Gastroenterology Emergency & Critical Care |
| OH | orthostatic hypotension (measurement) | Standing blood pressure drop — measurement | Neurology Cardiology Nursing |
| on-call | on-call (availability) | Available to be called in for work | Nursing General Medical Surgery |
| one-time order | single dose order | Order given once only | Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| OOB | out of bed | Patient is up out of bed | Nursing |
| OOB ad lib | out of bed as desired | Free mobilization order | Nursing |
| oral aversion | oral aversion (sensory) | Avoidance of mouth experiences after tubes or procedures | Pediatrics Nursing |
| ostomy appliance | ostomy appliance (pouch) | Bag worn over a stoma | Nursing Gastroenterology Surgery |
| overheating | overheating (sleep risk) | Over-bundling as a sleep risk | Pediatrics Nursing |
| oversupply | oversupply (hyperlactation) | Making more milk than the baby needs | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| p.c. | post cibum (after meals) | Latin charting for after meals | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| p.m. | post meridiem (afternoon/evening) | Charting shorthand for afternoon or evening | General Medical Nursing |
| paced bottle | paced bottle feeding (method) | Slow responsive bottle technique mimicking breastfeeding | Pediatrics Nursing |
| pacifier | pacifier use (guidance) | Soother use and its dental and sleep guidance | Pediatrics Nursing |
| pacifier sleep | pacifier at sleep (protective association) | Soother offered at sleep linked to lower SIDS risk | Pediatrics Nursing |
| PACU | post-anesthesia care unit | Recovery area after anesthesia and surgery | Surgery Nursing |
| PADSS | Post-Anesthetic Discharge Scoring System | Day-surgery discharge readiness score | Surgery Nursing |
| PAINAD | Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (scale) | Observational pain scale — dementia | Neurology Nursing Psychiatry |
| 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 |
| patching | patching therapy (amblyopia) | Covering the stronger eye to train the weaker | Pediatrics Nursing |
| PCA | patient-controlled analgesia | Patient-triggered pain medicine pump | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing Surgery |
| PCEA | patient-controlled epidural analgesia | Patient-triggered pain medicine through an epidural | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing Surgery Obstetrics & Gynecology |
| PCU | progressive care unit | Step-down unit name in many hospitals | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| peak flow child | peak flow monitoring (childhood) | Home blow meter tracking — childhood | Pediatrics Respiratory Nursing |
| peer review | peer review (clinical) | Colleague evaluation of care quality | Nursing General Medical |
| PEG tube | percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube | Feeding tube placed through the abdominal wall with a scope | Gastroenterology Surgery Nursing |
| Penrose | Penrose drain | Soft tube drain removing fluid after surgery | Surgery Nursing |
| percent weight loss | percent weight loss (newborn check) | Birth weight loss proportion watched after birth | Pediatrics Nursing |
| peripheral draw | peripheral blood draw | Blood taken from a vein rather than a line | Nursing Laboratory |
| PEWS | Pediatric Early Warning Score | Child deterioration warning score | Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care Vitals & Assessment Nursing |
| Phleb | phlebotomist | Professional who draws blood samples | Laboratory Nursing |
| phototherapy | phototherapy (jaundice) | Light treatment for jaundice | Pediatrics Nursing |
| PI | performance improvement (abbreviation) | Hospital quality program | Nursing General Medical |
| PI | pressure injury | Skin and tissue damage from prolonged pressure | Nursing |
| PICC neonate | neonatal PICC (line) | Arm-to-heart line of newborns | Pediatrics Nursing |
| PIPP | Premature Infant Pain Profile | Pain score for premature babies | Pediatrics Nursing |
| Pit | Pitocin (charting shorthand) | Oxytocin infusion shorthand in labor | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| plugged duct | plugged duct (lactation) | Blocked milk duct lump | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| PN | parenteral nutrition | Nutrition given through a vein | Gastroenterology Nursing |
| PO challenge | oral challenge (feeding) | Trial of swallowing after a procedure or illness | Nursing Neurology |
| POCT | point-of-care testing | Testing done at the bedside rather than a central lab | Laboratory Nursing General Medical |
| POCUS | point-of-care ultrasound | Bedside ultrasound by the treating clinician | Radiology & Imaging Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| POD | postoperative day | Number of days since an operation | Surgery Nursing |
| 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 |
| PONV | postoperative nausea and vomiting | Sickness after an operation and anaesthesia | Surgery Nursing |
| pool fence | pool fencing (four-sided isolation) | Barrier fencing separating pools from houses | Pediatrics Nursing |
| poor feeding infant | poor feeding (presentation) | Weak intake in a baby — presentation | Pediatrics Nursing |
| port child | implanted port (childhood) | Under-skin access device — childhood | Pediatrics Hematology & Oncology Nursing |
| POST | Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment | Indiana version of the portable treatment order | Nursing General Medical |
| power pumping | power pumping (cluster pumping) | Intensive pumping pattern boosting supply | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| PPE | personal protective equipment | Gloves, masks and gowns protecting against infection | Infectious Disease Nursing General Medical |
| PPN | partial parenteral nutrition | Some nutrition given through a vein | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| pre/post ductal | pre- and post-ductal saturations | Hand versus foot oxygen comparison in newborns | Pediatrics Cardiology Nursing |
| prn | as needed (lowercase form) | Latin pro re nata in lowercase charting | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| PRN order | as-needed order | Order used only when a condition occurs | Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| procedural sedation | procedural sedation and analgesia | Sedation given specifically for a procedure | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care Surgery |
| prolonged decel | prolonged deceleration (fetal) | Heart dip lasting two to ten minutes | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| proning team | proning team (staffing) | Trained team turning ventilated patients face-down | Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| PT pulse | posterior tibial (pulse) | Ankle-behind-bone pulse point | Nursing Musculoskeletal |
| PTNS | percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation | Ankle nerve stimulation for bladder symptoms | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| PU | pressure ulcer | Sore from prolonged pressure on skin | Nursing |
| pudding-thick | pudding-thick liquids | Spoon-thick fluid consistency | Nursing Neurology |
| puddle jumper | puddle jumper (flotation device caution) | Arm-band flotation device guidance | Pediatrics Nursing |
| pureed diet | pureed diet (texture level) | Blended smooth texture for swallowing problems | Nursing |
