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Acronyms & Abbreviations

  • ABG: arterial blood gases.
  • ABx: antibiotics (usually as part of an order).
  • BUN: blood urea nitrogen, a waste product eliminated by the kidneys.
  • DCT: distal convoluted tubule of the nephron.
  • Dx: diagnosis.
  • GE: gastroenteric.
  • GFR: glomerular filtration rate, a measure of kidney function.
  • HbA1c: Hemoglobin A1c, a reliable and meal-independent measure of blood glucose levels over the previous three months.
  • Hx: history; usually of the patient.
  • IS: incentive spirometer, usually seen in orders.
  • LES: lower esophageal sphincter.
  • NAD: no acute distress (on handoff/discharge).
  • N/V/D: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • PaCO\(_2\): the partial pressure of CO\(_2\) in arterial blood.
  • PaO\(_2\): the partial pressure of O\(_2\) in arterial blood.
  • PCT: proximal convoluted tubule of the nephron.
  • pH: the negative logarithm of the H\(^+\) ion concentration in a chemical. Lower = more acidic.
  • PNS: parasympathetic nervous system.
  • Pt: the patient.
  • qd: (medication) daily.
  • RBC: red blood cells.
  • Rx: medication prescription.
  • SNS: sympathetic nervous system.
  • S/S: signs and symptoms.
  • TID: (medication) thrice daily.
  • VSS: vital signs (are) stable.
  • WBC: white blood cells.
  • WNL: within normal limits, i.e. the range of typical values for a given measurement.
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