Medical Terminology is a specialised language used by health care practitioners . It’s their very own language and it helps them understand what is happening or what has to be done to help a patient.
Medical terminology is made up of the terms that describe body organs, systems, and their functions, body locations, diseases, clinical, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory testing, together with clinical procedures, surgeries, and diagnoses.
Medical Terms
The majority of medical words are based on Latin and Greek.
- Generally, terms dealing with diagnosis and surgery have Greek origins.
- Typically, terms dealing with anatomy have Latin origins.
There are two major categories of medical terms:
Descriptive – describing shape, colour, size, function, etc., and
Eponyms, terms used in medicine which are named after people and occasionally places or things. Examples of eponyms are fallopian tubes (uterine tubes-Gabriello Fallopio) and eustachian tubes (auditory tubes-Bartolommeo Eustachii). The problem with eponyms is that they give no useful information about what is or where to find the item named. In recent times, the trend has been toward replacing eponyms with descriptive names. For this reason, we will not spend time learning them. However, some things are known almost exclusively by their eponym.
For example: we know “paralysis agitans” as Parkinson’s disease.
To understand medical terms, you need to learn a few fundamentals of how medical terminology is constructed as a language.
There are three basic parts to medical terms:
- a prefix (comes at the beginning of medical term (but not always) and usually identifies some subdivision or part of the central meaning – e.g. indicate the direction, the where, or the when, or the amount)
- a root word (usually the middle of the word and indicating the body part involved)
- and a suffix (comes at the end and often is your first hint to the definition of the term. It can indicate a procedure, a condition, or a disease.
A medical term usually describes in one word a disease or condition that, under normal circumstances, would take several words to describe.
An example of this is the word ‘pericarditis.
The prefix is peri- meaning around or enclosing.
The root word – is card meaning heart.
The suffix is – itis meaning inflammation.
Therefore ‘pericarditis’ is the inflammation of the area surrounding the heart.
What is a Prefix
A prefix is a letter or group of letters placed at the beginning of a word to add further meaning to the word.
Common Prefixes
Prefix | Meaning | Example |
a/an | without or lack of | asymptomatic (no symptoms of disease) anemia (literally no blood but means few red cells) |
dys- | difficult, painful, uncomfortable | dyspnoea |
hydro | water | hydrocephalus |
pan | all | pandemic |
para | abnormal | paracentesis |
anti | against, opposed to, reversed | antibiotic |
contra | against, opposite | contralateral |
Prefixes that denote measurement or quantity
Prefix | Meaning | Example |
micro | small | microscopic |
mega | large | megaly |
macro | large | macroscopic |
poly | many | polycystic |
hyper | excess | hypertension |
hypo | deficiency | hypotension |
hemi | half | hemiplegia |
bi- | two | biceps |
Prefixes that denote colour
Prefix | Meaning | Example |
glauc | grey | glaucoma |
leuc/leuk | white | leucocyte |
erythr | red | erythrocyte |
melan | black | melanoma |
cirrh | yellow | cirrhosis |
cyan | blue | cyanosis |
Prefixes that denote speed
Prefix | Meaning | Example |
brady | slow | bradycardia |
tachy | fast | tachycardia |
Prefixes that denote direction
Prefix | Meaning | Example |
endo | within, inside of | endoscopy (to inspect the inside of an organ or space with a lighted instrument) |
peri | around | perianal (around the anus) |
circum | around | circumcise (cut around) |
retro | behind | retrosternal (behind the breastbone) |
epi | upon, on top | epidermis (the top or outermost layer of skin) |
trans | through | transurethral (through the urinary exit duct) |
intra | within | intravenous (inside the veins, e.g. IV fluids) |
sub | below | subclavian (below the clavicle = collar bone) |
What are Root Words
The root of a word is the part that contains the essential meaning of the word. Very often the root of the word relates to a body part. Therefore, if you have a good knowledge of root words then you at least understand which area of the body the word or term relates to.
Common Root words
The following are common root words that relate to body parts
Root Word | Example |
rhin | nose |
naso | nose |
crani | skull |
aural | ear |
ot | ear |
trache | trachea |
cervic | neck |
ophthalm | eye |
oral | mouth |
dent | teeth |
steth | chest |
mast | breast |
mamma | breast |
laparo | abdomen |
cost | ribs |
carp | wrist |
chiro | hand |
pod | foot |
encephal | brain |
cerebr | brain |
derm | skin |
dorsi | back or posterior |
abdomin/o | abdomen |
aden/o | gland |
aort/o | aorta |
bio | life |
bronch/i | bronchus |
cardi/o | heart |
cerebell/o | cerebellum |
cerebr/i | cerebrum |
cholecyst/o | gallbladder |
col/o | colon |
cost/o | rib |
cyan/o | blue |
cysti, | bladder or cyst |
dipl/o | double, twice |
enter/o | intestine |
erythr/o | red |
gastr/o | stomach |
gynec/o | female |
hemat/o | blood |
hepat/o | liver |
hist/o, | tissue |
intestin/o | intestine |
lacrima | tears |
laryng/o | larynx |
lith/o | stone (in gallbladder or kidney) |
lymph/o | lymph vessels |
mening/o | meninges |
myring/o | eardrum |
necr/o | death |
nephr/o | kidney |
neur/o | nerve |
path/o | disease |
pharmac/o | drug |
phleb/o | vein |
pleur/o | pleura, rib (side) |
ren/i | kidney |
sept/o | infection |
tend/o | tendon |
thorac/o | chest |
thyroid/o | thyroid gland |
trache/o | trachea |
tympan/o | eardrum |
ureter/o | ureter |
urethr/o | urethra |
Combining vowels
Sometimes medical terms have more than one root word. An example of this is the word leucocyte. The root words are ‘leuc’ meaning white and ‘cyte’ meaning a cell. To join these two words together the combining vowel ‘o’ was used to ensure a smoother flow with pronunciation.
The combining vowel is a word part, usually an o, and is used to ease pronunciation of the medical term. A combining vowel is used to connect two word roots and to connect a word root and a suffix.
There are four very important guidelines that must be followed for the use of combining vowels:
- When connecting a root word and suffix, a combining vowel is used if the suffix does not begin with a vowel.
Example, arthr-itis, leuk-aemia and hyster-ectomy. - When connecting a word root and a suffix, a combining vowel is usually not used if the suffix begins with a vowel.
- When connecting two word roots, a combining vowel is usually used even if vowels are present at the junction.
- When connecting a prefix and a word root, a combining vowel is not used.
Example, dysuria.
What is a Suffix
A suffix can be a letter or letters placed at the end of a word that also adds more meaning. In medical words the suffix often describes a condition procedure or a disease process.
Common Suffixes
Suffix | Meaning | Example |
phagia | eating or swallowing | dysphagia |
pnoea | breathing | tachypnoea |
rrhagia | burst forth, excessive flow | gastrorrhagia |
statis | stop or control | bacteriostasis |
uria | urination, urine | polyuria |
algia | pain | cephalgia |
cytosis | condition of cells | mastocytosis |
drome | run, running – simultaneous symptoms that depict a disease or condition | syndrome |
ism | state of or condition | anadrenalism |
itis | inflammation | tonsillitis, appendicitis |
malacia | softening | bronchomalacia |
megaly | enlargement | cardiomegaly |
osis | abnormal condition | cyanosis (of blueness, due to cold or low oxygen) |
oma | tumour or mass | melanoma |
Suffixes with similar meanings
The following suffixes all mean ‘relating to’ and form common endings for many medical words.
Suffix | Example |
ac | cardiac |
al | skeletal |
ary | salivary |
ar | muscular |
ic | allergic |
ical | surgical |
Suffixes referring to medical procedures
Suffixes | Meaning | Example |
ostomy | surgical opening | colostomy |
scopy/ scopic | looking at/examining | colonoscopy |
ectomy | removal of | tonsillectomy |
otomy | surgical incision | osteotomy |
plasty | repair | rhinoplasty |
graphy/ graph | Recording an image an image | mammography (imaging the breasts) electrocardiograph |
gram | the image (X-ray) | Mammogram electrocardiogram |
Whenever you see these endings, graphy, graph, gram, they relate to recording an image such as an X-ray, CT or MRI scan or a written recording with pen and moving paper. Mammography is the process of recording, i.e. the machine and procedure. Mammogram is the image itself, the X-ray. A recording of heart activity is called an electrocardiogram using an electrocardiograph. A recording of brain activity is an electroencephalogram and the medical procedure and machine is called electroencephalography.
Suffixes | Meaning | Example |
ology/ ologist | study, specialise in | cardiologist, nephrologist (study the heart, the kidneys) |
To see a lung specialist, you would visit a pulmonologist. To see a specialist in nerve and brain disease, make an appointment with a neurologist. If you have a bad eye infection, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist.
Medical Homonyms
Many medical words or phrases sound the same or similar but have quite different meanings. These words are called homonyms. A homonym is a word that is pronounced exactly like another word but has different meaning and different spellings.
In the medical situation extreme care must be taken to ensure that words are used in the correct context.
Here are some examples:
Abduction: Moving the limb or hand away from the body (midline).
Adduction: Moving the limb or hand towards the body (midline).
Aural: It relates to the ear or to the sense of hearing.
Oral: It refers to the mouth or speaking.
Flexor: It is a muscle that serves to flex or bend a part of the body.
Flexure: It denotes the bent portion of an organ or structure. Example: sigmoid flexure, splenic flexure.
Palpation: It is a method of feeling with the fingers or hands during physical examination.
Palpitation: It is the subjective feeling of an irregular or abnormally rapid heartbeat.
Vesical: It refers to the urinary bladder.
Vesicles: These are small, fluid-filled sacs that appear on the skin.
Strategies for tackling new words
An understanding of Medical Terminology is a vitally important trait for individuals working in a number of roles in the medical field, so you need to discover helpful hints to master the language.
With medical terminology, sounds are not always pronounced the same as in English, and sometimes there may be more than one acceptable pronunciation. You should learn how to pronounce phonetically.
See the patterns in words – Most medical terms can be broken down into smaller parts. These parts are typically a combination of a root word (the base of the word), a prefix (the first few letters of a word), and a suffix (the ending of a word). For example, the word pathology means “the study of disease”. How do we know? The root word “patho” means “of or relating to a disease” and the suffix “logy” means “the study of a [certain subject]”. Knowing this, we can then assume that words with similar roots have related meanings. Examples include cardiology (study of the heart), dermatology (study of the skin), and gastroenterology (study of the stomach). Breaking down words in this way reduces the amount of memorization you’ll have to do to master complex medical terms.
You can also download lists or “cheat sheets” that cover the most common medical roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Having this list as a guide and reference point will help you quickly understand any term that comes your way.
Your medical dictionary is one of your best resources for learning correct pronunciation and spelling of medical words. Medical practices generally have a number of medical dictionaries available in either hard copy or electronically.
Practice managers and other experienced staff can also provide assistance where necessary.
It is also possible to install specialised medical terminology spell check software on computers but users will still need to check that terminology has been used in the correct context.
Note: Ensure you are using an Australian medical dictionary. Words can be spelt differently in other countries such as America.
Body Systems
There are 10 body systems:
- Circulatory
- Respiratory
- Nervous
- Muscular
- Skeletal
- Digestive
- Endocrine
- Lymphatic, or immune system
- Reproductive
- Integumentary
Each organ belongs to one of ten human body systems. A body system is a group of parts that work together to serve a common purpose. These body systems are interconnected and dependent upon one another to function. By learning about the different systems working inside the body, you can understand how everything works together to keep a body healthy and strong.
Circulatory System
The circulatory system (also known as cardiovascular) has the job of transporting substances throughout the body. With a system of veins and arteries, blood moves continuously all over the body. Blood carries chemicals to the places they need to go, and it also transports waste products to be eliminated from the body. The circulatory system is very important because it works together with every other system and organ in the body.
The primary function of the circulatory system
- Is to transport of nutrients, oxygen, and hormones to cells throughout the body and removal of metabolic wastes (carbon dioxide, nitrogenous wastes).
- Protection of the body by white blood cells, antibodies, and complement proteins that circulate in the blood and defend the body against foreign microbes and toxins. Clotting mechanisms are also present that protect the body from blood loss after injuries.
- Regulation of body temperature, fluid pH, and water content of cells.
- The circulatory system works with the lymphatic system to carry water and nutrients throughout the body.
Main organs of the circulatory system
Your heart is the only circulatory system organ. Blood goes from the heart to the lungs to get oxygen. The lungs are part of the respiratory system. Your heart then pumps oxygenated blood through arteries to the rest of the body.
Circulatory System Terms
cardi/o | heart | endocarditis, myocarditis, pericarditis (inflammation of the lining, the muscle layer, the outer layer of the heart) |
brady/tachy | slow/fast | bradycardia (rate<60) tachycardia (rate>100) |
angi/o | vessel | angiography, angiogram (X-ray of artery) |
veno/phlebo | vein | venogram (X-ray of veins), phlebitis (inflammation of veins) |
stasis | to stop | hemostasis (to stop bleeding), hemostat (a clamp-like instrument) |
cyte | cell | erythrocytes, leukocytes (red, white blood cells) |
hem/o, -emia | blood | hypoxemia (low oxygen), hematosalpinx (blood in the uterine tubes) |
aort/o | aorta | aortic |
arteri/o | artery | arteriosclerosis |
coron/o | heart | coronary |
thromb/o | clot | thrombus |
Common procedures specific to the circulatory system
Procedure | Meaning |
Echo cardiogram | The use of ultrasound waves to investigate heart function |
Doppler | Instrument to measure ultrasound waves in blood vessels |
Electro-cardiogram (ECG) | Measures electrical conduction in the heart |
Pacemaker | Battery operated device that helps control heart rate |
Angiogram | Imaging of blood vessels using a contrast medium and CT scan |
Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) | Resus consisting of artificial respiration and manual heart compressions |
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) | Surgery performed to by-pass a diseased artery |
Defibrillation | Administering an electric shock to restore heart rhythm and rate in cases of cardiac arrest |
Common conditions relating to the circulatory system
Word | Meaning |
Angina | Severe pain in the chest, often also spreading to the shoulders, arms, and neck |
Myocardial infarct (mi) | Heart attack |
Cardiac arrest | A sudden, sometimes temporary, cessation of the heart’s functioning. |
Hypotension | Low blood pressure |
Hypertension | High blood pressure |
Palpitations | A sensation in which a person is aware of an irregular, hard, or rapid heartbeat |
Arteriosclerosis | The thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries, occurring typically in old age. |
Mitral valve stenosis | Narrowing of the mitral valve of the heart. |
Aortic aneurysm | An abnormal bulge in the major blood vessel (aorta) which carries blood from the heart to rest of the body. |
Deep vein thrombosis | A condition in which blood clots form in veins located deep inside the body, usually in the thigh or lower legs. |
Respiratory System
Breathing in air and using the oxygen in it are the most important functions of the respiratory system. The body breathes in air through the nose and the mouth. The air moves through airways to the lungs. In the lungs, fresh oxygen goes into the blood for transport throughout the body. Carbon dioxide moves out of the body as you exhale.