| purple crying | PURPLE crying (education program) | Acronym describing normal infant crying peaks | Pediatrics Nursing |
| PVC | peripheral venous catheter | Small tube in a surface vein for fluids or medicines | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| PVR measure | post-void residual measurement | Checking urine left after voiding | Nursing Renal & Nephrology |
| PWB | partial weight-bearing | Putting part of body weight through a limb | Musculoskeletal Nursing |
| Q12H | every twelve hours | At twelve-hour intervals | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| Q2H | every two hours | At two-hour intervals | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| q2h turns | turn every two hours | Repositioning schedule preventing pressure injuries | Nursing |
| Q4H | every four hours | At four-hour intervals | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| Q6H | every six hours | At six-hour intervals | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| Q8H | every eight hours | At eight-hour intervals | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| QA | quality assurance (program) | Systematic care quality monitoring | Nursing General Medical |
| qAM | every morning | Frequency shorthand for daily morning dosing | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| QBL | quantitative blood loss | Measured rather than estimated delivery blood loss | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| qd | once daily (lowercase form) | Daily frequency in lowercase charting — error-prone | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| qhs | every night at bedtime (lowercase form) | Bedtime frequency in lowercase charting | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| QI | quality improvement (project) | Structured effort improving care processes | Nursing General Medical |
| qid | four times a day (lowercase form) | Frequency in lowercase charting | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| qod | every other day (lowercase form) | Alternate-day frequency in lowercase charting | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| qPM | every evening | Frequency shorthand for daily evening dosing | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| quad sets | quadriceps sets (exercise) | Thigh tightening exercises after knee surgery | Musculoskeletal Nursing |
| radiant warmer | radiant warmer (bed) | Open heated baby bed | Pediatrics Nursing |
| rainbow draw | rainbow draw (extra tubes) | Extra assorted blood tubes drawn at once | Nursing Laboratory |
| 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 |
| RCA | root cause analysis (abbreviation) | Investigation method after serious events | Nursing General Medical |
| rear-facing | rear-facing (car seat stage) | Backward-facing seat stage | Pediatrics Nursing |
| recall check | product recall check (car seat/crib) | Verifying equipment is not recalled | Pediatrics Nursing |
| reconcile | medication reconciliation | Comparing medication lists at transitions of care | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing General Medical |
| rectal tube | rectal tube (device) | Tube managing liquid stool | Nursing Gastroenterology |
| red reflex | red reflex (newborn eye exam) | Eye glow checked in babies | Pediatrics Nursing |
| REG | regular diet | Unrestricted normal food | Nursing |
| renal diet | renal diet (potassium/phosphate restricted) | Kidney diet limiting potassium, phosphate and salt | Nursing Renal & Nephrology |
| responsive feeding | responsive feeding (cue-based) | Feeding following the baby's hunger and fullness cues | Pediatrics Nursing |
| restraint | physical restraint (order) | Device or hold restricting movement, used as a last resort | Nursing Psychiatry Emergency & Critical Care |
| resume med | resume medication (order) | Instruction to restart a held drug | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| retractions | retractions (distress sign) | Skin sucking in with breathing effort | Pediatrics Respiratory Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| reverse isolation | protective isolation (reverse) | Isolating the patient from others' germs | Nursing Hematology & Oncology |
| reverse Trend | reverse Trendelenburg position | Bed tilted head-up for surgery or breathing | Nursing Surgery |
| RLD | right lateral decubitus | Lying on the right side | Nursing Radiology & Imaging |
| RN | registered nurse | Licensed nurse qualification | General Medical Nursing |
| room check | room check (safety) | Scheduled safety inspection of a patient room | Nursing Psychiatry |
| room-sharing | room-sharing (sleep guidance) | Baby sleeping in the parents' room in a separate bed | Pediatrics Nursing |
| room-sharing benefit | room-sharing (protective) | Lower risk arrangement keeping baby nearby | Pediatrics Nursing |
| root cause | root cause analysis (RCA) | Structured investigation of a safety event | Nursing General Medical |
| rooting | rooting reflex (feeding) | Head turning toward a cheek touch seeking food | Pediatrics Neurology Nursing |
| rope ladder | rope-ladder cannulation (technique) | Rotating needle sites along a fistula | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| ROSC care | post-ROSC care | Care bundle after return of circulation | Emergency & Critical Care Nursing Cardiology |
| rounding | rounding (ward rounds) | Team visits to each patient to plan care | Nursing General Medical |
| routine order | routine (order priority) | Standard priority order | Nursing General Medical |
| safe sleep | safe sleep (ABC guidance) | Alone, back, crib sleep safety guidance | Pediatrics Nursing |
| safe sleep ABCs | ABCs of safe sleep (alone back crib) | Safe sleep teaching acronym expansion | Pediatrics Nursing |
| safe storage meds | safe medication storage (up and away) | Locked out-of-reach medicine storage guidance | Pediatrics Nursing General Medical |
| safe transport | safe transport (discharge element) | Correct restraint use at discharge teaching | Pediatrics Nursing |
| SAS | saline antibiotic saline (flush sequence) | Flush sequence when no heparin is used | Nursing |
| SASH | saline antibiotics saline heparin (flush sequence) | Line flushing sequence after IV antibiotics | Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| SAT | spontaneous awakening trial | Daily pause of sedation to assess a patient in intensive care | Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| SBAR | situation, background, assessment, recommendation | Structured format for clinical handover communication | Nursing General Medical |
| SBS child | short bowel syndrome (childhood) | Too little bowel after surgery — childhood | Pediatrics Gastroenterology Surgery Nursing |
| SBT | SBT (spontaneous breathing trial, shorthand) | Weaning trial shorthand | Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| SC ⚠ Error-prone | subcutaneous | Under the skin, describing an injection route | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| SCD | sequential compression device | Inflating leg sleeves that aid circulation | Nursing Surgery |
| scheduled med | scheduled medication | Medication given at fixed times | Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| scrub the hub | scrub the hub (line practice) | Disinfecting a line connection before use | Pediatrics Nursing Infectious Disease |
