View
236
Download
1
Category
Preview:
Citation preview
Medical Terminology
1.01 Identify abbreviations commonly used in the health care
setting.
Medical abbreviations
• Shortened forms of words• They are an efficient way of
communicating quickly and concisely with other health care workers.
• Health care workers use abbreviations to convey information about their patients/clients.
Medical abbreviations
• help save time and space on medical documents.
• Also known as short hand• usually just letters but #s are sometimes
used.
Examplesam (before noon)
H20 (water)
Medical abbreviations
• May be combined to give orders or directions
• Varies depending upon facility or culture
• Periods may or may not be usedExample: a.m. or am
Medical abbreviations
• Each individual is responsible for making sure that they are using the appropriate abbreviations for their agency.
• Incorrect / illegal abbreviations could lead to misunderstandings, confusion or anger.
Abbreviation Usage
• Be considerate when you use an abbreviation
• Your patients do not always know what the abbreviations mean.
Ex: NPO posted over the head of the bed (HOB)
• As a HCP you know what it means but the patient doesn’t , you need to explain to the pt. what it means.
Incorrect and illegal abbreviations
• Sometimes used by personnel due to not knowing facilities approved list.
• Ex: Jim is a FLK.• David Snow – 48 yoa SWM,
dyspnea, s.o.b., HA, chest pain & N & V.
Transcribe to abbreviated format
Suzanne to be admitted to the hospital through the emergency room department. She came in complaining of headache, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. She has a past history of heart attacks, stroke and high blood pressure. Orders are as follows:
1. Monitor blood pressure every two hours 2. Complete blood count, potassium, sodium
and magnesium levels3. Chest x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging
Abb. Written order
Suzanne adm. through ER dept. Pt. c/o HA, dyspnea, and chest pain. Past hx. Of MIs, CVA & HBP. Orders are as follows:1. ck BP Q2H2. CBC, K, Na and Mg levels3. Chest XR & MRI
Commonly used Abb.
• TPR & BP • ASAP• Stat• CA• HA• WNL• Ad lib
• am• Rx• tsp• q2h• mL• EEG • VS
Identification of common medical abbreviations
• abd - abdomen• amb - ambulate/walk• bid - twice a day• CCU - coronary care
unit or critical • CVA -
cerebrovascular accident / stroke
• po - by mouth
• OOB/oob - out of bed
• OR - operating room
• ER - emergency room
• PEDS - pediatrics• P.T. - physical
therapy
Discussion time and hands on practice.
FYI : You already use abbreviations.Ex: text messaging, email, time, etc…
References
• Health Careers Science Exploration Textbook – Chapter 7 pgs:
• NCDPI
Recommended