The primary function of the Respiratory System
Is to transport air into the lungs and to facilitate the diffusion of oxygen into the blood stream.
The main organs of the Respiratory System are
The main organ of the respiratory system is the lungs. Other respiratory organs include the nose, the trachea and the breathing muscles (the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles).
Respiratory System Terms
Rhin/o | Nose | Rhinitis, rhinorrhea (inflammation of and “runny” nose) |
Laryng/o | Larynx, “voice box”* | Laryngotomy, Laryngectomy (cutting into, surgically removing the larynx) |
Trache/o | Trachea, “windpipe” | Tracheotomy, tracheostomy (temporary and permanent openings) |
Bronch/o | Lung air passageways | Bronchoscopy (looking into the bronchi) |
Pne/u, -pnea | Breath, air, lung | Tachypnea, dyspnea, apnea (accelerated, difficult/painful, cessation of breathing) |
Pulmo/o | Lung | Pulmonary artery |
ptysis | Spitting (coughing) | Hemoptysis (spitting or coughing up blood from lungs) |
plasty | Reconstruction | Rhinoplasty (surgical reconstruction of nose) |
cost | ribs | intercostals |
pleura | lining of lungs | pleurisy |
Procedures relating to the Respiratory System
Procedure | Meaning |
Tracheostomy | Surgical incision into the trachea sometimes used for obstructive breathing |
Laryngectomy | Removal of the larynx |
Lung biopsy | A removal of a small portion of tissue from an area of the lung for examination |
Spirometer | An instrument measuring the volume of air inhaled and exhaled |
Bronchoscopy | A tube (a bronchoscope) is passed through the trachea and bronchi for investigation or to remove a foreign body |
CXR | Chest x-ray |
Peak Flow Meter | Measures expiratory volume |
Common conditions of the Respiratory System
Word | Meaning |
URTI | Upper respiratory tract infection, is an acute infection involving the nose, throat, pharynx, larynx which is characterised by sore throat, sneezing, stuffy nose and cough. |
Pleurisy | Inflammation of the pleura lining of the lungs which impairs their lubricating function and causes pain when breathing |
Haemothorax | An accumulation of blood within the pleural cavity. |
Pneumothorax | The presence of air or gas in the cavity between the lungs and the chest wall, causing collapse of the lung. |
Tuberculosis | A contagious chronic lung disease caused by bacteria that mainly affects the lungs but can also affect any other organ including bone, brain and spine. |
Epistaxis | Bleeding from the nose. |
Cyanosis | A bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood. |
Dyspnoea | Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. |
Emphysema | Long-term, progressive disease of the lungs that results in shortness of breath due to destruction and dilation of the alveoli |
Bronchospasm | Sudden contraction of the bronchial muscles. |
Pulmonary Embolism (PE) | A condition in which one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs gets blocked by a blood clot. This causes chest pain, breathlessness and cough. |
Asthma | A lung disorder characterised by narrowing of the bronchial airways, the tubes which carry air into the lungs, that are inflamed and constricted, causing shortness of breath, wheezing and cough. |
Hyperventilate | Breathe at an abnormally rapid rate, so increasing the rate of loss of carbon dioxide. |
Nervous System
The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to various parts of the body.
The primary function of the nervous system
The nervous system acts as the coordinator of all activities of the body. Different parts of your body send messages to the brain through the nerves and spinal cord. Once your brain gets these messages, it responds by interpreting the messages and reacting. The brain can then send instructions out to the body.
Major organs of the nervous system
The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, sensory organs, and all of the nerves that connect these organs with the rest of the body.
Nervous System Terms
cephal/o | head | cephalgia (a headache) |
crani | skull | craniotomy |
encephal/o | inside the head (brain) | encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) Anencephalic (born without a brain) |
mening/o | membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord | meningitis (inflammation of the membranes) |
myel/o | spinal cord | myelogram (X-ray of the spinal cord) |
neur/o | nerve | neuroma (tumor) Neuritis (inflammation) |
dys | difficult, painful, abnormal | dyslexia (difficulty reading) |
cele | hernia, abnormal protrusion of structure out of normal anatomical position | meningomyelocele (protrusion of membranes and spinal cord) |
pathy | disease, abnormality | encephalopathy (disease of the brain) Neuropathy (disease of the nerves) |
plasia | development, formation, growth | aplasia (no development) hyperplasia (over development) |
plegia | paralysis | hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body) quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) |
Common conditions relating to the nervous system
Word | Meaning |
Hemiplegia | Paralysis of one side of the body. |
Quadriplegia | Paralysis of all four limbs |
Paraplegia | Paralysis of the legs and lower body |
Haematoma | A solid swelling of clotted blood within the tissues. |
Epilepsy | A neurological disorder that causes seizures or unusual sensations and behaviours. |
Alzheimer’s disease | A type of brain disorder that causes problems with memory, thinking and behaviour. This is a gradually progressive condition. |
Dementia | Brain symptoms causing decline in mental ability |
Brain tumour | A mass of abnormal cells in the brain (can be benign or malignant) |
Cerebro-vascular-accident (CVA) | Also known as a Stroke, it occurs when the supply of blood to the brain is reduced or blocked completely, which prevents brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. |
Transient Ischaemic-Attack (TIA) | Also known as a Mini-Stroke, it is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction resulting from an interruption in the blood supply to the brain or the eye, sometimes as a precursor of a stroke. |
Neuritis | Inflammation of a peripheral nerve or nerves, usually causing pain and loss of function. |
Encephalitis | An inflammation of the brain usually caused due to infection that causes flu like symptoms like headache or fever. |
Neuralgia | A severe pain due to damaged nerves that causes severe burning pain. |
Meningitis | Inflammation of the meninges in the brain. |
Hydrocephalus | A condition where there is an abnormal amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) int eh ventricles of the brain. |
Musculoskeletal System
Muscular System
The muscular system has three different kinds of muscles: cardiac, smooth, and voluntary. Cardiac muscles are in your heart, and these muscles have the job of pumping blood. The smooth muscles are the ones that work inside your body for functions like digesting food. Voluntary muscles are the ones that you control with your brain to move your body. The muscular system might weigh as much as one-half of a person’s total body weight. The body has different types of muscles that are designed to perform different types of jobs, some voluntary and others involuntary.
Skeletal System
The bones, tendons, and ligaments in the body make up the skeletal system. This system is in charge of supporting the body and all of the systems in it. Teeth are also part of the skeletal system. Bones are strong so they can protect fragile organs inside the body. The ribs are in place in the chest to protect the heart and lungs. Bones have a tough outer covering and an inner spongy layer that contains marrow.
An adult human body contains 206 bones that are connected by ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
A baby has approximately 270 bones, some of which will fuse together as a child grows.
The main function of the Musculoskeletal System
The main function of the Muscular System
- Is movement. Muscles are the only tissue in the body that has the ability to contract and therefore move the other parts of the body.
- The maintenance of posture and body position.
The main function of the Skeletal System
Support, movement, protection, production of blood cells, storage of minerals and endocrine regulation.
Musculoskeletal system terms
Oste/o | Bone | Osteitis, osteoma, osteocyte |
Chondr/o | Cartilage | Chondritis, chondroma, chondrocyte |
Arthr/o | Joint | Arthritis, arthroplasty |
Myel/o | Bone marrow | Myeloma |
Ten/o, tendin/o | Tendon (binds muscle to bone) | Tendonitis, tenorrhaphy |
Ligament/o | Ligament (binds bone to bone) | Ligamentous injury |
Burs/o | Bursa,“bag”, (shock absorber between tendons and bones) | Bursitis |
My/o, myos/o | Muscle | Myoma, myositis |
Malacia | Softening | Osteomalacia, chondromalacia |
Porosis | Porous | Osteoporosis |
Asthenia | Weakness, loss of strength | Myasthenia gravis |
Trophy | Development, stimulation, maintenance | Atrophy (shrivelling of muscles), hypertrophy (increase in size and strength of muscles) |
Algia, algesia | Pain | Myalgia, arthralgia, analgesia (take away pain |
Common procedures associated with muscles and bones
Procedure | Meaning |
Bone scan | Using radioactive dye to illuminate all bones of the body |
Arthroscopy | Examination of the knee joint using a scope |
Arthrocentesis | Removal of fluid from a joint |
Discectomy | Removal of a disc from the spine |
Common conditions associated with the musculoskeletal system
Word | Meaning |
Kyphosis | Weakness of the spine causing a bend in the spine |
Carpel tunnel syndrome | A condition when the radial nerve is caught between the radius and ulna at the wrist |
Osteoarthritis | Inflammation of a joint |
Gout | Inflammation of joints caused by an increase of uric acid |
Scheuermann’s disease | An inflammatory condition affecting the spine |
Myocardial infarction (MI) | An infarction is blockage of blood flow resulting in death of muscle tissue. |
Angina pectoris | “Pain in chest” Anginal pain indicates not enough blood is getting to the heart muscle |
Arrhythmia/dysrhythmia | abnormal heart rates and rhythms all have special names like ventricular tachycardia, fibrillation, but generically are termed arrhythmias or dysrhythmia, meaning “no rhythm” and “abnormal rhythm.” |
Ischemia | The heart muscle is not getting enough blood flow, more importantly, the oxygen the blood carries is insufficient to sustain muscle which has a very high metabolic rate, and oxygen demand. The term loosely means “not quite enough blood.” Typically, the patient suffers angina pain. |
The most common condition affecting bones is fractures. The following is a list of words and their meanings that relate to bone fractures.
Word | Meaning |
Colles fracture | is a fracture at the distal end of the radius |
Greenstick | an incomplete break in a bone in children |
Comminuted fracture | the bone is broken into more than two pieces |
Potts fracture | a fracture at the lower end of the fibula |
Compound fracture | the skin has been broken |
Simple fracture | a clean break with little damage to surrounding tissue |
NOF | neck of femur (the head of the thigh bone) fracture |
Digestive System
The digestive system is in charge of taking the food you eat and turning it into the fuel your body needs to function. With every bite of food, saliva begins working immediately to get food ready to swallow. The tongue and teeth also help with this process. After swallowing food, it moves down the oesophagus to the stomach for digestion. Food then moves through the intestines, where the digestive system breaks down and absorbs nutrients for the body to use.
The human digestive system consists of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract plus the accessory organs of digestion. The digestive tract, which passes from the mouth through the oesophagus and onwards through the intestines, has a length of about 5 metres in a normal adult.
The major parts of the digestive system
The major parts of the digestive system
- Salivary glands
- Pharynx
- Oesophagus
- Stomach
- Small Intestine
- Large Intestine
- Rectum
- Accessory digestive organs: liver, gallbladder, pancreas

The functions of the digestive system
Functions of the GI system
• Motility: movement through the GI tract
• Digestion: breakdown of food or chyme
• Secretion and absorption: across and epithelial layer either into the GI tract (secretion) or into blood (absorption)
• Storage and elimination
Functions of the Oesophagus
• From pharynx to stomach
• Salivary glands release mucus for lubrication, antimicrobial agents, and amylase to digest starch.
• Epiglottis covers respiratory tract during swallowing
• At end of oesophagus is the lower oesophagus sphincter (LES)
• Propulsion of food occurs through peristalsis: contraction occurs behind the bolus of food and relaxation occurs ahead of the bolus of food.
Functions of the Stomach
• Store food
• Initiate digestion of proteins
• Kill bacteria with the strong acidity (low pH of the gastric juice)
• Make chyme
Functions of the small intestine
The small intestine has three parts: the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. It helps to further digest food coming from the stomach. It absorbs nutrients (vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins) and water from food so they can be used by the body.
Functions of the large intestine
The purpose of the large intestine is to absorb water and salts from the material that has not been digested as food and get rid of any waste products left over. By the time food mixed with digestive juices reaches your large intestine, most digestion and absorption has already taken place.
Digestive System Terms
Term | Meaning | Example |
gastr/o | stomach | gastritis, gastrectomy |
hepat/o | liver | hepatitis (inflammation of), hepatoma (tumor of) |
chol/e | gall, bile | cholecystitis, cholecystectomy (inflammation of, removal of gallbladder) |
emes/o | vomit | emesis (vomiting), emetic (stimulating vomiting), antiemetic (stopping vomiting) |
lith/o | stone | cholelithotomy (removal of gall stones) |
lapar/o | abdominal wall | laparotomy (cutting into the abdomen) |
centesis | to puncture | abdominocentesis (puncturing and draining) |
tripsy | to crush | cholelithotripsy (smashing gall stones with sound waves) |
rrhea | flow, discharge | diarrhea |
iasis (-osis) | abnormal condition | cholelithiasis (presence of gall stones causing symptoms) |
Common procedures specific to the digestive system or the GI Tract
Procedure | Meaning |
Colonoscopy | an examination of the colon using a scope |
Colostomy | a surgical procedure diverting the colon to the outside of the abdomen |
Hemicolectomy | removal of half of the colon |
Laparoscopy | small incision into the abdomen using a scope |
Oesophagoscopy | examination of the oesophagus |
Common conditions relating to the gastrointestinal tract
Word | Meaning |
Gastritis | A group of conditions that cause inflammation of the stomach lining. |
Hepatitis | Inflammation of the liver, caused by infectious or toxic agents |
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) | Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach. |
Halitosis | Bad breath can be a sign of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. If you tend to have heartburn or reflux, your bad breath could be related to the excess acid produced by your digestive tract. Those acids can have a sour odour, affecting your breath. |
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) | A chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine causing diarrhoea, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating and flatulence. |
Dysphagia | Difficulty in swallowing food or liquid. |
Haemorrhoids | Enlargement of the normal spongy blood-filled cushions in the wall of the anus |
Hiatus hernia | The stomach passes partly or completely into the chest cavity through the oesophageal opening. |
Haematemesis | Vomiting blood |
Cholelithiasis | The formation of stones in the gall bladder |
Dyspepsia | A condition where digestion is impaired (indigestion). It causes persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen. |
Crohn’s disease | A condition causing inflammation of segments of the digestive tract |
Endocrine System
The endocrine system is made up of glands that make hormones. Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers. They carry information and instructions from one set of cells to another.