| SDU | step-down unit (abbreviation) | Intermediate care unit abbreviation | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| seizure precautions | seizure precautions (order) | Bedside safety setup for seizure risk | Nursing Neurology |
| self-extubation | self-extubation (event) | Patient removing their own breathing tube | Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| sentinel event | sentinel event (safety) | Serious unexpected safety event requiring review | Nursing General Medical |
| serial exams sepsis | serial physical examinations (sepsis strategy) | Watching well babies instead of automatic antibiotics | Pediatrics Infectious Disease Nursing |
| shade/sunscreen | sun protection counseling (bundle) | Shade, clothing and sunscreen guidance | Pediatrics Nursing |
| shaken prevention | shaken baby prevention (education) | Caregiver education preventing abusive head injury | Pediatrics Nursing |
| sharps count | sharps count (surgical) | Counting needles and blades in surgery | Nursing Surgery |
| sinusoidal | sinusoidal pattern (fetal heart) | Smooth wave pattern linked to fetal anemia | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| site marking | site marking (surgery) | Marking the correct surgical site beforehand | Nursing Surgery |
| sitter | constant observer (sitter) | Staff member watching a patient continuously | Nursing General Medical |
| skin barrier | skin barrier (ostomy wafer) | Adhesive wafer protecting skin around a stoma | Nursing |
| skin-to-skin | skin-to-skin (kangaroo) | Baby held bare on a parent's chest — care | Obstetrics & Gynecology Pediatrics Nursing |
| sleep sack | wearable blanket (sleep sack) | Zippered blanket replacing loose bedding | Pediatrics Nursing |
| SLR exercise | straight leg raise (exercise) | Leg-lifting rehabilitation exercise | Musculoskeletal Nursing |
| SMBG | self-monitoring of blood glucose | Patient checking their own blood sugar | Endocrinology Nursing |
| smoke alarms | smoke alarms (home safety) | Working alarm placement guidance | Pediatrics Nursing General Medical |
| smoke evacuation | smoke evacuation (surgical plume) | Removal of cautery smoke in the operating room | Nursing Surgery |
| SNS feeder | supplemental nursing system | Tube-at-breast feeding supplementer | Obstetrics & Gynecology Pediatrics Nursing |
| SOAP | subjective, objective, assessment, plan | Structured format for clinical notes, from its section initials | General Medical Nursing |
| soft bedding | soft bedding (sleep hazard) | Pillows and blankets as suffocation hazards | Pediatrics Nursing |
| soft restraints | soft restraints (limb holders) | Padded limb holders limiting movement | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| specimen label | specimen labeling (process) | Correct identification of surgical specimens | Nursing Surgery Laboratory |
| spell | apnea spell (NICU charting) | Pause episode in NICU charting | Pediatrics Respiratory Nursing |
| SPF | sunscreen SPF (guidance) | Sun protection factor guidance | Pediatrics Nursing General Medical |
| spica cast | hip spica cast (immobilization) | Body cast for hip and thigh problems | Pediatrics Musculoskeletal Surgery Nursing |
| sponge count | sponge count (surgical) | Counting surgical sponges before closure | Nursing Surgery |
| SQ ⚠ Error-prone | subcutaneous | Under the skin, describing an injection route | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| square wave | square wave test (line damping) | Flush test checking pressure line accuracy | Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| SROM | SROM (spontaneous rupture of membranes) | Waters breaking on their own — shorthand | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| SSD | soft diet (surgical soft) | Easy-to-chew post-surgical diet | Nursing Surgery |
| staffing ratio | nurse-to-patient ratio | Number of patients assigned per nurse | Nursing General Medical |
| standard precautions | standard precautions (universal) | Baseline infection precautions for all patients | Nursing Infectious Disease |
| standing order | standing order (protocol) | Pre-authorized order nurses may apply | Nursing General Medical |
| 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 |
| step-down | step-down unit (intermediate care) | Unit between intensive care and the ward | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| sterile water papules | sterile water injections (back pain) | Small skin injections easing labor back pain | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| stoma rod | stoma rod (bridge) | Temporary support bar under a loop stoma | Surgery Nursing |
| straight cath | straight catheterization (single) | One-time catheter insertion to drain or sample | Nursing Renal & Nephrology |
| STRATIFY | STRATIFY fall risk tool | Fall prediction tool for older inpatients | Nursing Vitals & Assessment |
| subclavian caution | subclavian catheter (stenosis caution) | Under-collarbone line avoided in kidney patients | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| SubQ | subcutaneous | Under the skin, describing an injection route | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| sucrose | oral sucrose (infant pain) | Sweet solution calming babies during procedures | Pediatrics Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| suction cath | suction catheter (device) | Tube clearing airway secretions | Nursing Respiratory |
| suicide precautions | suicide precautions (observation) | Constant observation and environment checks for safety | Nursing Psychiatry Emergency & Critical Care |
| sunburn | sunburn (prevention) | Ultraviolet skin burn and prevention | Pediatrics Nursing |
| sundowning | sundowning (term) | Evening worsening of confusion in dementia | Neurology Psychiatry Nursing |
| supination | supination (return to back) | Turning a patient back onto their back | Respiratory Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| supplementation | supplementation (feeding addition) | Adding formula or donor milk — feeding | Pediatrics Nursing Obstetrics & Gynecology |
| suprapubic cath | suprapubic catheter placement | Bladder drain through the lower abdomen | Surgery Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| surrogate | surrogate decision maker | Person deciding for a patient who cannot decide | Nursing General Medical |
| swaddling | swaddling (sleep practice) | Wrapping a baby snugly for sleep | Pediatrics Nursing |
| Sweet-Ease | Sweet-Ease (sucrose brand) | Infant sucrose solution brand | Pediatrics Nursing |
| swim lessons | swim lessons (drowning prevention) | Formal lessons lowering drowning risk | Pediatrics Nursing |
| TcB | transcutaneous bilirubin (measurement) | Skin bilirubin estimate in newborns | Pediatrics Laboratory Nursing |
| TCDB | turn, cough, deep breathe | Routine to keep lungs clear after surgery | Nursing Respiratory |
| TDWB | touch-down weight bearing | Same as toe-touch loading restriction | Musculoskeletal Surgery Nursing |
| TED | thromboembolism-deterrent hose | Elastic stockings that aid leg circulation | Nursing |
| TED hose | thrombo-embolic deterrent stockings | Compression stockings | Nursing Surgery |
| telemetry box | telemetry transmitter (device) | Portable heart monitor box | Nursing Cardiology |
| telemetry unit | telemetry unit (monitored ward) | Ward with continuous heart monitoring | Nursing Cardiology |
