As a nurse, it's important to be familiar with the numerous acronyms and abbreviations commonly used in daily practice. Here is a comprehensive guide to the most frequently encountered nursing acronyms:
1. ADL - Activities of Daily Living
ADL refers to the basic self-care tasks that individuals perform daily, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. Nurses assess a patient's ability to independently perform ADLs to determine their level of functioning.
Example: The nurse observed that the patient required assistance with ADLs due to limited mobility.
2. BID - Twice a Day
BID is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase "bis in die," which means "twice a day." It is commonly used in medication orders to indicate that a particular medication should be taken two times within a 24-hour period.
Example: The doctor prescribed the antibiotic to be taken BID for ten days.
3. CPR - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
CPR is an emergency procedure performed to manually preserve brain function until further medical interventions can be implemented. It involves chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Example: The nurse initiated CPR immediately after the patient experienced cardiac arrest.
4. EHR - Electronic Health Record
An EHR is a digital version of a patient's medical history, including diagnoses, medications, laboratory results, and treatment plans. It allows healthcare professionals to access and share patient information easily.
Example: The nurse reviewed the patient's EHR to gather information about their previous medical conditions.
5. IV - Intravenous
IV refers to the administration of medications, fluids, or blood products directly into a vein. It is a common route used in healthcare settings for rapid and efficient delivery of treatments.
Example: The nurse started an IV line to administer the prescribed medication to the patient.
6. NPO - Nothing by Mouth
NPO is used to indicate that a patient should not be given any oral intake, including food or fluids. It is often ordered before surgeries or certain medical procedures to prevent aspiration.
Example: The nurse informed the patient that they had to be NPO starting from midnight for the upcoming surgery.
7. PRN - As Needed
PRN signifies that a medication or treatment should be administered as necessary, depending on the patient's symptoms or condition. It allows healthcare providers to provide interventions on a case-by-case basis.
Example: The nurse instructed the patient to take the pain medication PRN for moderate to severe pain.
8. STAT - Immediately
STAT is derived from the Latin word "statim," meaning "immediately." It is used to indicate that a medication or procedure should be performed without delay, often in emergency situations.
Example: The doctor ordered a STAT blood transfusion for the patient with severe anemia.
These are just a few examples of the many nursing acronyms and abbreviations you may encounter in daily practice. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with these terms to ensure effective communication and safe patient care.

Informatix Health Inc

☎️ (508) 388-2020 or (617) 333-8834

✉️ informatixhealth.com

visit our website https://informatixhealth.com/ or FB page https://www.facebook.com/InformatixHealthInc

Apply | informatixhealth.com