The endocrine system influences almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies.
The primary function of the Endocrine System
Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream. This lets the hormones travel to cells in other parts of the body.
The endocrine hormones help control mood, growth and development, the way our organs work, metabolism and reproduction.
The endocrine system regulates how much of each hormone is released. This can depend on levels of hormones already in the blood, or on levels of other substances in the blood, like calcium. Many things affect hormone levels, such as stress, infection, and changes in the balance of fluid and minerals in blood.
The major glands that make up the endocrine system
While many parts of the body make hormones, the major glands that make up the endocrine system are the:
- hypothalamus
- pituitary gland
- thyroid
- parathyroids
- adrenal glands
- pineal body
- reproductive glands (which include the ovaries and testes)
The pancreas is part of the endocrine system and the digestive system. That’s because it secretes hormones into the bloodstream and makes and secretes enzymes into the digestive tract.
Functions of the various glands
Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus is in the lower central part of the brain. It links the endocrine system and nervous system. Nerve cells in the hypothalamus make chemicals that control the release of hormones secreted from the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus gathers information sensed by the brain (such as the surrounding temperature, light exposure, and feelings) and sends it to the pituitary. This information influences the hormones that the pituitary makes and releases.
Pituitary: The pituitary gland is at the base of the brain and is no bigger than a pea. Despite its small size, the pituitary is often called the “master gland.” The hormones it makes control many other endocrine glands.
The pituitary gland makes many hormones, such as:
- growth hormone, which stimulates the growth of bone and other body tissues and plays a role in the body’s handling of nutrients and minerals
- prolactin, which activates milk production in women who are breastfeeding
- thyrotropin which stimulates the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones
- corticotropin which stimulates the adrenal gland to make certain hormones
- antidiuretic hormone, which helps control body water balance through its effect on the kidneys
- oxytocin which triggers the contractions of the uterus that happen during labour
The pituitary also secretes endorphins, chemicals that act on the nervous system and reduce feelings of pain. The pituitary also secretes hormones that signal the reproductive organs to make sex hormones. The pituitary gland also controls ovulation and the menstrual cycle in women.
Thyroid: The thyroid is in the front part of the lower neck. It’s shaped like a bow tie or butterfly. It makes the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones control the rate at which cells burn fuels from food to make energy. The more thyroid hormone there is in the bloodstream, the faster chemical reactions happen in the body.
Parathyroids: Attached to the thyroid are four tiny glands that work together called the parathyroids. They release parathyroid hormone, which controls the level of calcium in the blood with the help of calcitonin, which the thyroid makes.
Adrenal Glands: These two triangular adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney. The adrenal glands have two parts, each of which makes a set of hormones and has a different function:
- The outer part is the adrenal cortex. It makes hormones called corticosteroids that help control salt and water balance in the body, the body’s response to stress, metabolism, the immune system, and sexual development and function.
- The inner part is the adrenal medulla. It makes catecholamines, such as epinephrine. Also called adrenaline, epinephrine increases blood pressure and heart rate when the body is under stress.
Pineal: The pineal body, also called the pineal gland, is in the middle of the brain. It secretes melatonin a hormone that may help regulate when you sleep at night and when you wake in the morning.
Reproductive Glands: The gonads are the main source of sex hormones. Most people don’t realise it, but both males and females have gonads. In males, the male gonads, or testes are in the scrotum. They secrete hormones called androgens, the most important of which is testosterone. These hormones tell a male body when it’s time to make the changes associated with puberty, like penis and height growth, deepening voice, and growth in facial and pubic hair. Working with hormones from the pituitary gland, testosterone also tells a male body when it’s time to make sperm in the testes.
A female’s gonads, the ovaries are in her pelvis. They make eggs and secrete the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is involved when a female starts puberty. During puberty, a female will have breast growth, start to accumulate body fat around the hips and thighs, and have a growth spurt. Estrogen and progesterone are also involved in the regulation of a female’s menstrual cycle. These hormones also play a role in pregnancy.
Pancreas: The pancreas makes insulin and glucagon which are hormones that control the level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. Insulin helps keep the body supplied with stores of energy. The body uses this stored energy for exercise and activity, and it also helps organs work as they should.
Endocrine System Terms
Word | Meaning | Example |
aden/o | gland | adenoma |
adren/o | adrenal glands | adrenal glands |
crin/o | to secrete | endocrinology |
glyc/o | sugar or glucose | glycogen |
dipsia | Thirst | polydipsia |
pancreat/o | pancreas | pancreatitis |
pineal/o | pineal gland | pineal gland |
pituit/o | pituitary | pituitary gland |
poly | many | polycystic |
thyr/o | thyroid | thyroglobulin |
Common clinical procedures associated with the endocrine system
Procedure | Meaning |
Adrenalectomy | Removal of an adrenal gland |
Hypophysectomy | Removal of the pituitary gland |
Pancreatectomy | Removal of a portion of the pancreas |
Pancreatotomy | Incision into the pancreas |
Parathyroidectomy | Surgical removal of parathyroid glands |
Thyroidectomy | Surgical removal of the thyroid gland |
Common conditions associated with the endocrine system
Word | Meaning |
Adrenalin | A hormone released in response to stress |
Hypothyroidism | A condition resulting from decreased production of thyroid hormones. The symptoms vary between individuals. |
Hyperthyroidism | Over production of hormones by the thyroid gland located at the front of neck. It causes rapid heartbeat, sudden weight loss, tremor, difficulty sleeping and changes in menstrual cycle. |
Hypoglycaemia | Low blood glucose or low blood sugar |
Hyperglycaemia | An excess of glucose in the bloodstream, often associated with diabetes mellitus. |
Thyroid cancer | A cancer that develops when the cells of the thyroid gland grow and divide in an abnormal way. It causes difficulty swallowing hoarseness, lump on the neck, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. |
Thyrotoxicosis | A toxic amount of thyroid hormone in the blood. |
Goitre | A swelling of the neck resulting from enlargement of the thyroid gland. |
Polydipsia | Excessive thirst |
Polyuria | Increased production of urine. |
One of the most common endocrine disorders is diabetes Type I Diabetes (IDDM) Insulin dependent diabetic.
This is a form of early onset diabetes usually first diagnosed in childhood. This form of diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Insulin has stopped being produced by the pancreas. Therefore, insulin injections are needed to control blood sugar levels (BSL).
Symptoms include:
- polydipsia (increased thirst)
- polyuria (increased urine production)
- weight loss
- lethargy (tiredness)
- hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose)
Type II Diabetes (NIDDM) Non-insulin dependent diabetic
This is a form of diabetes associated with poor lifestyle choices. People who have Type II diabetes are often overweight and do not exercise regularly. There is often a family history of this type of diabetes. Symptoms may be minimal, or they may be asymptomatic. BSL’S (blood sugar levels) are often very high. The pancreas continues to produce insulin but not in adequate amounts to control BSL’S. The treatment for this form of diabetes is:
- Diet
- Exercise
- Medications/sometimes
- Insulin injections/sometimes
90% of people diagnosed with diabetes have Type II.
Gestational Diabetes – This is a form of diabetes occurring during pregnancy and usually resolves itself following the birth.
Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system (also known as the bodies sewerage system) is a network of tissues, vessels and organs that work together to move lymph back into your bloodstream. The lymphatic system is part of your immune system (The immune system protects the body against infection and disease).
Just as we eliminate our wastes into a toilet, each one of your 50+ trillions cells eliminate their wastes into the lymphatic system. These wastes are carried out to the lymph nodes by the lymph vessels, in the same way as the sewer pipes in a house would carry wastes to a septic tank.
The primary function of the lymphatic system
Is to transport lymph, a clear fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells (known as a lymphocyte), throughout the body. Lymph contains tissue fluid, waste products and immune system cells.
The main organs associated with the lymphatic system
The tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells that fight infections and other diseases are the thymus and bone marrow, as well as secondary lymphatic tissues including spleen, tonsils, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, adenoids, skin and liver.
Lymphatic system terms
Word | Meaning | Example |
aden | gland | adenoids |
cyte | cell | cytopenia |
haem | blood | haemoglobin |
lymph | lymph | lymphatic |
spleen | spleen | splenomegaly |
thromb | clot | thrombosis |
thym | thymus | thymoma |
Common definitions associated with the lymphatic system
- Antigen: substances that cause anti-body production
- Antibody: attacks harmful cells
- Vaccination: produces immunity against disease
- Allergy: hypersensitivity to a substance
- Anaphylaxis: emergency caused by an allergen
Common conditions associated with the lymphatic system
Word | Meaning |
Glandular fever | An infectious viral disease characterised by swelling of the lymph glands and prolonged lassitude. Also called infectious mononucleosis. |
Tonsillitis | Swelling of tonsils located at the back of the throat due to infection. |
Hodgkin’s disease | A cancer that develops in the lymphatic system due to abnormal B-cells. It causes enlarged lymph nodes without pain in neck, armpits or groin, fever, fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss. |
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) | An acquired viral infection that destroys important white blood cells and weakens the immune system. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. When a person becomes infected with HIV, the virus attacks and weakens the immune system. |
Male Reproductive System
The male reproductive system is the system of sex organs of male human beings that are a part of the overall reproductive process.

The primary function of the male reproductive system
- To produce, maintain and transport sperm (the male reproductive cells) and protective fluid (semen)
- To discharge sperm within the female reproductive tract.
- To produce and secrete male sex hormones.
The main organs of the male reproductive system
Testes, prostate glands, sperm ducts, epididymis, urethra and penis.
Male reproductive system terms
Word | Meaning | Example |
andr/o | male | androcyte |
orchi | testes | orchitis |
prostat | prostate | prostatectomy |
balan/o | glans penis | balanoposthitis |
gonad/o | gonads | gonadotrophin |
scrot/o | scrotum | scrotoplasty |
test/o | testis, testicle | testosterone |
Common conditions/procedures of the male reproductive system
Condition/Procedure | Meaning |
Testicular cancer | cancer that develops in a testicle |
Vasectomy | procedure where the tubes that carry sperm (vas deferens) are blocked |
TURP | trans urethral resection of the prostate |
Prostate disease | benign prostate enlargement and prostate cancer |
STIs | bacteria or viruses acquired through sexual contact |
Infertility | the inability to achieve a pregnancy in a fertile woman due to low sperm production, blockages or other factors |
Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system is the system of sex organs of female human beings that are a part of the overall reproductive process.

The primary functions of the female reproductive system
- Produces the female egg cells necessary for reproduction, called the ova or oocytes
- Prepares to support a developing embryo
Undergoes changes according to the menstrual cycle - Production of sex hormones
The main organs of the female reproductive system
Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, vulva, mammary glands and breasts.
Female reproductive system terms
Word | Meaning | Example |
ovari/oophor | ovary | ovarian cyst/oophorectomy |
oo | egg/ovum | oocyte donation |
salping | fallopian tubes | salpingectomy |
metr | uterus | endometrium |
feto | fetus/foetus | fetus/foetus |
colp | vagina | colposcopy |
hyster | uterus | hysterectomy |
men | menstruation | menopause |
lact | milk | lactation |
Common procedures relating to the female reproductive system
Procedure | Meaning |
Salpingectomy | The surgical removal of a fallopian tube. |
Hysterectomy | Surgical removal of the uterus. |
Mammogram | X-ray film of the breast |
Papanicolaou (Pap) smear | Sample of cells of cervix are harvested and examined under microscopic analysis; the presence of cervical or vaginal carcinoma can be detected. |
Common conditions relating to the female reproductive system
Word | Meaning |
Dysmenorrhoea | Painful menstruation |
Amenorrhoea | An abnormal absence of menstruation. |
Menorrhagia | Abnormally heavy bleeding at menstruation. |
Fibrocystic breast disease | Benign cysts within the breast tissue which give it a lumpy, irregular texture. |
PID | Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs. |
Ectopic pregnancy | A condition where fertilised egg attaches outside the uterus. If untreated, it may lead to life-threatening bleeding. |
Endometriosis | Tissue usually found in the uterus occurring in other parts of the body |
Fibroid | A benign tumour of muscular and fibrous tissues, typically developing in the wall of the uterus. |
Placenta praevia | A condition in which the placenta partially or wholly blocks the neck of the uterus, thus interfering with normal delivery of a baby. |
Mastitis | Inflammation of the breast tissue |
Integumentary System
The integumentary system is the set of organs that forms the external covering of the body and protects it from many threats such as infection and abrasion.
The primary function of the integumentary system
Is to act as a barrier to protect the body from the outside world. It also functions to retain body fluids, protect against disease, eliminate waste products, and regulate body temperature.
The main organs of the integumentary system
Skin (the largest organ of the body), hair, nails and exocrine glands.

Integumentary system terms
Word | Meaning | Example |
derm | skin | dermatitis |
scler | hardening | sclermoderma |
melan | black colour | melanocyte |
kerat | thick layer | keratin |
Common procedures specific to the skin
Excision: Removal of a skin lesion
Skin biopsy: Removal of a small amount of tissue for examination
Cryotherapy: Application of extreme cold to destroy abnormal cells
Curettage: Scraping of a superficial skin lesion for examination
Common conditions associated with skin damage
Word | Meaning |
Dermatitis | Inflammation of the skin |
Melanoma | A type of skin cancer which develops from the cells (melanocytes) that control pigment of the skin. |
SCC: squamous cell carcinoma | A type of skin cancer, which forms in the middle and outer layer of the skin. |
BCC: basal cell carcinoma | A type of skin cancer which develops in basal cells, a type of cell within the skin t produces new skin cells. |
Scleroderma | A chronic hardening and contraction of the skin and connective tissue, either locally or throughout the body. |
Jaundice | Yellowish pigmentation of the skin and/or whites of the eyes |
Erythema | Superficial reddening of the skin, usually in patches, as a result of injury or irritation causing dilatation of the blood capillaries. |
Lipoma | Benign tumours of fat, formed between the skin and the underlying muscle. Lipomas can grow anywhere in the body where fat cells are present. |
Pruritus | Severe itching of the skin, as a symptom of various ailments. |
Cyanosis | A bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood. |
Debridement | A procedure to remove debris or infected/dead tissue from a wound. |
Pilonidal sinus | Infected hair follicle |
Sebaceous | Oily glands |
Solar keratosis | A pre-cancerous area of thick, scaly, or crusty skin. |
Psoriasis | Inflammatory skin condition causes red, itchy, scaly patches |
Acne | A condition resulting from clogged or plugged hair follicles present under the skin. It presents as small to large, red bumps on the skin which may be painful and pus-filled in some cases. |
Cellulitis | Inflammation of tissue caused by a serious bacterial infection of the skin. Usually affects the leg and the skin appears as swollen and red and painful. |
Urticarial | A rash of round, red welts on the skin that itch intensely, sometimes with dangerous swelling, caused by an allergic reaction, typically to specific foods. Also known as hives |
Gangrene | Localised death and decomposition of skin, resulting from obstructed circulation or bacterial infection. |
Skin damage caused by burns
Burns can be caused from:
- chemicals
- radiation
- electricity
- heat
Burns are measured in degrees. The higher the degree, the more severe is the burn. Burns can be 1st degree (superficial), 2nd degree (partial thickness) and 3rd degree (full thickness).