| telephone order | telephone order (TO) | Order given by phone and documented | Nursing General Medical |
| temp instability | temperature instability (newborn sign) | Inability to hold body temperature in newborns | Pediatrics Nursing |
| TENS labor | TENS (labor pain) | Electrical pad pain relief in labor | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| terminal delirium | terminal delirium (end of life) | Delirium in the last days of life | Neurology Psychiatry Nursing |
| thrill | thrill (access examination) | Buzzing vibration of a working fistula — exam | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| tid | three times a day (lowercase form) | Frequency in lowercase charting | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| time out | time out (surgical safety pause) | Final verification pause before incision | Nursing Surgery General Medical |
| Timed Up and Go | Timed Up and Go test | Timed mobility and fall risk test | Nursing Vitals & Assessment Musculoskeletal |
| TKO | to keep open | Same slow IV rate as KVO | Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| TOF monitoring | train-of-four monitoring (paralysis) | Nerve stimulator checking paralysis depth | Emergency & Critical Care Nursing Surgery |
| topical anesthetic child | topical anesthetic (EMLA) | Numbing cream before needle procedures | Pediatrics Nursing Prescription & Medication Orders |
| TORB | telephone order read back | Safety read-back of a phoned order | Nursing General Medical |
| touch supervision | touch supervision (water safety) | Arm's-reach watching of young swimmers | Pediatrics Nursing |
| tourniquet test | inflow/outflow assessment (access exam) | Bedside fistula examination elements | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| TPAL | term preterm abortions living | Birth outcomes part of the pregnancy count | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| TPN | total parenteral nutrition | All nutrition given through a vein | Prescription & Medication Orders Nursing |
| TPN-dependent | total parenteral nutrition dependent | Relying on IV nutrition long-term | Nursing Gastroenterology |
| TPR | temperature, pulse, respirations | Basic set of vital sign measurements | Vitals & Assessment Nursing |
| trach collar | tracheostomy collar (device) | Mask delivering oxygen over a trach | Nursing Respiratory |
| trach cuff | tracheostomy cuff (balloon) | Sealing balloon on a trach tube | Nursing Respiratory |
| transducer | pressure transducer (device) | Sensor converting pressure to a monitor waveform | Emergency & Critical Care Nursing |
| transitional stool | transitional stool (newborn) | Changing stool of the first days | Pediatrics Nursing |
| triple feeding | triple feeding (breast pump supplement) | Three-part feeding plan for low supply or intake | Obstetrics & Gynecology Pediatrics Nursing |
| trophic feed | trophic feeding | Tiny-volume feeds keeping the gut active | Nursing Pediatrics Emergency & Critical Care |
| TTWB | toe-touch weight-bearing | Touching toes down for balance without real weight | Musculoskeletal Nursing |
| tube weaning | tube weaning (program) | Planned transition from tube to oral feeding | Pediatrics Gastroenterology Nursing |
| TUG | Timed Up and Go (abbreviation) | Timed stand-walk-turn mobility test | Vitals & Assessment Musculoskeletal Nursing |
| tummy time | tummy time (development activity) | Supervised prone play for development | Pediatrics Nursing |
| tunneled line | tunneled catheter (access) | Under-skin long-term line — access | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| UAC | umbilical arterial catheter | Cord artery line for pressures and samples | Pediatrics Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| UF goal | ultrafiltration goal (dialysis target) | Fluid removal target for a dialysis session | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| UF PD | ultrafiltration (peritoneal) | Fluid removed by a PD exchange | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| umbilical lines | umbilical catheter (UAC/UVC) | Cord vessel lines of newborns | Pediatrics Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| UNHS | universal newborn hearing screening | Hearing testing of all newborns | Pediatrics Nursing |
| UOP | urine output | Amount of urine produced over a period | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| UVC | umbilical venous catheter | Cord vein line for fluids and medicines | Pediatrics Nursing Emergency & Critical Care |
| variable decel | variable deceleration (fetal) | Abrupt heart dip of varying timing, usually cord pressure | Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing |
| VAS pain | visual analog scale (pain) | Line-marking pain intensity measure | Vitals & Assessment Nursing |
| venous pressure access | dynamic venous pressure (access monitoring) | Dialysis machine pressure suggesting access narrowing | Renal & Nephrology Nursing |
| verbal order | verbal order (VO) | Order given by voice and read back | Nursing General Medical |
| VIS | Vaccine Information Statement | Required vaccine fact sheet | Pediatrics Infectious Disease Nursing |
| vision screening | vision screening (instrument) | Device-based eye checks in young children | Pediatrics Nursing |
| VLU | venous leg ulcer | Sore on the leg related to poor vein circulation | Nursing Cardiology |
| voiding pattern | voiding and stooling pattern (newborn charting) | Output tracking in newborn care | Pediatrics Nursing |
| VORB | verbal order read back | Safety read-back of a spoken order | Nursing General Medical |
| VRS | verbal rating scale (pain) | Word-based pain intensity scale | Vitals & Assessment Nursing |
| VRT | vestibular rehabilitation therapy | Exercise therapy retraining balance | Neurology Nursing Musculoskeletal |
| W/C | wheelchair | Chair with wheels for moving a patient | Nursing |
| wander guard | wander management system | Tag system alerting when a patient nears exits | Nursing Psychiatry |
| waste | waste (discard volume) | Blood discarded before a line sample to avoid dilution | Nursing Laboratory |
| watcher | watcher (high-risk patient flag) | Patient flagged for close deterioration monitoring | Nursing Emergency & Critical Care Pediatrics |
| water watcher | water watcher (designated adult) | Assigned undistracted pool watcher | Pediatrics Nursing |
| WBAT | weight-bearing as tolerated | Putting as much weight on a limb as comfort allows | Musculoskeletal Nursing |
| weaning | weaning (feeding transition) | Moving from breast or bottle to foods — transition | Pediatrics Nursing |
| weight restoration | weight restoration (treatment goal) | Nutritional rehabilitation target in anorexia | Psychiatry Pediatrics Nursing |
| well-child | well-child visit (preventive) | Scheduled preventive health visit | Pediatrics Nursing General Medical |
| wet diapers | wet diapers (intake gauge) | Daily urine count tracking baby intake | Pediatrics Nursing |
| wet wrap | wet wrap therapy (eczema) | Wet layer treatment for severe eczema flares | Pediatrics Nursing |
| WHO checklist | WHO Surgical Safety Checklist | Global standard surgical safety checklist | Nursing Surgery General Medical |
| Wound vac | negative pressure wound therapy | Vacuum dressing helping a wound heal | Surgery Nursing |
| wound vac | wound VAC (device shorthand) | Vacuum dressing device shorthand | Nursing Surgery |
| 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.
