| Term | Definition |
| Abx | antibiotic |
| ac | before meals |
| AD | right ear |
| ad lib | as desired |
| amps | ampules, ampoules |
| AS | left ear |
| AU | both ears |
| bg/BG | blood glucose |
| bid | twice (2 times) a day |
| /c | with |
| caps | capsules |
| CBG | capillary blood glucose |
| /cc | with meals |
| cc | cubic centimeter(s) |
| CPS | Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties |
| CVC | central venous catheter |
| CVL | central venous line |
| D/C | discharge. discontinue |
| elix. | liquid |
| FDHS | for duration of hospital stay |
| FFP | fresh frozen plasma |
| g, gm | gram(s) |
| gr. | grain(s) |
| GT | gastrostomy tube |
| gtt(s) | drop(s) |
| H/A | headache |
| hs | bedtime |
| ID | intradermal |
| IM | intramuscular |
| inj. | injection |
| I.U. | international units |
| IV | intravenous |
| K or Kx | Kardex |
| KCI | potassium chloride |
| kg | kilogram(s) |
| L | liter |
| L.A. | long acting |
| MAR | Medication Administration Record |
| mcg, ug | microgram(s) |
| mEq | milliequivalents |
| mg | milligram(s) |
| ml | milliliter(s) |
| MR | may repeat |
| MR x 1 | may repeat times 1 (1 time) |
| NaCl | sodium chloride |
| neb. | nebulizer |
| ng/NG | nasogastric (tube) |
| NS | normal saline |
| NSAID | non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug |
| OD | right eye |
| OS | left eye |
| OU | both eyes |
| pc | after meals (post cibum) |
| PCA | patient controlled analgesia |
| PCN | penicillin |
| po | by mouth |
| pr | per rectum |
| PRBC's | packed red blood cells |
| prn | as needed, as necessary |
| qd, daily, OD | every day, once daily, once a day, daily |
| qid | four times a day |
| qod | every other day |
| q2d | every second (2) days |
| R/O | rule out/ re-order |
| Rx | prescription |
| sc, sq, subq | subcutaneous |
| sl | sublingual |
| S/L | saline lock |
| SR | sustained release |
| STAT | immediately |
| str. | strength |
| supp(s) | suppository (ies) |
| susp. | suspension |
| syr | syrup |
| tab(s) | tablet(s) |
| tid | three times a day |
| TKVO | to keep vein open |
| TPN | total parenteral nutrition |
| U. | unit(s) |
| ung. | ointment |
| vag. | vaginally |
| via | by |
| WA | while awake |
| WDW | when drinking well |
| > | greater than |
| >/ | greater than or equal to |
| < | less than |
| /< | less than or equal to |
| / | per, by |
| PICC | peripherally inserted central catheter |