1st degree burns (superficial) are the least severe. There is damage to the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) and the skin may look inflamed, red or both.
In 2nd degree burns (partial thickness) there is damage to the epidermis and the dermis. The skin may be blistered and there may be skin loss. There is also intense pain because there has been damage to the nerves in the dermal layer.
3rd degree burns (full thickness) are by far the more dangerous. There is damage to the epidermis, the dermis and to the deeper sub-cutaneous layers. The skin may appear charred. As the nerve endings are dead, there is often not a lot of pain.
The larger the surface area of the burn the poorer the prognosis. If large areas of the body are affected, then fluid balance is difficult to maintain. The risk of infection in severe burns is also very high.
Medical Procedures and Equipment
Medical procedures fall into two broad categories: diagnostic and surgical.
Diagnostic
Diagnostic procedures are preformed for the purpose of determining the cause of an illness. Examples are:
- Biopsy
- Colonoscopy
- CT scan
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Gastroscopy
- Eye tests
Surgical
Surgical procedures are operations performed to treat a medical problem after the diagnosis has been established. Examples are:
- Heart bypass surgery
- Joint replacement
- Broken bone repair
- Angioplasty and atherectomy
- Stent procedure
- Circumcision
- Hysterectomy
- Gallbladder removal
Different types of surgery
Surgery types you may need to be aware of include:
- General surgery
- Cardiothoracic surgery
- Colorectal surgery
- Paediatric surgery
- Plastic surgery
- Vascular surgery
- Trauma surgery
- Breast surgery
- Surgical oncology
- Otolaryngology
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Ophthalmology
- Podiatric surgery
- Urology
- Reconstructive surgery
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy might also be considered forms of surgery or surgical processes.
Associated procedures might include non-surgical but invasive treatment/diagnosis processes such as cardiac catheterisation, endoscopy, and placing of chest tubes of central lines.
Terminology related to surgery/surgical processes
Surgical procedures are commonly categorised by urgency, type of procedure, body system involved, degree of invasiveness and special instrumentation.
Terminology related to types of surgery/surgical processes include:
- Elective surgery which is surgery carried out at a patient’s request, subject to the surgeons and the surgical facility’s availability. It does not refer to life threatening or emergency surgery needs.
- Emergency surgery is life-saving surgery or surgery that is required to save a limb or functional capacity.
- Exploratory surgery is surgery performed to aid or confirm a diagnosis.
- Therapeutic surgery is surgery that treats a previously diagnosed condition.
- Amputation involves cutting off a body part, usually a limb or digit.
- Replantation involves reattaching s severed body part.
- Reconstructive surgery involves reconstruction of an injured, mutilated, removed or deformed part of the body.
- Cosmetic surgery is surgery intended to improve the appearance of an otherwise normal structure (often also elective).
- Excision is the cutting out of an organ, tissue or other body part.
- Transplant surgery is the replacement of an organ or body part by insertion of another-usually from a different human (or animal).
- Removing an organ or body part from a live human or animal for use in transplant is also a type of surgery.
- Laparoscopic surgery or angioplasty is minimally invasive surgery involving small outer incisions to insert miniaturised instruments within a body cavity or structure.
- Open surgical procedures require a large incision to access the area of interest.
- Laser surgery involves use of a laser (light) for cutting tissue- instead of a scalpel or similar
- Microsurgery involves the use of an operating microscope for the surgeon to see small structures.
- Robotic surgery makes use of a surgical robot, such as the Da Vinci or the Zeus surgical systems, to control the instrumentation under the direction of the surgeon.
When working in a medical/health service practice administrative staff might be asked questions by patients, so they are required to understand the basics of the procedures.
Other relevant information:
- When the surgery is performed on one organ system or structure, it might be classes by the organ, organ system or tissue involved. Examples include cardio surgery (performed on the heart), gastrointestinal surgery (performed with the digestive tract and its accessory organs), and orthopaedic surgery (performed on bones and/or muscles).
- Excision surgery names often start with a name for the organ to be excised (cut out) and end in –ectomy, e.g. mastectomy.
- Procedures involving cutting into an organ or tissue end in –otomy. A surgical procedure cutting through the abdominal wall to gain access to the abdominal cavity is a laparotomy.
- Minimally invasive procedures involving small incisions through which an endoscope is inserted end in – oscopy. For example, such surgery in the abdominal cavity is called laparoscopy- in the bowel it is called a colonoscopy.
- Procedures for formation of a permanent or semi- permanent opening called a stoma in the body end in – ostomy.
- Reconstruction, plastic or cosmetic surgery of a body part starts with a name for the body part to be reconstructed and ends in – oplasty. Rhino is used as a prefix for nose, so rhinoplasty is basically reconstructive or cosmetic surgery for the nose.
- Reparation of damaged or congenital abnormal structure ends in – rraphy. Herniorraphy is reparation of a hernia, while perineorraphy is the reparation of perineum.
Common pathology tests
- LFT – (Liver function tests) are a group of blood tests that measure some enzymes, proteins and substances that are produced or excreted by the liver.
- FBC – (Full blood count) is a common test that is used to diagnose a wide range of illnesses, infections and diseases. It may indicate anaemia, infection or some blood cancers such as leukaemia.
- Fe Blood test or Iron studies – iron is needed to help carry oxygen throughout the body. Low iron levels can lead to anaemia leading to fatigue and lack of energy. Too much iron (or haemochromatosis) increases the risk of a number of serious conditions including liver disease, heart failure, arthritis and diabetes.
- TSH – (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is performed to screen, diagnose and monitor treatment for thyroid disorders. Thyroid hormones regulate a range of vital bodily functions including breathing, heart rate and body weight, temperature and general energy levels
- Urinalysis – A urinalysis is a test performed on a sample of urine to look for some metabolic disorders such as diabetes, kidney disorders and urinary tract infections.
- INR (International Normalised Ratio) – Many patients are on a clot-preventing medication called warfarin. People with heart conditions such as an irregular heartbeat or after replacement of a heart valve may need to take this medication.
- D Dimer are tests used to help rule out the presence of an inappropriate blood clot (thrombus). Some of the conditions that the D-dimer test is used to help rule out include: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Pulmonary embolism (PE)
Common instruments used in general medicine
Medical equipment means any instrument, apparatus or machine, intended for use in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of patients.
There are a multitude of medical instruments. Each area of medicine has its own specialised range, for example endoscopes, are instruments that view parts of the body. Colposcopes, hysteroscopes and colonoscopes are all types of endoscope.
Instrument | Uses |
Autoclave | an apparatus for the sterilisation of materials by steam under pressure |
Cannula | to create a permanent pathway to a vein (or artery) for the purpose of repeated injections or infusion of intravenous fluids |
Cardioverter / Defibrillator | to correct arrhythmias of the heart or to start up a heart that is not beating |
Catheter | to drain and collect urine directly from the bladder (primary use) also to act as a makeshift oxygen tube etc. |
Dialyser | to remove toxic materials from the blood that are generally removed by the kidneys; used in case of kidney failure |
Electrocardiograph machine | to record the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time |
Enema equipment | to inject fluid into the lower bowel for several purposes, most frequently for relieving constipation |
Endoscope | to look inside the gastrointestinal tract, used mainly in surgery or by surgical consultants |
Forceps | a medical tool that is used for grasping or holding |
Gas cylinder | as a supply of oxygen, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, etc. |
Gauze sponge | to absorb blood and other fluids as well as clean wounds |
Blood Pressure monitor | to measure one’s blood pressure |
Surgical scissors | used for dissecting or cutting |
Hypodermic needle / Syringe | for injections and aspiration of blood or fluid from the body |
Infection control equipment | as in gloves, gowns, bonnets, shoe covers, face shields, goggles, and surgical masks for preventing nosocomial or healthcare-associated infection |
Instrument steriliser | to sterilise instruments in absence of an autoclave |
Kidney dish | as a tray for instruments, gauze, tissue, etc. |
Measuring tape | for length, height, head circumference and girth measurements |
Medical halogen penlight | to see into the eye, natural orifices, etc. and to test for pupillary light reflex, etc. |
Medical ultrasound | to create an image of internal body structures |
Nasogastric tube | for nasogastric suction or the introduction of food or drugs into the body |
Nebuliser | to produce aerosols of drugs to be administered by respiratory route |
Ophthalmoscope | to look at the retina |
Otoscope | to look into the external ear cavity |
Oxygen mask and tubes | to deliver gases to the mouth/nostrils to assist in oxygen intake or to administer aerosolised or gaseous drugs |
Pipette or dropper | to measure out doses of liquid, specially in children |
Proctoscope | to look inside the anal canal and lower part of the rectum |
Radiography | to view internal body structures |
Reflex hammer | to test motor reflexes of the body |
Scalpel | A knife with a small, sharp, sometimes removable blade |
Sphygmomanometer | to measure the patient’s blood pressure |
Stent | A tube devised to be inserted into a vessel or passageway to keep it open |
Stethoscope | to hear sounds from movements within the body like heart beats, intestinal movement, breath sounds, etc. |
Suction device | to suck up blood or secretions |
Thermometer | to record body temperature |
Tongue depressor | for use in oral examination |
Transfusion kit | to transfuse blood and blood products |
Tuning fork | to test for deafness and to categorise it |
Ventilator | to assist or carry out the mechanical act of inspiration and expiration so the non-respiring patient can do so; a common component of “life support” |
Watch / Stopwatch | for recording rates like heart rate, respiratory rate, etc.; for certain hearing tests. |
Weighing scale | to measure weight |
Crocodile Forceps | to remove foreign bodies from ear or nasal cavities. |
Major Specialised Areas of Medicine
Area of Medicine | Type of Doctor | Area of study or treatment |
Anaesthetics | Anaesthetist | Administration of Anaesthetic drugs, pain management |
Andrology | Andrologist | Male reproductive system |
Cardiology | Cardiologist | Heart |
Dermatology | Dermatologist | Integumentary system (skin, hair and nails) |
Endocrinology | Endocrinologist | Endocrine system (hormones) |
Gastroenterology | Gastroenterologist | Digestive system |
Genetics | Geneticist | Heredity |
Geriatrics | Geriatrician | The elderly |
Gynaecology | Gynaecologist | Female reproductive system (including breasts) |
Haematology | Haematologist | Blood |
Immunology | Immunologist | Immunity to Disease |
Neurology | Neurologist, Neurosurgeon | Nervous system (Brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and cerebrovascular system) |
Obstetrics | Obstetrician | Pregnancy and birth process |
Oncology | Oncologist | Tumours (including cancer) |
Ophthalmology | Ophthalmologist | Eyes |
Oral surgery | Oral surgeon | Mouth, Jaws |
Orthopaedic surgery | Orthopaedic surgeon | Muscular and skeletal systems |
Otology | Otologist | Ears |
Otorhinolaryngology | Otorhinolaryngologist | Ear, nose and throat |
Paediatrics | Paediatrician | Children |
Pathology | Pathologist | Disease |
Pharmacology | Pharmacologist | Drugs |
Plastic (including cosmetic) surgery | Plastic/cosmetic surgeon | Corrective or restorative surgery |
Psychiatry/psychology | Psychiatrist | The Mind |
Radiology | Radiologist | X-Rays |
Respiratory medicine | Respiratory physician | Respiratory system (lungs) |
Rheumatology | Rheumatologist | Muscles, joints & inflammatory disorders |
Toxicology | Toxicologist | Poisons |
Urology | Urologist | Urinary system |
Vascular Surgery | Vascular surgeon | Blood Vessels |
Medical Abbreviation, Acronyms & Symbols
A-Z Abbreviations List
Care should be taken with the use and interpretation of abbreviations and symbols as there is often more than one meaning to an abbreviation. The following examples are generally widely accepted.