Nursing Abbreviations — MedicalVideos.com
1:1 — one-to-one observation
2g Na diet — two-gram sodium diet
4-point restraints — four-point restraints
A&O — alert and oriented
A&O x4 — alert and oriented times four (person place time situation)
A-line — A-line (arterial line shorthand)
a.c. — ante cibum (before meals)
a.m. — ante meridiem (morning)
access port — access (implantable port)
accidental extubation — accidental extubation (event)
acuity — patient acuity (severity level)
ADA — American Diabetes Association diet
ADA diet — American Diabetes Association diet
ADC — automated dispensing cabinet
ADL — activities of daily living
admit to — admit to (order phrase)
advance directive — advance directive (document)
AFO — ankle-foot orthosis (device)
AIIR — airborne infection isolation room
airborne precautions — airborne precautions (isolation)
AM labs — morning labs (batch)
AMA discharge — against medical advice discharge
Amb — ambulate
amb ad lib — ambulate as desired
anaphylaxis action — anaphylaxis action plan (document)
AND — allow natural death
ankle pumps — ankle pumps (exercise)
anticipatory guidance — anticipatory guidance (counseling term)
anticipatory guidance topics — anticipatory guidance (topic set)
Apgar 1/5 — Apgar scores at one and five minutes
APRN — advanced practice registered nurse
ARD — as regular diet (advance to regular)
area puncture — area cannulation (technique caution)
AROM procedure — artificial rupture of membranes (procedure)
Art line — arterial line
ASAP order — as soon as possible (order priority)
aspiration precautions — aspiration precautions (order)
asthma action plan — asthma action plan (document)
AVPU — alert voice pain unresponsive (scale)
AWOL — absent without leave (patient)
baby-led weaning — baby-led weaning (solids method)
back to sleep — back to sleep (campaign phrase)
back-sleeping — supine sleep position (guidance)
BCMA — barcode medication administration
bed alarm — bed alarm (safety device)
bed check — bed check (safety rounds)
bed meeting — bed management meeting
bed-sharing risks — bed-sharing (risk counseling)
BFHI — Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative
BID — bis in die
bid — twice a day (lowercase form)
bike helmet — bicycle helmet (prevention)
bili blanket — bili blanket (fiber-optic phototherapy)
bili lights — bili lights (overhead phototherapy)
bladder scan — bladder scan (bedside ultrasound)
bleach baths — bleach baths (eczema care)
BM — bowel movement
boarding — boarding (ED holds)
bolus feed — bolus feeding (tube)
booster seat — booster seat (car seat stage)
Bowel prep — bowel preparation
BPS — Behavioral Pain Scale
BR — bed rest
bradycardia neonate — bradycardia events (NICU monitoring)
Brandt-Daroff — Brandt-Daroff exercises (vertigo)
BRAT diet — bananas rice applesauce toast diet
breastfeeding jaundice — breastfeeding jaundice (early intake)
breastfeeding SIDS — breastfeeding (SIDS risk reduction)
Broviac — Broviac catheter (tunneled line)
BRP — bathroom privileges
bruit — bruit (access examination)
Bryant traction — Bryant traction (toddler femur)
bubble CPAP — bubble CPAP (system)
Buck traction — Buck traction (skin)
buddy tape — buddy taping (fingers/toes)
bundle care — care bundle (infection prevention)
bunk bed — bunk bed safety (guidance)
burn first aid — burn first aid (cool running water)
buttonhole — buttonhole cannulation (technique)
Buzzy — Buzzy device (vibration cold)
C-spine collar — cervical collar (device)
C. diff precautions — Clostridioides difficile precautions
call-out — call-out (absence)
CAM — Confusion Assessment Method
CAM-ICU — Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU
car seat — car seat safety (guidance)
car seat test — car seat tolerance screening (preterm)
carb counting — carbohydrate counting
Category I — category I (fetal tracing)
Category II — category II (fetal tracing)
Category III — category III (fetal tracing)
CAUTI — catheter-associated urinary tract infection
Cawthorne — Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises (vestibular)
CBI — continuous bladder irrigation
CBR — complete bed rest
CCHD screen — critical congenital heart disease screening
census — patient census (count)
Central line — central venous line
central line kit — central line kit (equipment)
chair alarm — chair alarm (safety device)
child life — child life services (support)
CHO diet — consistent carbohydrate diet
choking hazards — choking hazard foods/objects (guidance)
CLABSI — central line-associated bloodstream infection
CLD — clear liquid diet
cloudy effluent — cloudy effluent (PD peritonitis sign)
clustered care — clustered care (NICU practice)
CMAI — Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory
CMO — comfort measures only
CN II-XII — cranial nerves two through twelve (exam phrase)
CNA — certified nursing assistant
CO detector — carbon monoxide detector (home safety)
co-sleeping — bed-sharing (sleep arrangement term)
code blue — code blue (cardiac arrest call)
code team — code team (resuscitation team)
cohorting — cohorting (infection control)
comfort positioning — comfort positioning (holding)
complementary feeding — complementary feeding (solids introduction)
condom cath — condom catheter (external)
conscious sedation — moderate sedation (procedural)
conservative kidney — conservative kidney management (pathway)
Contact prec — contact precautions
contact precautions — contact precautions (isolation)
continuous feed — continuous tube feeding
core measures — core measures (quality)
counts correct — counts correct (documentation)
CPM — continuous passive motion
CPOE — computerized provider order entry
CPOT — Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool
CPR status — code status (documentation)
CPS report — child protective services report (process)
crackles — crackles (sound)
CRIES — Crying Requires oxygen Increased vital signs Expression Sleeplessness
CSU — catheter specimen of urine
cup feeding — cup feeding (method)
CVC child — central venous catheter (childhood)
D/C — discharge
D5NS — dextrose 5% in normal saline
D5W — dextrose 5% in water
daily weights — daily weights (order)
dangle — dangle (legs at bedside)
DASH diet — Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet
DAT — diet as tolerated
DBM — donor breast milk (banked)
deaccess — deaccess (port needle removal)
debridement wound — wound debridement (procedure)
debrief — debrief (post-event review)
Decub — decubitus
desat — desaturation events (NICU monitoring)
developmental care — developmental care (NICU model)
developmental surveillance — developmental surveillance (ongoing)
DFU — diabetic foot ulcer
dialysis machine — dialysis machine (device)
dispo — disposition (shorthand)
dispo pending — disposition pending
distraction — distraction techniques (procedural)
diversion — diversion (ED status)
division of responsibility — division of responsibility (feeding model)
DME — durable medical equipment
DMER — dysphoric milk ejection reflex
DNAR — do not attempt resuscitation
DNI — do not intubate
DNR/DNI — combined do-not-resuscitate do-not-intubate order
donor milk — donor human milk (feeding)
DOS — Delirium Observation Screening scale
DOT — directly observed therapy
DP pulse — dorsalis pedis (pulse/artery)
DPA — durable power of attorney
DPOA-HC — durable power of attorney for health care
drain volume — drain volume (peritoneal)
drains JP — Jackson-Pratt drain (device)
draw and hold — draw and hold (labs)
droplet precautions — droplet precautions (isolation)
drowning prevention — drowning prevention (guidance layers)
dry weight — dry weight (dialysis target)
DVPRS — Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale
dwell — dwell time (peritoneal exchange)
E cylinder — E cylinder (oxygen tank)
early decel — early deceleration (fetal)
EBM — expressed breast milk
ECC — epicutaneous caval catheter (neonatal PICC)
eloped — eloped (left unnoticed)
elopement precautions — elopement precautions
eMAR — electronic medication administration record
EMLA — eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (cream)
emollient — emollient therapy (barrier)
EN — enteral nutrition
engorgement — engorgement (breast fullness)
enteric precautions — enteric precautions
enuresis alarm — bedwetting alarm (treatment)
ESC care — eat sleep console (NOWS care)
ETT depth — endotracheal tube depth (lip line)
ETT holder — endotracheal tube holder (device)
excessive weight loss — excessive weight loss (newborn warning)
exclusive pumping — exclusive pumping (feeding method)
exit site — exit site infection (PD catheter)
expander — tissue expander (reconstruction)
failed screen — failed hearing screen (refer result)
failure to thrive — failure to thrive (growth)
fall mat — fall mat (floor mat)
fall precautions — fall precautions (order)
family presence — family presence (resuscitation)
fasting labs — fasting labs (order)
femoral line — femoral catheter (access)
FF — force fluids
FHR baseline — fetal heart rate baseline
FIM — Functional Independence Measure
finger feeding — finger feeding (method)
fire escape — home fire escape plan (guidance)
fire risk — fire risk assessment (OR)
fit test — fit test (respirator)
five rights — five rights of medication administration
flat nipples — flat or inverted nipples (feeding challenge)
FLD — full liquid diet
float — float (staffing)
floor — the floor (general ward)
Fluid chart — fluid balance chart
fluid restriction — fluid restriction (order)
fluoride varnish — fluoride varnish (application)
FMS — fecal management system
FNHTR — febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reaction
FOLEY — Foley catheter
Foley balloon — Foley balloon (cervical ripening)
Foley change — Foley catheter change
foremilk — foremilk (early feed milk)
fortifier — human milk fortifier (HMF)
four-limb BP — four-extremity blood pressures (coarctation)
FRAIL — FRAIL scale
FSE — fetal scalp electrode
FTT diet — failure to thrive (nutrition context)
full code — full code (status)
fundal height pp — fundal height (postpartum check)
furniture tip — furniture tip-over prevention (anchoring)
FWB — full weight-bearing
G-tube exchange — gastrostomy tube exchange
G-tube feed — gastrostomy tube feeding
GF diet — gluten-free diet
giraffe — Giraffe omnibed (NICU brand)
GOC — goals of care
GPAL — gravida para abortions living
grounding pad — grounding pad (electrosurgery)
growth chart review — growth chart review (visit element)
GT — gastrostomy tube
gun safety — firearm safe storage (counseling)
h.s. — hora somni (at bedtime)
HAI — healthcare-associated infection
handoff — handoff (shift report)
HAPI — hospital-acquired pressure injury
HCAHPS — Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems
HCAI — healthcare-associated infection
HCP — health care proxy
HDU — high dependency unit
head circumference — occipitofrontal circumference (measurement)
head covering sleep — head covering (sleep hazard)
hearing screening — hearing screening (newborn/child)
heel WB — heel weight bearing
helmet — helmet use (injury prevention)
hemo access — hemostasis (access post-dialysis)
HH — hand hygiene
Hickman — Hickman catheter (tunneled line)
high fiber diet — high-fiber diet
high pro diet — high-protein diet
high-alert med — high-alert medication
hindmilk — hindmilk (later feed milk)
HM — human milk (term)
HME trach — heat moisture exchanger (trach)
HOB — head of bed
HOB 30 — head of bed thirty degrees
hold med — hold medication (order)
home meds — home medications (list)
honey-thick — honey-thick liquids
hot water heater — water heater temperature (scald prevention)
Huber — Huber needle (port access)
I&O — intake and output
I&O cath — in-and-out catheterization
I&O strict — strict intake and output
I-PASS — I-PASS handoff bundle
IAD — incontinence-associated dermatitis
IADL — instrumental activities of daily living
IBCLC — International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
IDDSI — International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative
IDerm — intradermal
IDWG — interdialytic weight gain
IM — intramuscular
IMC — intermediate care unit
IMCU — intermediate care unit (full abbreviation)
immunization SIDS — immunization (no SIDS link)
incident report — incident report (occurrence report)
infant car seat challenge — infant car seat challenge (test)
infiltration access — needle infiltration (access injury)
inline suction — closed suction catheter (inline)
inner cannula — inner cannula (trach)
inpatient status — inpatient status (admission type)
instrument count — instrument count (surgical)
insulin drip — insulin infusion (DKA protocol)
interdisciplinary rounds — interdisciplinary rounds (IDR)
IO needle — intraosseous needle (device)
IPC — intermittent pneumatic compression
IS — incentive spirometer
ISMP — Institute for Safe Medication Practices
Isolation — isolation precautions
isolette — isolette (incubator)
IUC — indwelling urinary catheter
IUPC — intrauterine pressure catheter
IV — intravenous
IV access — intravenous access
IVP order — intravenous push (order)
IVPB — intravenous piggyback (order)
J-tip — J-tip needle-free injector
J-tube feed — jejunostomy tube feeding
jackknife — jackknife position (prone bent)
jet neb — jet nebulizer (device)
JP drain — Jackson-Pratt drain
JT — jejunostomy tube
kangaroo care — kangaroo care (NICU)
keto diet — ketogenic diet
kidney supportive — kidney supportive care (program)
KVO — keep vein open
LASA — look-alike sound-alike
latch — latch (breastfeeding quality)
LATCH score — LATCH score (breastfeeding)
late decel — late deceleration (fetal)
let-down — let-down reflex (milk ejection)
leveling — leveling (transducer reference)
LF diet — low-fat diet
life jacket — life jacket (USCG-approved)
line draw — line draw (blood from catheter)
lithotomy — lithotomy position
LKW — last known well (stroke time)
LLD — left lateral decubitus
LNMP — last normal menstrual period