A
AAA | Abdominal aortic aneurysm |
AA | Alcoholics Anonymous |
(A) | Assistance |
a/a | As above |
A1, A2 | Aortic Valve, 1st sound, 2nd sound |
AAROM | Active assisted range of movement (physio) |
AAL | Anterior axillary line |
Ab | Antibody |
AB | Apex beat |
ABBI | Advanced breast biopsy instrumentation |
Abd | Abduction (physio) |
Abdo | Abdominal |
ABG | Arterial blood gases |
ABH | Angina bullosa haemorrhagica |
ABI | Acquired brain impairment/injury |
ABPI | Ankle brachial pressure index |
ABS | Acute brain syndrome |
A-C | Acromioclavicular (physio) |
ACAT | Aged Care Assessment Team |
ACBT | Active cycle of breathing technique (physio) |
ACC | Acute care certificate |
ACCR | Aged care client record |
ACD/ ACP | Advance Care Documents / Advance Care Directive / Advance Care Planning |
ACE | Angiotensin converting enzyme |
ACL | Anterior cruciate ligament (physio) |
ACM | Ambulatory cardiac monitoring |
ACTH | Adrenocorticotropic hormone |
ACS | Acute coronary syndrome |
AD | Autosomal dominant |
ADC | AIDS dementia complex |
ADCAT | Alcohol and Drug Community Assessment Team |
Add | Adduction (physio) |
ADD | Attention deficit disorder |
ADH | Anti-diuretic hormone |
ADHD | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder |
ADL | Activities of daily living |
Adm | Admission / admitted |
ADPKD | Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease |
ADR | Adverse drug reaction |
ADT | Adult diphtheria and tetanus |
AE | Air entry |
AEA | Above elbow amputation (physio) |
AEB | Atrial ectopic beat |
AF | Atrial fibrillation |
A, FI | Atrial flutter |
AFB | Acid fast bacilli |
AFI | Amniotic Fluid Index |
AFO | Ankle-foot orthosis (physio) |
AFP | Alpha-fetoproteins |
Ag | Antigen |
AGC | Associate genetic counsellor |
Agg | Aggravating (physio) |
AGN | Acute glomerulonephritis |
AH | Abdominal hysterectomy/ Auditory Hallucinations and Allied Health/ After Hours |
AHA | Assisted Han Assessment (physio) |
AHD | Arteriosclerotic/atherosclerotic heart disease |
AHF | Antihaemolytic factor |
AI | Aortic incompetence |
AICD | Automated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator |
AIDS | Acquired immune deficiency syndrome |
AIMS | Alberta Infant Motor Scale (physio) |
AIN | Assistant in Nursing |
AIVR | Accelerated idioventricular rhythm |
AJ | Ankle jerk |
AJA | Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry |
AK | Above knee |
AKA | Above knee amputation |
AKI | Acute kidney injury |
Alb. | Albumin |
ALA | Assisted local anaesthetic |
Albion | The Albion Centre |
ALD | Alcoholic liver disease |
ALL | Acute lymphoblastic/lymphocytic/lymphatic leukaemia |
ALP | Alkaline phosphatase |
ALS | Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis |
alt. | Alternate |
ALT | Alanine aminotransferase |
Alt sly | Alternate side lying (physio) |
AM | Active movement (physio) |
AMA | Advanced maternal age |
AMD | Age-related macular degeneration |
AMI | Acute myocardial infarction |
AML | Acute myeloid leukaemia |
AMO | Attending/admitting medical officer |
Amp | Ampoule |
AMP | Austin Moore prosthesis |
AMRI | Anteromedial rotary instability |
AMS | Aboriginal Medical Service/Antimicrobial Stewardship |
A/N | Antenatal |
ANA | Antinuclear antibody |
ANC | Antenatal clinic |
ANCA | Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies |
ANLL | Acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia |
ANS | Autonomic nervous system |
Ant. | Anterior |
Anti D | Rh (D) immunoglobulin |
Anti HBc | Hepatitis B core antibody |
Anti HBs | Hepatitis B surface antibody |
A/O | Application of (physio) |
AOD | Alcohol and other drugs (mental health) |
AODM | Adult Onset Diabetes Mellitus |
A&P | Anterior and Posterior (repair) |
AP | Arterial pressure |
A-P | Antero-posterior |
APC | Activated protein C |
APD | Automated peritoneal dialysis |
APH | Ante-partum haemorrhage |
APO | Acute pulmonary oedema |
Appt. | Appointment |
APQ6 | Activity and Participation Questionnaire? |
APTT | Activated partial thromboplastin time |
APR | Abdominoperineal resection |
APS | Acute Pain Service |
AR | Autosomal recessive |
ARBD | Alcohol related brain damage (mental health) |
ARDS | Adult/acute respiratory distress syndrome |
ARF | Acute renal failure |
ARM | Artificial rupture of membranes |
AROM | Active range of movement (physio) |
ARPKD | Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease |
ART | Antiretroviral therapy |
AS | Aortic stenosis |
ASAP | As soon as possible |
ASCVD | Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease |
ASD | Atrial septal defect |
ASET | Aged Services in Emergency Team |
ASHD | Arteriosclerotic heart disease |
ASI | Anal Sexual Intercourse RASI – receptive |
IASI – insertive | |
ASNT | Abdomen soft, non tender |
ASO | Arteriosclerotic obliterans |
Asp. | Aspirate |
ASSA | Antenatal Short Stay Assessment |
ASVD | Arteriosclerotic vascular disease |
ATFL | Anterior tibiofibular ligament (physio) |
ATN | Acute tubular necrosis |
ATNR | Asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (physio) |
ATOP | Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile |
ATOR | At time of report |
ATS | Antitetanus serum |
ATSP | Asked to see patient |
Aug. | Augmentation |
Ausc. | Auscultation (physio) |
AV | Aortic valve |
Atrioventricular | |
Anteverted (uterus) | |
AVB | Atrioventricular block |
AVM | Arteriovenous malformation |
AVN | Atrioventricular necrosis |
AVO | Apprehended violence order (mental health) |
AVR | Aortic valve replacement/ repair |
AVRT | Atrioventricular re-entrant/reciprocating tachycardia |
AVNRT | Atrioventricular nodal re-entrant/reciprocating tachycardia |
A/W | Associated with |
A&W | Alive and well |
AWOL | Absent without leave (mental health) |
AWS | Alcohol withdrawal syndrome |
Alcohol withdrawal scale | |
Ax | Assessment |
AXR | Abdominal x-ray |
AZ | Ascheim-Zondek (test) |
B
// bars | Parallel bars |
Ba | Barium |
BAD | Bipolar affective disorder |
BAER | Brainstem auditory evoked response |
BaFT | Barium follow through |
BAL | Blood alcohol level |
BAw | Breast awareness |
BAWO | Bilateral antrum washout |
BBA | Born before arrival |
BBB | Bundle branch block |
BBBB | Bilateral bundle branch block |
BBS | Bronchial breath sounds |
BC | Blood culture |
BCA | Balloon catheter angioplasty– never seen used in practice; either PTCA or POBA used instead |
BCC | Basal cell carcinoma |
BCCA | Bilateral common carotid angiogram |
BCG | Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin |
BCPA | Bubble continuous positive airway pressure |
b.d. | Twice a day |
BE | Barium Enema |
B& D | Bondage and Discipline |
BEA | Below elbow amputation |
B/F | Breast feeding |
BFP | Biological false positive |
b/g | Background |
BGL | Blood glucose Level |
BhCG | Beta human chorionic gonadotrophin |
BHDS | Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome |
Bi | bisexual |
BIBA | Brought in by ambulance |
BIH | Benign intracranial hypertension “Born in Hospital” |
Bilat | Bilateral (physio) |
BIP | Benign intracranial pressure |
BiPAP | Bilevel positive airway pressure |
BJ | Biceps jerk |
BK | Below knee |
BKA | Below knee amputation |
BM | Bone marrow |
BMAT | Bone marrow aspiration and trephine |
BMB | Bone marrow biopsy |
BMD | Bone Mineral Density |
BMH | Benign monoclonal hypergammaglobulinaemia |
BMI | Body mass index |
BMPR1A | Bone morphogenetic protein receptor, type 1A gene |
BMR | Basal metabolic rate |
BMS | Bare metal stent |
BMT | Bone marrow transplant |
BNO | Bladder neck obstruction |
Bowels not open | |
BNP | Brain naturetic peptide |
BO | Bowels open |
B/O | Baby of |
BOO | Bladder outlet obstruction |
BOOP | Bronchiolitis obliterans organising pneumonia |
Borg RPE | Borg rating of perceived exertion (physio) |
BOS | Base of support (physio) |
BP | Blood pressure |
BPAD | Bipolar affective disorder (mental health) |
BPD | Bronchopulmonary dysplasia / bipolar disorder |
BPH | Benign prostatic hypertrophy/hyperplasia |
BPM | Beats per minute |
BPN | Buprenorphine |
BPSD | Behavioural & psychological symptoms of dementia |
BPTT | Brachial plexus tension test provocation (physio) |
BR Ca | Breast cancer |
BRCA1 | Breast cancer protection gene 1 |
BRCA1/2 | Breast cancer protection gene 1&2 |
BRCA2 | Breast cancer protection gene 2 |
BS | Bowel sounds |
BSA | Body surface area |
BSE | Breast self examination |
BSL | Blood stained liquor |
Blood sugar level | |
BSO | Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy |
BSS | Black silk sutures |
BSLT | Bilateral sequential lung transplantation |
BTB | Break through bleeding |
BTF | Between the Flags |
B/U | Blood urea |
BV | Bacterial vaginosis |
BVF | Bilateral ventricular failure |
BW | Birth weight body weight |
Bx | Biopsy |
BXO | Balanitis xerotica obliterans |
BZD | Benzodiazepine |
C
/C | With |
C | Cough (physio) |
C/- | Care of |
C16A | Chapter 16A Exchange of Information” – used by DCJ , DOCS and DOCAJ |
C1-7 | Cervical vertebrae 1-7 |
C&C | Collar and Cuff |
Ca. | Carcinoma |
CA++ | Calcium |
CA125 | Cancer antigen 125 |
CABG | Coronary artery bypass graft |
CACP | Community Aged Care Package |
CAD | Coronary artery disease |
CADE | Confused and disabled elderly |
CADL | Community activities of daily living |
CAG | Coronary artery graft |
CAH | Chronic active hepatitis |
Ca in Situ | Carcinoma in situ |
Cal. | Calorie |
CAL | Chronic airway limitation |
CALD | Chronic alcoholic liver disease |
CALD | Culturally and linguistically diverse |
Call. | Callous (podiatry) |
Cap. | Capsule |
CAPD | Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis |
Cas. | Casualty |
CAT | Computerised axial tomography |
CAVB | Complete atrioventricular block |
CAVH | Continuous arteriovenous haemofiltration |
CAVHD | Continuous arteriovenous haemodialysis |
CBC | Complete blood count |
CBD | Common bile duct |
CBE | Clinical breast examination |
CBS | Chronic brain syndrome |
CBSL | Capillary blood sugar level |
CBV | Cord blood vessels |
C/C | Cardiac catheter (coronary angiogram) |
CC | Cancer Council |
CCA | Common carotid artery |
CCB | Calcium channel blocker |
CCC | Cancer Care Centre |
CCD | Continuous catheter drainage |
CCF | Congestive cardiac failure |
CCH | Calvary Community Health |
CCPD | Continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis |
CCS | Classical caesarean section |
CCT | Continuous/controlled cord traction |
CCU | Coronary care unit |
CD4 | Cellular Differentiation 4 Positive or T- helper lymphocytes |
CDCR | Canaliculodacryocystorhinostomy |
CDE | Common bile duct exploration |
CDH | Congenital diaphragmatic hernia |
CDH1 | E-cadherin type 1 gene |
CDT | Combined diphtheria and tetanus (vaccine) |
C/E | Cystoscopy |
CE’s | Cardiac enzymes |
CEA | Carotid endarterectomy |
Ceph | Cephalic |
CES | Cauda equina syndrome (physio) |
CF | Cystic fibrosis |
Clear fluids | |
CFA | Common femoral artery |
CFP | Casual female partner |
CFS | Chronic fatigue syndrome |
CFT | Complement fixation test |
CGD | Chronic granulomatous disease |
CGH | Comparative genomic hybridisation |
CHB | Complete heart block |
CHB | chronic hepatitis B |
CHD | Congenital heart disease |
Chemo | Chemotherapy |
CHC | Community Health Centre |
CHD | Congenital heart disease |
CHF | Congestive/chronic heart failure |
CHI | Closed head injury |
CHL | Conductive hearing loss |
Chlam/¢ | chlamydia |
CHO | Carbohydrate |
Chol. | Cholesterol |
chr. | Chronic |
Chromosome | |
CHx | Current history (physio) |
C/I | Contraindicated (physio) |
CIA | Common iliac artery |
CIBH | Change in bowel habit |
CIDP | Chronic inflammatory demyelination polyradioneuropathy |
Cigs. | Cigarettes |
CIN | Cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia |
Circ Obs | Circulatory observations (physio) |
CIS | Carcinoma in situ |
CK | Creatinine kinase |
CKD | Chronic kidney disease |
CL | condomless |
CLD | Chronic liver disease |
ClFl | Clear fluids |
CLL | Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia |
CLO | Campylobacter-like organism |
CLT | Continuous lumbar traction (physio) |
cm | centimetre |
CM | Certified midwife |
CMC | Carpometacarpal (physio) |
CMG | Cystometrogram |
CML | Chronic myeloid leukaemia |
CMML | Chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia |
CMP | Calcium, magnesium and phosphate |
Casual male partner | |
CMT | Charcot Marie Tooth |
CMV | Cytomegalovirus |
CMS | Clinical Midwife Specialist |
CNC | Clinical nurse consultant |
CNE | Clinical nurse educator |
CNH | Chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis |
CNP | Continuous negative pressure ventilation |
CNPB | Continuous negative pressure breathing |
CNPU | Cannot pass urine |
CNS | Central nervous system |
CNS | Clinical Nurse Specialist |
CNV | Copy number variant |
c/o | Complains of |
CO | Cardiac output |
CO2 | Carbon dioxide |
Co1-3 | Coxageal segments (physio) |
COB | Chronic obstructive bronchitis |
Country of birth | |
C0/C1 | Atlanto-axial joint (physio) |
COCP | Combined oral contraceptive pill |
COJ | Cardio-oesophageal junction |
Comp | Complementary |
Compack s | Community Packages |
Cont. | Continued |
Contralat | Contralateral |
COPA | Cuffed oropharyngeal airway |
COPD | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
CoPMI | Children of parents with a mental illness (mental health) |
COPUM | Congenital obstructing posterior urethral membranes |
COVID- 19 | Corona virus disease 2019 |
COWS | Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale |
CP | Child Protection |
CPAP | Continuous positive airway pressure |
CPB/CP BP | Cardiopulmonary bypass |
CPD | Cephalopelvic disproportion |
cPNET | Central primitive neuroectodermal tumour |
CPCT | Community Palliative Care Team |
CPPD | Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate (Crystal Deposition Disease) |
CPR | Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation |
CPS | Central Pain Syndrome |
CR | Controlled release (used after a drug name)/clinical review |