LOC level — level of care (placement)
lock — catheter lock (heparin/saline)
low bed — low bed (safety)
low K diet — low-potassium diet
low phos diet — low-phosphorus diet
low residue — low-residue diet
low-lying UVC — low-lying umbilical venous catheter (position)
LP I — late preterm infant (care)
LPN — licensed practical nurse
LST — life-sustaining treatment
LVN — licensed vocational nurse
LW — living will
LWBS — left without being seen
M&M — morbidity and mortality conference
MAE — moves all extremities (exam phrase)
Mag toxicity — magnesium toxicity (obstetric)
maintenance bundle — line maintenance bundle (care)
MAR — medication administration record
MAR check — medication administration record check
MASD — moisture-associated skin damage
mastitis — mastitis (lactation)
MDI spacer — spacer (inhaler chamber)
MDRO precautions — multidrug-resistant organism precautions
meal support — meal support (eating disorder care)
mech soft — mechanical soft diet
med rec — medication reconciliation (shorthand)
medical home — medical home (care model)
medical play — medical play (preparation)
mesh neb — vibrating mesh nebulizer
MEWS — Modified Early Warning Score
milk bank — human milk bank (facility)
milk blister — milk bleb (nipple pore)
milk stools — milk stools (breastfed pattern)
milk storage — milk storage guidelines (handling)
milk transfer — milk transfer (feeding effectiveness)
minimal handling — minimal handling (preterm care)
mitt restraints — mitten restraints
MN — midnight (charting shorthand)
MOLST — Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment
MUAC — mid-upper arm circumference (nutrition screen)
murmur grades — murmur grading (1-6 scale)
MUST — Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool
N95 — N95 respirator
NAS — no added salt
nasal flaring — nasal flaring (distress sign)
NBM — nil by mouth
NCS — no concentrated sweets
NDD — National Dysphagia Diet
near miss — near miss (safety)
nebulizer mask — nebulizer mask (device)
nectar-thick — nectar-thick liquids
neutropenic precautions — neutropenic precautions (protective)
NEWS — National Early Warning Score
NEWS2 — National Early Warning Score 2
NG — nasogastric
NG decompression — nasogastric decompression (therapy)
NG dependence — nasogastric tube dependence (feeding)
NG feeds — nasogastric feeding (eating disorder care)
NG tube — nasogastric tube (device)
NGT — nasogastric tube
NIDCAP — Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program
nipple shield — nipple shield (feeding aid)
NIPS — Neonatal Infant Pain Scale
NKA — no known allergies
NKDA — no known drug allergies
NKFA — no known food allergies
non-tunneled — non-tunneled catheter (temporary access)
nonnutritive — nonnutritive sucking (pacifier comfort)
NOWS — neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (diagnosis)
NP — nurse practitioner
NPO — nil per os
NPO — nothing by mouth (order)
NPO after MN — nothing by mouth after midnight
NPWT — negative pressure wound therapy
NPWT change — negative pressure wound therapy change
NS — normal saline
NS flush — normal saline flush
Nu-DESC — Nursing Delirium Screening Scale
NWB — non-weight-bearing
O2 concentrator — oxygen concentrator (device)
OBS — observation
Obs chart — observation chart
obturator — obturator (trach introducer)
OG — orogastric
OG tube — orogastric tube (device)
OH — orthostatic hypotension (measurement)
on-call — on-call (availability)
one-time order — single dose order
OOB — out of bed
OOB ad lib — out of bed as desired
oral aversion — oral aversion (sensory)
ostomy appliance — ostomy appliance (pouch)
overheating — overheating (sleep risk)
oversupply — oversupply (hyperlactation)
p.c. — post cibum (after meals)
p.m. — post meridiem (afternoon/evening)
paced bottle — paced bottle feeding (method)
pacifier — pacifier use (guidance)
pacifier sleep — pacifier at sleep (protective association)
PACU — post-anesthesia care unit
PADSS — Post-Anesthetic Discharge Scoring System
PAINAD — Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (scale)
PAPR — powered air-purifying respirator
partial code — partial code (chemical code)
patching — patching therapy (amblyopia)
PCA — patient-controlled analgesia
PCEA — patient-controlled epidural analgesia
PCU — progressive care unit
peak flow child — peak flow monitoring (childhood)
peer review — peer review (clinical)
PEG tube — percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube
Penrose — Penrose drain
percent weight loss — percent weight loss (newborn check)
peripheral draw — peripheral blood draw
PEWS — Pediatric Early Warning Score
Phleb — phlebotomist
phototherapy — phototherapy (jaundice)
PI — performance improvement (abbreviation)
PI — pressure injury
PICC neonate — neonatal PICC (line)
PIPP — Premature Infant Pain Profile
Pit — Pitocin (charting shorthand)
plugged duct — plugged duct (lactation)
PN — parenteral nutrition
PO challenge — oral challenge (feeding)
POCT — point-of-care testing
POCUS — point-of-care ultrasound
POD — postoperative day
poison prevention — poison-proofing (home safety)
POLST — Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment
PONV — postoperative nausea and vomiting
pool fence — pool fencing (four-sided isolation)
poor feeding infant — poor feeding (presentation)
port child — implanted port (childhood)
POST — Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment
power pumping — power pumping (cluster pumping)
PPE — personal protective equipment
PPN — partial parenteral nutrition
pre/post ductal — pre- and post-ductal saturations
prn — as needed (lowercase form)
PRN order — as-needed order
procedural sedation — procedural sedation and analgesia
prolonged decel — prolonged deceleration (fetal)
proning team — proning team (staffing)
PT pulse — posterior tibial (pulse)
PTNS — percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation
PU — pressure ulcer
pudding-thick — pudding-thick liquids
puddle jumper — puddle jumper (flotation device caution)
pureed diet — pureed diet (texture level)
purple crying — PURPLE crying (education program)
PVC — peripheral venous catheter
PVR measure — post-void residual measurement
PWB — partial weight-bearing
Q12H — every twelve hours
Q2H — every two hours
q2h turns — turn every two hours
Q4H — every four hours
Q6H — every six hours
Q8H — every eight hours
QA — quality assurance (program)
qAM — every morning
QBL — quantitative blood loss
qd — once daily (lowercase form)
qhs — every night at bedtime (lowercase form)
QI — quality improvement (project)
qid — four times a day (lowercase form)
qod — every other day (lowercase form)
qPM — every evening
quad sets — quadriceps sets (exercise)
radiant warmer — radiant warmer (bed)
rainbow draw — rainbow draw (extra tubes)
rapid response — rapid response team activation
RASS — Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale
RCA — root cause analysis (abbreviation)
rear-facing — rear-facing (car seat stage)
recall check — product recall check (car seat/crib)