CRBBA | Complete right bundle branch block |
CRC | Colorectal cancer |
creps. | Crepitations (physio) |
CREST | abbreviation for calcinosis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, |
(syndrom e) | esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasis |
CRHD | Chronic rheumatic heart disease |
CRL | Crown rump length (ultrasound) |
CRPS | Complex regional pain syndrome |
CRRT | Continuous renal replacement therapy |
CRS | Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service |
cryo | cryotherapy |
C/S | Caesarean section |
C/scopy | Colonoscopy |
C&S | Culture and sensitivity |
CSA | Central sleep apnoea |
Childhood Sexual Assault | |
CSF | Cerebrospinal fluid |
CSHS | Central sleep hypopnea syndrome |
CSM | Clinical Services Manager |
CSOM | Chronic suppurative otitis media |
CSU | Catheter specimen of urine |
CST | Cervical Screening Test |
CSW | Commercial sex worker |
CT | chlamydia trachomatis |
CT | Computerised tomography |
CTCA | Computerised tomography coronary angiogram |
CTD | Carpal tunnel decompression |
Connective tissue disorder | |
CTG | Cardiotocograph |
CTM | Connective tissue massage (physio) |
CTO | Community Treatment Order/chronic total occlusion |
CTP | Comprehensive Third Party Insurance |
CTPA | Computerised tomography pulmonary angiogram |
CTR | Carpal tunnel release |
CTS | Carpal tunnel syndrome |
CTSP | Called to see patient |
CUP | Chemical use in pregnancy |
Cancer of unknown primary | |
C/US | Continuous ultrasound (physio) |
CVAD | Central venous access device |
CVC | Central venous catheter |
CV | Central Venous |
CVD | Cerebrovascular disease |
CVP | Central venous pressure |
CVS | Cardiovascular system |
Chorionic villus sampling | |
CVVH | Continuous veno-venous haemofiltration |
CVVHD | Continuous veno-venous haemodialysis |
CWU | Child Wellbeing Unit |
Cx | Cervix |
CXR | Chest X_RAy |
CYF | Child Youth and Families |
D
d. | Died |
DA | Decision aid |
DADL | Domestic activities of daily living (occ. Therapy) |
D&A | Drug and alcohol (mental health) |
DAI | Diffuse axonal injury |
Dam | Dental dam |
DAOR | Discharged at own risk |
DAS | Developmental Assessment Service |
DASH | Disability of arm, shoulder, hand (physio) |
DARE | digital anal rectal examination |
DARF | Delayed Acute Renal Failure |
DASS 21 | Depression Anxiety Stress Scales |
DAT | Dementia of Alzheimer’s type |
DB | Deep breathing (physio) |
DB&C | Deep breathing and coughing (physio) |
DBE | Deep breathing exercises |
DBP | Diastolic blood pressure |
D/C | Discharge |
DCDA | Dichorionic Diamniotic |
D&C | Dilatation and curettage |
DCIS | Ductal carcinoma in situ |
DCJ | Department of Communities and Justice |
DCR | Dacryocystorhinostomy |
DDx | Differential diagnosis |
DD | Dangerous drugs |
Developmental delay | |
DDD | Degenerative disc disorder |
Dec. | Decreased (physio) |
DEMMI | de Morton Mobility Index |
Derm. | Dermatology |
DES | Drug eluting stent |
DF | Dorsiflexion (physio) |
DGI | Disseminated gonococcal infection |
DHS | Dynamic hip screw |
DHx | Developmental history |
DI | Diabetes Insipidus |
DIC | Disseminated intravascular coagulation (syndrome) |
Diff. | Differential |
DIH | Direct inguinal hernia |
DIN | Ductal intraepithelial neoplasia |
DIP | Distal interphalangeal (physio) |
DISH | Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis |
dist. | Distal |
DITs | Diathermy to inferior turbinates |
DIU | Death in-utero |
DJD | Degenerative joint disease |
DKA | Diabetic ketoacidosis |
DLCL | Diffuse large cell lymphoma |
DLE | Disseminated lupus erythematosis |
DLT | Double lumen tube |
DM | Diabetes mellitus |
DM1 | Diabetes mellitus type1 |
DM2 | Diabetes mellitus type2 |
DML | Diffuse, mixed small and large cell lymphoma |
DNA | Did not attend |
Deoxyribonucleic acid | |
DNS | Deviated nasal septum |
DNW | Did not wait |
D/O | Day only |
DOA | Dead on arrival |
DOB | Date of birth |
DoCS | Department of Community Services replaced by Family and Community Services (FACS) then by |
Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) | |
DOD | Date of death |
DOE | Dyspnoea on exertion |
DOH | Department of Housing |
DON | Director of Nursing |
DOPS | Diffuse obstructive pulmonary syndrome |
DORV | Double outlet right ventricle |
DPT | Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (vaccine) |
Dr. | Doctor |
DRE | Digital rectal examination |
DREZ | Dorsal root entry zone |
DS | Downs syndrome |
D/S | Dorsal surface (podiatry) |
DSA | Digital subtraction angiography |
DSCL | Diffuse small cleaved-cell lymphoma |
DSH | Deliberate self harm (mental health) |
DST | Dexamethasone suppression test |
DSTM | Deep soft tissue massage (physio) |
DSU | Disability Service Unit |
DTA | Deep transverse arrest |
DTF | Deep transverse frictions (physio) |
DTM | Deep tissue massage (physio) |
DTP | Diphtheria tetanus pertussis (vaccine) |
dTpa | Diptheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis Vaccine |
DT | Diversional therapist |
DTs | Delirium tremens |
DU | Decubitus ulcer |
DUA | Death under anaesthetic |
DUB | Dysfunctional uterine bleeding |
DV | Domestic violence |
D&V | Diarrhoea and vomiting |
DVA | Department of Veterans’ Affairs |
DVD | Double-vessel disease |
DVT | Deep venous thrombosis |
D/W | Discussed with |
DW | Daily weight |
Dx | Diagnosis |
E
EACH | Extended aged care at home (package) |
E | Extension (physio) |
EAM | External auditory meatus |
EAR | Expired air resuscitation |
EBM | Expressed breast milk |
EBP | Electric breast pump |
EBV | Epstein-Barr virus |
ECCRTLA | Equal, concentric, circular, reacting to light and accommodation |
ECBD | Exploration common bile duct |
ECCE | Extracapsular cataract extraction |
ECDC | Extracellular diplococci |
ECG | Electrocardiogram |
Echo. | Echocardiogram |
EC-IC | Extracranial to intracranial (Vascular Bypass) |
ECMO | Extracorporal membrane oxygenation |
ECP | Emergency contraceptive pill |
E Coli | Escherichia coli |
ECSWL | Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy |
ECT | Electroconvulsive therapy |
ECTR | Endoscopic carpal tunnel release |
ECV | External cephalic version |
ED | Emergency Department |
EDB | Epidural block |
EDC | Estimated date of confinement |
Expected date of completion | |
EDD | Expected due date |
Expected discharge date | |
EDH | Extradural haemorrhage |
EEG | Electroencephalogram |
EEN | Endorsed Enrolled Nurse |
EER | Estimated energy requirements (dietetics) |
EF | Ejection fraction |
EFR | Estimate fluid requirements |
EGD | Esophagogastroduodenoscopy |
eGFR | Estimated glomerular filtration rate |
EIA | Enzyme immunoassay |
EIL | Extension in lying (physio) |
EIS | Extension in standing (physio) |
EJV | External jugular vein |
ELBW | extremely low birth weight |
Elev. | Elevation (physio) |
ELISA | Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay |
EMG | Electromyogram |
EMLA (trade name) | Eutectic mixture of local anaesthetics-Copyright Astra Pharmaceuticals |
eMR | Electronic medical records |
EMS | Elderly Mobility Test (physio) |
EN | Enrolled nurse |
Enteral nutrition | |
Eng. | Engaged |
ENG | Electronystagmogram |
ENT | Ear, nose and throat |
E/O | Examination of |
Excision of | |
EOG | Electro-oculography |
EOM | Extra-ocular movements |
EOL | End of Life |
EOLP | End of Life Pathway |
EOR | End of range (physio) |
EPG | Electrophoretogram |
EPR | Estimated protein requirements (dietetics) |
EPS | Electrophysiological studies |
EPSE | Extra-pyramidal side effects (mental health) |
ER | External rotation (physio) |
Estrogen receptor | |
ERCP | Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography |
ERG | Electro-retinography |
ERPC | Evacuation of retained products of conception |
ERT | Estrogen Replacement Therapy |
ESA | Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents |
ESC | End stage care |
ESCRF | End stage chronic renal failure |
ESM | Ejection systolic murmur |
ESR | Erythrocyte sedimentation rate |
ESRD | End stage renal disease |
ESRF | End stage renal failure |
Est. | Estimated |
ESWL | Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy |
ESWT | Endurance Shuttle Walk Test (physio) |
ETCO2 | End tidal carbon dioxide |
EtOh | Alcohol |
ETT | Endotracheal tube |
EUA | Examination under anaesthetic |
EUC | Electrolytes, urea and creatinine |
Ev. | Eversion (physio) |
EWC | Electric wheelchair |
Ex | Excision |
Ex’s | Exercises |
Exp. | Expiratory (physio) |
Ext. | Extension (physio) |
F
F&A | Foot and ankle (physio) |
FACH | Forceps to after coming head |
FAP | Familial adenomatous polyposis |
FASF | Forearm support frame (physio) |
FB | Foreign body |
FBC | Full blood count |
Female breast cancer | |
Fluid balance chart | |
FCC | Family cancer clinic |
FCU/ FVU | First catch urine/ First void urine |
FD | Foetal distress |
FDIU | Foetal death in utero |
FES | Functional electrical stimulation |
FESS | Functional endoscopic sinus surgery |
FET | Forced expiratory technique (physio) |
FEV | Forced expiratory volume (physio) |
FEV1 | Forced expiratory volume in one second (physio) |
FF | Formula feeding |
FFA | Free fatty acids |
FFL | Free fluids |
FFM | Fast from midnight |
FFP | Fresh frozen plasma |
FFFTs | Fits, faints and funny turns |
FGM | Female genital mutilation |
FH/FHx | Family history |
FHR | Foetal heart rate |
FHS | Foetal heart sounds |
FI | For investigation |
Fi O2 | Fraction of inspired oxygen |
FIL | Flexion in lying (physio) |
FIM | Functional independence measure (physio) |
FIS | Flexion in standing (physio) |
FISH | Fluorescence in situ hybridisation |
FISS | Flexion in step standing (physio) |
FIVD | Fixed interval variable dose |
FLCL | Follicular large cell lymphoma |
FLCN | Folliculin gene |
Flex. | Flexion (physio) |
FM | Foetal movement |
FMF | Foetal movements felt |
FML | Follicular mixed lymphoma |
FMO | Financial management order (mental health) |
FMS | Functional Mobility Scale (physio) |
Fn | Function (physio) |
FNA | Fine needle aspirate |
FNAB | Fine needle aspiration biopsy |
FNB | Fine needle biopsy |
FO | For observation (mental health) |
FOB | Fibreoptic bronchoscopy /faecal occult blood |
FOBT | Faecal occult blood testing |
FOOB | Fell out of bed |
FOOSH | Fall on outstretched hand |
FPA | Family planning association |
FPG | Fasting plasma glucose |
FPNSW | Family Planning NSW |
FRAMP | Falls Risk Assessment and Management Plan |
FRAX | Fragile x syndrome |
FRC | Functional residual capacity |
FROM | Full range of motion (physio) |
FRS | Family Referral Service |
FS | Frozen section |
FSCL | Follicular small cleaved-cell lymphoma |
FSE | Foetal scalp electrode |
FSGN | Focal sclerosing glomerulonephritis |
FSH | Follicle stimulating hormone |
FT | Full term |
FTA | Failure to attend |
FTA (Abs) | Fluorescent treponemal antibody |
FT Ca | Fallopian tube cancer |
FTC | Emtricitabine |
FTD | Full term delivery |
FTG | Full thickness graft |
FTI | Free thyroxine index |
FTM | Fractional test meal / Female to male |
FTP | Failure to progress |
FTSG | Full thickness skin graft |
FTT | Failure to thrive |
F/U | Follow up |
FUB | Functional uterine bleeding |
FVC | Forced vital capacity (physio) |
FWB | Full weight bearing (physio) |
4WF | Four-wheeled frame |
Fx | Fracture |
G
g | Gram |
G | Gravida – No. of pregnancies |
GA | General anaesthetic |
GAS | Goal Attainment Scale |
GAMP | General anaesthesia manipulation & plaster |
GANT | Gastrointestinal autonomic nerve tumour |
GB | Gallbladder |
GBPS | Gated blood pool scan |
GBS | Group B Streptococcus |
GC | Genetic counsellor |
GCMS | Gas chromatography mass spectrometry |
GCS | Glasgow coma scale |
GDM | Gestational diabetes mellitus |
GE | Gastroenteritis |
GFR | Glomerular filtration rate |
GFSH | Growth factor stimulating hormone |
GH | Growth hormone |
GHB | gamma-Hydroxybutyric |
G&H | Group and hold |
GHPS | Gated heart pool scan |
GI | Gastrointestinal |
GIB | Gastrointestinal bleeding |
GIDDM | Gestational insulin dependent diabetes mellitus |
GIFT | Gamete intrafallopian transfer |
GIH | Gastrointestinal haemorrhage |
GIST | Gastrointestinal stomal tumour |
GIT | Gastrointestinal tract |
g/l | Grams per litre |
GM | Grand mal (epilepsy) |
GMFCS | Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (physio) |
GN | Glomerulonephritis |
GNC | General nursing care (mental health) |
GNID | Gram negative intracellular diplococci |
GOLD | Genetics of learning disability |
GORD | Gastroesophageal reflux disease |
GP | General practitioner |
GPI | General paralysis of the insane |
Gr 1 | Grade 1 (etc..) |
GRF | Ground reaction force (physio) |
GRH | Growth releasing hormone |
GSH | Group, screen and hold |
GSW | Gunshot wound |
GT | Genetic testing |
GTNC+D | General treatment, nails cut and drilled (podiatry) |
GTNC+F | General treatment, nails cut and filed (podiatry) |
GTT | Glucose tolerance test |
GU | Gastric ulcer |
GUS | Genitourinary system |
GUT | Genitourinary tract |
GVHD | Graft versus host disease |
G&XM | Group and cross match |
Gx/Py | Gravida x (number of pregnancies / Para y (number of live births) |
Gyn. | Gynaecology |
H
H | High |
Huff (physio) | |
HACC | Home and Community Care |
HAD | Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (physio) |
HALC | HIV/AIDS Legal Centre |
Hall. | Hallux (podiatry) |
HASA | Health and Security Assistant (mental health) |
HASI | Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (mental health) |
HAV | Hallux adducto valgus (podiatry) |
Hb | Haemoglobin |
HB | Heart block |
1THB | First degree heart block |
HbA1C | Glycosylated haemoglobin |
HBB | Hand behind back (physio) |
HBC | Hereditary breast cancer |
HBcAg | Hepatitis B core antigen |
HBC | Viral Hepatitis B |
HBCR | Hereditary bowel cancer register |
HBH | Hand behind head (physio) |
HBIG | Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin |
HBO | Hyperbaric oxygenation |
HBOC | Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer |
HBsAg | Hepatitis B surface antigen |
H’box | Headbox |
HBV | Hepatitis B Virus |
H&C | Huff and cough (physio) |
HC | Head circumference |
H/C | Hot/cold (physio) |
HCA | Health Care Agency (mental health) |
HCC | Hereditary cancer clinic |
HCCC | Health Care Complaints Commission (mental health) |
HCIS | Health Care Interpreter Service (mental health) |
hCG | Human chorionic gonadotropin |
Hct | Haematrocrit |
HCV | Hepatitis C virus |
HCVD | Hypertensive cardiovascular disease |
HCW | Health care worker |
HD | Haemodialysis |
Huntington disease | |
H/D | Heloma durum (podiatry) |
HDL | High density lipoprotein |
HDT | Head down tilt (physio) |
HDU | High Dependency Unit |
HDV | Hepatitis D virus |
HE | High energy |
HEEADSSS | Home environment, Education and employment, Eating, peer-related Activities, Drugs, Sexuality, |
Suicide/Depressiong, and Safety from injury and violence | |
HEHP | High energy high protein (dietetics) |
HEN | Home enteral nutrition |
HEP | Home exercise program (physio) |
Hep A, B, C | Hepatitis A, B, C etc.. |
HER2 | Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 |
HGH | Human growth hormone |
HGr | High grade |
HGS | High grade serous |
HH | Hiatus hernia |
HHFNC | humidified high flow nasal cannula |
HHSH | Hand held shower hose (occ therapy) |
HHT | Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia |
HI | Head injury |
HIB | Haemophilus Influenzae type B |
HIDA | Hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (scan) |
HIE | Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy |
HIFUS | High intensity focused ultrasound |
HIMAT | high-level mobility assessment tool |
Hist. | Histology |
HITH | Hospital in The home |
HITS | Heparin-induced t thrombotic syndrome |
HIV | Human immunodeficiency virus |
HIVD | Herniated intervertebral disc |
HK | Hyperkeratosis callous (podiatry) |
H/K | Hawkins Kennedy (impingement test) (physio) |
HLC | High level care |
HLSA | High ligation stripping avulsion |
HLT | Heart/lung transplant |
HMD | Hyaline membrane disease |
H/molle | Heloma molle (podiatry) |
HNPCC | Hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer |
HNPM | Has not passed meconium |
HNPU | Has not passed urine |
HNSW | Housing NSW |
H/O, HO | History of |
H2O | Water |
HOCM | Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy |
HONK | Hyperosmolar nonketotic coma |
HP | High protein |
Hyperplastic polyp | |
HPC | History of present condition |
HPF | High power field |
HPFH | Hereditary persistence of foetal haemoglobin |
HPI | History of present illness |
HPO | Hypertrophic pulmonary osteopathy |
Health Promotion Officer/ Hematopietic progenitor cell | |
HPU | Has passed urine |
HPV | Human papilloma virus |
HPVD | Hypertensive pulmonary vascular disease |
HR | Heart rate |
H-R | Hamilton Russell (traction) |
H/R | Hold relax (physio) |
HRC | High risk clinic |
HRT | Hormone replacement therapy |
HS | Heart sounds |
H Sit. | High sitting (physio) |
HSV | Herpes simplex virus |
Ht | Height |
H/T | Hypertension |
HTLV | Human T-cell lymphotropic virus |
HTN | Hypertension |
HTO | High tibial osteotomy |
HUS | Haemolytic uraemic syndrome |
HV | Home visit |
HVS | High vaginal swab |
HWR | Healthy weight range (dietetics) |
Hx | History |
Hypo | Hypoglycaemia |
Hz | Hertz |
HZV | Herpes zoster virus |
I
(I) | Independent |
I ¹³¹ | Iodine – 131, radioiodine |
IABCP | Intra-aortIc balloon counterpulsator– never used, IABP instead |
I | Insertive (sexual intercourse) |
IABP | Intra-aortic balloon pump |
IADH | Inappropriate antidiuretic hormone |
IASD | Interatrial septal defect |
IBD | Inflammatory bowel disease |
IBS | Irritable bowel syndrome |
IC | Informed consent (physio) |
I/C | In Charge |
IC¥ | Informed consent obtained (physio) |
ICA | Internal carotid artery |
ICB | Intracerebral bleed |
ICC | Intercostal catheter |
ICCE | Intracapsular cataract extraction |
ICCS | Intercellular cement substance |
ICD | Intercostal drain/implantable cardioverter defibrillator |
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator | |
ICE | Iridocorneal endothelial (syndrome) |
IC-EC | Intracranial to Extracranial (vascular bypass) |
ICF | Intravascular coagulation-fibrinolysis (syndrome) |
ICP | Intracranial pressure |
ICS | Intercostal space |
ICSI | Intracytoplasmic sperm injection |
ICU | Intensive Care Unit |
ID | Identification (bands on babies) (obstetrics) |
I & D | Incision and drainage |
IDC | Indwelling catheter |
Infiltrating ductal carcinoma | |
IDM | Infant of diabetic mother |
IDS | Interdigital space (podiatry) |
IDU | Injecting drug use |
IDW | Interdigital wedge (podiatry) |
IE | Inspiratory:expiratory (ratio) (physio) |
IEC | Intraepithelial carcinoma |
IEPC | Immunoelectrophoresis |
IF | Immunofluorescence |
Injury factor | |
IFT | Interferential therapy (physio) |
Ig | Immunoglobulin |
IG | Intragastric |
IGF | Insulin-like growth factor |
IgG | Immunoglobulin G |
IGR | Impaired glucose regulation |
IGTN | Ingrown toenail |
IH | Incisional hernia |
IHC | Immunohistochemistry |
IHD | Ischaemic heart disease |
IHSS | Idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis |
II | Image intensifier |
IIMS | Incident Information Management System |
IJV | Internal jugular vein |
ILC | Infiltrating lobular carcinoma |
IM; I/M | Intramuscular |
IMA | Internal mammary artery |
IMB | Intermenstrual bleeding |
IMC | Incomplete miscarriage |
IMI | Intramuscular injection |
IMT | Isometric muscle testing (physio) |
IMV | Intermittent mandatory ventilation |
In situ | In position |
IN-I/N | intranasal |
Inf. | Inferior |
inj. | Injection |
INR | International normalised ratio |
Insp. | Inspiratory (physio) |
Int. | Internal (physio) |
Inv. | Inversion (physio) |
I/O | Insertion of |
IO | Intraosseous |
IOC | Intraoperative cholangiogram |
IODM | Infant of diabetic mother |
IOL | Induction of labour |
IOP | Intraocular pressure |
IP | Inpatient |
IPD | Intermittent peritoneal dialysis |
IPF | Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (physio) |
IPH | Intrapartum haemorrhage |
IPJ | Interphalangeal joint |
IPMA | Interpersonal Prevention and Management of Aggression (mental health) |
IPOP | Integrated Patient Optimisation Program |
IPPB | Intermittent positive pressure breathing (physio) |
IPPR | Intermittent positive pressure respiration |
IPPV | Intermittent positive pressure ventilation (physio) |
ipsilat | Ipsilateral |
IQ | Intelligence quotient |
I&R | Intake and review |
IR | Internal rotation (physio) |
IR | Interventional Radiology |
IRDS | Infant respiratory distress syndrome |
IRMA | Intraretinal microvascular abnormalities |
IRPF | Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis |
IRQ | Inner range quadriceps (physio) |
IRV | Inspiratory reserve volume |
ISADH | Inappropriate secretion of anti-diuretic hormone |
ISBAR | Identify, Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommmendation |
ISC | Intermittent self-catheterisation |
isq | Condition unchanged (in status quo) |
IST | Infraspinatus tendon (physio) |
ISWT | Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (physio) |
I/T | Intermittent (physio) |
I/T C Tx | Intermittent cervical traction (physio) |
I/T L Tx | Intermittent lumbar traction (physio) |
ITP | Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura |
IUCD | Intrauterine contraceptive device |
IUD | Intrauterine death |
IUFD | Intrauterine foetal death |
IUGR | Intrauterine growth retardation |
IUP | Intrauterine pregnancy |
IV | Intravenous |
I/V | Interview |
IVC | Inferior vena cava/intravenous cannula |
IVD | Intervertebral disc |
IVDA | Intravenous drug abuse(remove)– usually iVDU (IV drug user) |
IVF | In-vitro fertilisation/ IV Fluids |
IVH | Intraventricular haemorrhage |
IVI | Intravenous injection |
IVP | Intravenous pyelogram |
IVSD | Interventricular septal defect |
IVT | Intravenous therapy |
IVUS | Intravascular ultrasound |
IWT | Impacted wisdom teeth |
Ix | Investigation |
J
JCA | Juvenile chronic arthritis |
JDM | Juvenile diabetes mellitus |
JFM | Jewish founder mutation |
JGOS | Joint guarantee of Service (mental health) |
jj | jaw jerks |
JJ | Jejunostomy (dietetics) |
JMO | Junior medical officer |
JO | Juvenile onset (mental health) |
JPS | Juvenile polyposis syndrome |
JRA | Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis |
Jt. | Joint (physio) |
JVP | Jugular venous pressure |
JVPNE | Jugular venous pressure not elevated |
JVPNR | Jugular venous pressure not raised or JVPNE (not elevated) |
K
K+ | Potassium |
kCal | KiloCalories |
kg | Kilogram |
kj | knee jerks |
Kilojoules | |
Kl | Kilolitre |
K10L3D | Kessler psychological distress scale – Last 3 days |
K10LM | Kessler psychological distress scale – Last month |
Km | Kilometre |
KMP | Known male partner (casual) |
KR/KF | Kiellands rotation/Kiellands forceps |
KR | Kiellands rotation |
KRC | Kirketon Road Centre |
KS | Kaposi’s sarcoma |
KPF | Known female partner |
KUB | Kidney, ureters, and bladder |
K Wire | Kirschner wire |
L
L 1-5 | Lumbar vertebrae 1-5 |
L | Litre |
Left | |
LA | Local anaesthetic |
Lab | Laboratory |
LAD | Left axis deviation/left anterior descending (artery) |
Left anterior descending | |
LAFG | Long arm fibreglass (cast) (physio) |
LAHB | Left anterior hemiblock |
LAMP | Local anaesthesia, manipulation & plaster |
Lap. | Laparoscopy |
LAPI | Lacey Assessment of Preterm Infants (physio) |
LAPOP | Long arm plaster of paris (physio) |
LARC | Long-acting reversible contraceptives |
LASIK | Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis |
LSI | Last sexual intercourse |
Lat. | Lateral (physio) |
LAV | Lymphadenopathy-associated virus |
LBBB | Left bundle branch block |
LBD | Left border dullness |
LBE | Lateral basal expansion (physio) |
LBP | Low back pain (physio) |
LBW | Low birth weight |
LC | Lactation Consultant |
LCA | Left coronary artery |
LCCA | Left common carotid artery/angiogram |
LCCS | Low cervical caesarean section |
LCIS | Lobular carcinoma in situ |
LCL | Lateral collateral ligament (physio) |
LCM | Left costal margin |
LCQ | Living in the Community Questionnaire |
LCx | Left circumflex |
LDDD | Lumbar degenerative disc disorder |
LDL | Low-Density-Lipoprotein type |
LEEP | Loop electrosurgery excision procedure |
LF | Liver failure |
LFA | Left femoral artery |
LFH | Left femoral hernia |
LFS | Li-Fraumeni syndrome |
LFTs | Liver function tests |
LGA | Large for gestational age |
LGr | Low grade |
LGV | Lymphogranuloma venereum |
LH | Luteinising hormone |
LHF | Left heart failure |
LICS | Left intercostal space |
LIF | Left iliac fossa |
ligs. | Ligaments (physio) |
LIH | Left inguinal hernia |
LIMA | Left internal mammary artery |
Liq. | Liquid |
LIQ | Lower inner quadrant (breast) |
LL | Lower lobe/ Lower limb |
LLB | Lower limb brace |
LLETZ | Large loop excision transformation zone |
LLFG | Long leg fibreglass (cast) (physio) |
LLL | Left lower lobe (lung) |
LLPOP | Long leg plaster of Paris (physio) |
LLQ | Left lower quadrant |
LMA | Laryngeal mask airway |
LMB | Left main bronchus |
LMCA | Left main coronary artery |
LML | Left middle lobe (lung) |
LMND | Lower motor neurone disease |
LMO | Local medical officer |
LMP | Last menstrual period |
LMTC | Left message to call |
L/N | Lymph node |
LN2 | Liquid Nitrogen |
LNB | Lymph node biopsy |
LNMP | Last normal menstrual period |
LOA | Left occipito-anterior |
LOC | Loss of consciousness/level of consciousness |
LOL | Left occipito-lateral |
LOP | Left occipito-posterior |
LOQ | Lower outer quadrant (breast) |
LOS | Length of stay |
LOT | Left occipito-transverse |
LOW | Loss of weight |
LP | Lumbar puncture |
LRQ | Lower right quadrant |
LPU | Last passed urine |
LRTI | Lower respiratory tract infection |
LS | Lumbosacral |
L/S | Lecithin/sphingomyelin (ratio) |
LSCL | Long subclavian line |
LSCP | Left scapuloposterior |
LSCS | Low segment caesarean section |
LSE | Left sternal edge |
LSO | Left salpingo-oophorectomy |
LSP | Left sacro posterior |
l/sulcus | Lateral sulcus (podiatry) |
LSV | Left saphenous vein |
LTHR | Left total hip replacement |
LTM | Long term memory (mental health) |
LTS | Lateral tarsal strip |
LU | Last Use |
Lube | lubricant |
LUL | Left upper lobe (lung) |
LUDT | Left undescended testicle |
LUQ | Left upper quadrant |
LUSCS | Lower uterine segment caesarean section |
LV | Left ventricle |
LVAD | Left ventricular assistance device |
LVD | Left ventricular dysfunction |
LVEDP | Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure |
LVF | Left ventricular failure |
LVH | Left ventricular hypertrophy |
LVS | Low vaginal swab |
LVT | Left ventricular tachycardia |
lymphs | Lymphocytes |
LZ | Lower zone (physio) |
M
6MWT | 6 Minute Walk Test |
M | Metre |
M1 | Mitral valve, first sound |
M2 | Mitral valve, second sound |
MA | Maternal aunt |
MAC | Mycobacterium avium complex |
MACE | Malone antegrade continence enema |
MAI | Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (infection) |
MALT | Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue |
mane | In the morning |
MAOI | Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (mental health) |
MAP | Mean airway pressure/mean arterial pressure |
MutYH (MYH) associated polyposis | |
MAR | Medication Administration Record |
MAS | Motor assessment scale (physio) |
MAST | Military anti-shock trousers |
Mastectomy | |
Mat | Maternal |
Max. | Maximum (physio) |
MBA | Motor bike accident |
MBC | Male breast cancer |
MBD | Minimal brain dysfunction |
MBS | Modified barium swallow (speech path) |
MC | Miscarriage |
MCA | Middle cerebral artery |
MCDA | Monochorionic Diamniotic |
MCG | Micturating cystogram |
MCH | Mean corpuscular haemoglobin |
MCHC | Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration |
MCL | Mid-clavicular line |
MCLS | Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome |
MCMA | Monochorionic Diamniotic |
MCP | Metacarpophalangeal (physio) |