reconcile — medication reconciliation
rectal tube — rectal tube (device)
red reflex — red reflex (newborn eye exam)
REG — regular diet
renal diet — renal diet (potassium/phosphate restricted)
responsive feeding — responsive feeding (cue-based)
restraint — physical restraint (order)
resume med — resume medication (order)
retractions — retractions (distress sign)
reverse isolation — protective isolation (reverse)
reverse Trend — reverse Trendelenburg position
RLD — right lateral decubitus
RN — registered nurse
room check — room check (safety)
room-sharing — room-sharing (sleep guidance)
room-sharing benefit — room-sharing (protective)
root cause — root cause analysis (RCA)
rooting — rooting reflex (feeding)
rope ladder — rope-ladder cannulation (technique)
ROSC care — post-ROSC care
rounding — rounding (ward rounds)
routine order — routine (order priority)
safe sleep — safe sleep (ABC guidance)
safe sleep ABCs — ABCs of safe sleep (alone back crib)
safe storage meds — safe medication storage (up and away)
safe transport — safe transport (discharge element)
SAS — saline antibiotic saline (flush sequence)
SASH — saline antibiotics saline heparin (flush sequence)
SAT — spontaneous awakening trial
SBAR — situation, background, assessment, recommendation
SBS child — short bowel syndrome (childhood)
SBT — SBT (spontaneous breathing trial, shorthand)
SC — subcutaneous ⚠
SCD — sequential compression device
scheduled med — scheduled medication
scrub the hub — scrub the hub (line practice)
SDU — step-down unit (abbreviation)
seizure precautions — seizure precautions (order)
self-extubation — self-extubation (event)
sentinel event — sentinel event (safety)
serial exams sepsis — serial physical examinations (sepsis strategy)
shade/sunscreen — sun protection counseling (bundle)
shaken prevention — shaken baby prevention (education)
sharps count — sharps count (surgical)
sinusoidal — sinusoidal pattern (fetal heart)
site marking — site marking (surgery)
sitter — constant observer (sitter)
skin barrier — skin barrier (ostomy wafer)
skin-to-skin — skin-to-skin (kangaroo)
sleep sack — wearable blanket (sleep sack)
SLR exercise — straight leg raise (exercise)
SMBG — self-monitoring of blood glucose
smoke alarms — smoke alarms (home safety)
smoke evacuation — smoke evacuation (surgical plume)
SNS feeder — supplemental nursing system
SOAP — subjective, objective, assessment, plan
soft bedding — soft bedding (sleep hazard)
soft restraints — soft restraints (limb holders)
specimen label — specimen labeling (process)
spell — apnea spell (NICU charting)
SPF — sunscreen SPF (guidance)
spica cast — hip spica cast (immobilization)
sponge count — sponge count (surgical)
SQ — subcutaneous ⚠
square wave — square wave test (line damping)
SROM — SROM (spontaneous rupture of membranes)
SSD — soft diet (surgical soft)
staffing ratio — nurse-to-patient ratio
standard precautions — standard precautions (universal)
standing order — standing order (protocol)
STAT — immediately (statim)
stat dose — stat dose (single immediate)
step-down — step-down unit (intermediate care)
sterile water papules — sterile water injections (back pain)
stoma rod — stoma rod (bridge)
straight cath — straight catheterization (single)
STRATIFY — STRATIFY fall risk tool
subclavian caution — subclavian catheter (stenosis caution)
SubQ — subcutaneous
sucrose — oral sucrose (infant pain)
suction cath — suction catheter (device)
suicide precautions — suicide precautions (observation)
sunburn — sunburn (prevention)
sundowning — sundowning (term)
supination — supination (return to back)
supplementation — supplementation (feeding addition)
suprapubic cath — suprapubic catheter placement
surrogate — surrogate decision maker
swaddling — swaddling (sleep practice)
Sweet-Ease — Sweet-Ease (sucrose brand)
swim lessons — swim lessons (drowning prevention)
TcB — transcutaneous bilirubin (measurement)
TCDB — turn, cough, deep breathe
TDWB — touch-down weight bearing
TED — thromboembolism-deterrent hose
TED hose — thrombo-embolic deterrent stockings
telemetry box — telemetry transmitter (device)
telemetry unit — telemetry unit (monitored ward)
telephone order — telephone order (TO)
temp instability — temperature instability (newborn sign)
TENS labor — TENS (labor pain)
terminal delirium — terminal delirium (end of life)
thrill — thrill (access examination)
tid — three times a day (lowercase form)
time out — time out (surgical safety pause)
Timed Up and Go — Timed Up and Go test
TKO — to keep open
TOF monitoring — train-of-four monitoring (paralysis)
topical anesthetic child — topical anesthetic (EMLA)
TORB — telephone order read back
touch supervision — touch supervision (water safety)
tourniquet test — inflow/outflow assessment (access exam)
TPAL — term preterm abortions living
TPN — total parenteral nutrition
TPN-dependent — total parenteral nutrition dependent
TPR — temperature, pulse, respirations
trach collar — tracheostomy collar (device)
trach cuff — tracheostomy cuff (balloon)
transducer — pressure transducer (device)
transitional stool — transitional stool (newborn)
triple feeding — triple feeding (breast pump supplement)
trophic feed — trophic feeding
TTWB — toe-touch weight-bearing
tube weaning — tube weaning (program)
TUG — Timed Up and Go (abbreviation)
tummy time — tummy time (development activity)
tunneled line — tunneled catheter (access)
UAC — umbilical arterial catheter
UF goal — ultrafiltration goal (dialysis target)
UF PD — ultrafiltration (peritoneal)
umbilical lines — umbilical catheter (UAC/UVC)
UNHS — universal newborn hearing screening
UOP — urine output
UVC — umbilical venous catheter
variable decel — variable deceleration (fetal)
VAS pain — visual analog scale (pain)
venous pressure access — dynamic venous pressure (access monitoring)
verbal order — verbal order (VO)
VIS — Vaccine Information Statement
vision screening — vision screening (instrument)
VLU — venous leg ulcer
voiding pattern — voiding and stooling pattern (newborn charting)
VORB — verbal order read back
VRS — verbal rating scale (pain)
VRT — vestibular rehabilitation therapy
W/C — wheelchair
wander guard — wander management system
waste — waste (discard volume)
watcher — watcher (high-risk patient flag)
water watcher — water watcher (designated adult)
WBAT — weight-bearing as tolerated
weaning — weaning (feeding transition)
weight restoration — weight restoration (treatment goal)
well-child — well-child visit (preventive)
wet diapers — wet diapers (intake gauge)
wet wrap — wet wrap therapy (eczema)
WHO checklist — WHO Surgical Safety Checklist
Wound vac — negative pressure wound therapy
wound vac — wound VAC (device shorthand)
zeroing — zeroing (pressure line)
Printed from https://www.medicalvideos.com/medical-abbreviations/nursing/ · Full searchable guide: https://www.medicalvideos.com/medical-abbreviations/ · Educational reference only — verify against your institution's approved list.