MCS | Microscopy, culture and sensiitivity |
MCV | Mean corpuscular volume |
MCV | molluscum contagiosum virus |
MD | Muscular dystrophy |
MDD | Major depressive disorder (mental health) |
MDI | Metered dose inhaler |
MDM | Mid-diastolic murmur |
MDMA | Methylenedioxymethamphetamine |
MDP | Manic depressive psychosis |
MDR-TB | Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis |
MDS | Myelodysplastic syndrome |
MDT | Multidisciplinary team meeting |
ME | Myalgic encephalitis |
Mec. | Meconium |
Mec liq | Meconium liquor |
Meds | Medications |
Med. | Medial (physio) |
MED | Minimal erythema dose |
MELAS | episodes |
MEN | Multiple endocrine neoplasia |
Meq. | Milli-equivalents |
METS; Mets | Metastatic |
MFC | Medial femoral condyle |
MFD | Mid forceps delivery |
MFM | Maternal Fetal Medicine |
Mg | Magnesium |
mg | Milligram |
MG | Mycoplasma genitalium |
MGA | Manipulation under general anaesthetic |
Maternal great aunt | |
Mgen | mycoplasma genitalium |
MGF | Maternal grandfather |
MGM | Maternal grandmother |
MGP | Midwifery Group Practice |
MGTT | Modified glucose tolerance test |
MGUS | Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance |
MH | Mental health (mental health) |
MHA | Mental Health Act (mental health) |
MHAHS | Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service |
MHDAO | Mental health and Drug and Alcohol Office (mental health) |
MHI | Manual hyperinflation (physio) |
MHOAT | Mental Health Outcome Assessment Tool (mental health) |
MHRT | Mental health review tribunal (mental health) |
MHT | Mental health team |
Mhz | Megahertz (physio) |
MI | Myocardial infarction |
MID | Multi-infarct dementia |
MIMS | Monthly index of medical specialities |
min. | Minimum (physio) |
mL | Millilitre |
ML | Middle lobe (lung) |
MLB | Monaural loudness balance (hearing test) |
MLD | Masking level difference (hearing test) |
MLH1 | mutL homolog 2 gene |
mm | Millimetre |
MM | Multiple Myeloma |
MMG | Mammogram |
mmHg | Millimetres of mercury |
MMK | Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz operation |
mmol | millimole |
MMP | Medication management plan |
MMR | Measles-mumps-rubella (vaccine) |
Mismatch repair (genes) | |
MMSE | Mini mental state examination |
MMT | Manual muscle testing (physio) |
MND | Motor neurone disease |
MNG | Multinodular goitre |
MO | Medical officer |
Medical oncology | |
Mob. | Mobilise (physio) |
MOCA | Montreal cognitive assessment |
Mod. | Moderate |
MOD | Mature onset diabetes |
mods. | Modifications (occ therapy) |
MODY | Maturity-onset diabetes of the young |
MOW | Meals on wheels |
m/p | Medial plantar (podiatry) |
MP1 | Mallampati 1 (a score for mouth opening in anaesthesia, 1-4 grades) |
MPD | Mucopurlent discharge |
MPNST | Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour |
MPS | Myocardial perfusion scan/study |
MPV | Mean platelet volume |
MR | Mitral regurgitation |
Mental retardation | |
MRA | Magnetic resonance angiography |
MRCP | Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography |
MRI | Magnetic resonance imaging |
MRN | Medical record number |
MROP | Manual removal of placenta |
MRP | Motor relearning programme (occ therapy) |
MRSA | Methicillin/Multiple resistant staphylococcus aureus |
MS | Mitral stenosis |
Multiple sclerosis | |
MSA | Mammary specific antigen |
MSE | Mental state examination (mental health) |
MSH2 | mutS homolog 2 gene |
MSH6 | mutS homolog 6 gene |
MSHC | Melbourne Sexual Health Centre |
MSI | Microsatellite instability testing |
MSL | Meconium stained liquor |
MSLT | Multiple sleep latency test |
MSM | Men who have sex with men |
MST | Malnutrition screening tool |
MSU | Mid stream urine |
m/sulcus | Medial sulcus (podiatry) |
MTD | Muscle tension dysphonia |
MTF | Male to Female |
Mths | Months |
MTP | Metatarsophalangeal (physio) (podiatry) |
MUA | Manipulation under anaesthetic |
MULE | Multiple upper limb exerciser |
Multip. | Multipara = more than one live birth |
Mut mast/ MM | Mutual masturbation |
MutYH | mutY homolog gene |
MV | Mechanical ventilation/mitral valve |
MVA | Motor vehicle accident |
MVD | Mitral valve disease |
MVP | Mitral valve prolapse |
MVR | Mitral valve replacement |
movt. | Movement (physio) |
MW | Mallory-Weiss (syndrome) |
MWC | Manual wheelchair |
Mx | Management |
Myco. | Mycobacterium |
MYH | Mut Y homologous (gene) |
MZ | Middle/mid zone |
N
N | Normal |
Na | Sodium |
NAAT | Nucleic Acid Amplification Test |
NAD | No abnormality detected |
NAFLD | Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease |
NAM | Nutrition as medication |
NANB | Non-A/Non-B (viral hepatitis) |
NAT | Non Accidental Trauma |
NASH | Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis |
NB | Newborn |
NBAC | Next Birth After Caesarean |
NBCCS | Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome |
NBF | Neville Barnes forceps (low) |
NBM | Nil by mouth |
NBST | Newborn screening test |
NCV | Nerve conduction study |
NCAT | National Civil and Administrative Tribunal |
NCS | Nerve Conduction Study |
N/D | Normal delivery |
NDIA | National Disability Insurance Agency |
NDIS | National Disability Insurance Scheme |
NE | Not engaged– Nurse Educator |
N/E | No effect (physio) |
Neb. | Nebuliser/nebulised |
NEC | Necrotising enterocolitis |
Neg. | Negative |
NESB | Non English-speaking background |
NET | Neuroendocrine tumours |
NETS | NSW newborn & paediatric Emergency Transport Service |
NF1 | Neurofibromatosis type 1 / neurofibromin gene |
NF2 | Neurofibromatosis type 2 / neurofibromin gene |
NFA | No fixed address |
NFO | No further orders |
NFR | Not for resuscitation |
N/G | Nasogastric |
NG | neisseria gonorrhoea |
NGO | Non-government organisation (mental health) |
NGT | Nasogastric tube |
NGU | Nongonococcal urethritis |
NH | Nursing home |
NHL | Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma |
NHT | Nursing home type |
NIBP | Non-invasive blood pressure |
NICU | Neonatal intensive care unit |
NIEL | Not in established labour |
NIHSS | National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (physio) |
NIMV | Non invasive mask ventilation |
NIV | Non-invasive ventilation |
9-HPT | Nine-Hole Peg Test (physio) |
NIPS/T | Non-invasive prenatal screening / testing |
NIPV | Non invasive pressure ventilation |
NJ | Nasojejunal (dietetics) |
NK | Nil known; not known |
NKA | No known allergies |
NKDA | No known drug allergies |
NLE | Neonatal lupus erythematosus |
NMP | Normal menstrual period |
NMS | Neuroleptic malignant syndrome |
NMRI | Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging |
NND | Neonatal death |
NOAC | Newer/novel oral anticoagulants |
NOAD | No other abnormality detected |
Nocte | At night |
NOF | Neck of femur |
NOH | Neck of humerus |
NOK | Next of kin |
NOLD | No osseous lesion detected |
NOS | Not otherwise specified |
NP | Non productive (physio) )/nasal prong |
Nasal prongs | |
NP | Nurse Practitioner |
NPA | Nasopharyngeal airway |
NPEP | Non-occupational post exposure prophylaxis |
NPO2 | Nasal prong oxygen |
npu | Not passed urine |
NPsych/NΨ | Neuropsychologist |
NPWT | Negative-pressure wound therapy |
NR | Normal range |
NRB | Non rebreather (mask) |
N/S | Normal saline, nursing staff |
NS | Nuclear sclerosis (cataract) |
NSP | Needle & syringe program |
NSAID | Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs |
NSC | Non-sterile cataract |
NSCLC | Non small cell lung cancer/carcinoma |
NSMDA | Neurosensory Motor Developmental Assessment (physio) |
NSR | Normal sinus rhythm |
NSU | Non-specific urethritis |
NSTEMI | Non ST elevation myocardial infarction |
NT | Nuchal translucency |
NUM | Nurse unit manager |
N&V | Nausea and vomiting |
NWB | Non weight bearing |
O
O2 | Oxygen |
O: | Objective (physio) |
OA | Occipito-anterior (L or R) /osteoarthritis |
Osteoarthritis | |
O/A | On admission; on arrival |
OB | Obstetrics |
Obs. | Observations (physio) |
OBS | Organic brain syndrome |
O/C | Onychocryptosis (podiatry) |
OCD | Osteochondritis dissecans |
Obsessive compulsive disorder | |
OCP | Oral contraceptive pill |
O/C/P | Ova/cysts/parasites |
OCT | Optical coherence tomography |
O/D | Overdose |
O/E | On examination |
OFD | Orofaciodigital (syndrome) |
OG | Orogastric |
O/G | Onychogryphosis (podiatry) |
O&G | Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
OGD | Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy |
OGTT | Oral glucose tolerance test |
OHI | Oral hygiene instruction |
OHS | Obesity hypoventilation syndrome |
OH&S | Occupational health and safety |
OI | Osteogenesis imperfecta |
Oint | Ointment |
OJ | Other joints (physio) |
OM | Otitis media |
Obtuse marginal | |
O/M | Onychomycosis (podiatry) |
OMS | Ontario Modify Stratify (falls risk screening tool)/ Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome |
O/N | Overnight |
ONC | Oncology |
ONS | Oral nutrition support |
OOHC | Out Of Home Care |
OOHC HPP | Out of Home Care Health Pathway Program |
OP | Operation/outpatient/osteoporosis |
Osteoporosis | |
Outpatient | |
OPC | Office of the Protective Commissioner (mental health) |
OPD | Outpatients Department |
OPG | Orthopantomography |
Ophth. | Ophthalmology |
O/R; OR | Open reduction / Operating Room |
ORIF | Open reduction with internal fixation |
ORQ | Outer range quadriceps (physio) |
ORTHIN | Overdose Response with Take Home Naloxone (intervention) |
Ortho. | Orthopaedics |
OSA | Obstructive sleep apnoea |
O2 Sats | Oxygen saturation |
OSHS | Obstructive sleep hypopnoea syndrome |
OSI | oral sexual intercourse |
OST | Opioid Substitution Therapy |
OT | Occipitotransverse/operating theatre/occupational therapist |
Occupational therapy | |
OTA | Over toilet aid (occ therapy) |
OTP | Opioid Treatment Program |
Outs | Outfractures |
OTC | Over the counter |
Ov Ca | Ovarian cancer |
P
P: | Plan (physio) |
P1, P2 | Pulmonary valve, first sound or second sound |
PA | Per axilla |
PAC | Premature atrial contractions/pressure area care |
Pressure area care / Pre admission clinic | |
PACE | Promoting aphasic’s communicative effectiveness (speech path) |
Patient with acute condition requiring escalation | |
PACU | Post anaesthesia care unit |
PADL | Personal activities of daily living (occ therapy) |
PADP | Program of Aids for Disabled People (occ therapy) |
Paed | Paediatrics |
PAF | Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation |
PAINAD | Pain assessment in Advanced Demntia |
Pall Care | Palliative care |
palp. | Palpitations (physio) |
PAMS | Passive accessory movements (physio) |
PAIVMS | Passive accessory intervertebral movements (physio) |
PAN | Polyarteritis nodosa |
PAP | Primary atypical pneumonia |
PAPP-A | Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A |
Pap smear | Papanicolaou smear test |
Para | Paraplegic |
PARPi | PARP inhibitor, polyadenosine ribopolymerase inhibitor |
pass. | Passive (physio) |
pat. | Patella (physio) |
Paternal | |
PAT | Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia |
PBC | Primary biliary cirrhosis |
P/c | Phone call |
pc | Presenting complaint (physio) |
PC | Packed cells |
PCA | Patient controlled analgesia |
PCB | Post-coital bleeding |
PCI | Percutaneous coronary intervention |
PCK | Polycystic kidney |
PCL | Posterior cruciate ligament (physio) |
pCO2 | Partial pressure of Carbon Dioxide |
PCOD | Polycystic ovary disease |
PCOS | Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome |
PCP | Phencyclidine (use/intoxication) |
PCR | Polymerase chain reaction |
PCT | Porphyria cutanea tarda |
PCTA | Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty |
PCV | Packed cell volume |
PD | Peritoneal dialysis |
PDA | Patent ductus arteriosus |
Posterior descending artery | |
PDPT | patient delivered partner therapy |
PDU | Patient discharge lounge |
PDL | Patient discharge lounge |
PDMS | Peabody Developmental Motor Scale (physio) |
PDx | Provisional diagnosis |
Principal Diagnosis | |
PE | Physical examination |
Pleural effusion | |
Pulmonary embolism | |
PEARL | Pupils equal and reacting to light |
PECCRLA | Pupils equal, concentric, circular, reacting to light and accommodation |
PEDI | Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (physio) |
PEEP | Positive end expiratory pressure (physio) |
PEFR | Peak expiratory flow rate (physio) |
PEG | Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy |
PEJ | Percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy |
PENS | Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulator |
PEO | Protective Estates Order (mental health) |
PEP | Post-exposure prophylaxis |
perc | Percussion (physio) /percutaneous |
pess | Pessary |
PET | Pre-eclamptic toxaemia/positron emitted tomography |
PF | Patellofemoral (physio) |
PFCKR | Patellofemoral compartment knee replacement |
PFO | Patent foramen ovale |
PFR | Peak flow rate |
PFT | Pulmonary function test |
PFx | Pelvic floor exercises (physio) |
PGD | Preimplantation genetic diagnosis |
PGF | Paternal grandfather |
PGH | Pituitary growth hormone |
PGL | Persistent generalised lymphadenopathy |
PGM | Paternal grandmother |
PG-SGA | Patient guided subjective global assessment |
PHx | Past history |
PHT | Pulmonary hypertension |
PHx | Past / personal / Patient history |
PI | Prothrombin index |
PICA | Posterior inferior cerebral artery |
PICC | Peripherally inserted central catheter |
PiCCO | Pulse contour cardiac output |
PID | Pelvic inflammatory disease |
PIE | Pulmonary infiltration with eosinophilia |
PIH | Pregnancy induced hypertension |
PIN | Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia |
PIP | Proximal interphalangeal (joint) )- Peak Inspiratory pressure |
PITP | Powered inferior turbinoplasty |
PIVC | peripheral intravenous catheter/cannula or IVC – intravenous catheter/cannula |
PIVD | Prolapsed intervertebral disc |
PJP | Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia |
PJS | Peutz-Jeghers syndrome |
PKB | Prone knee bend |
PKD | Polycystic kidney disease |
PKU | Phenylketonuria |
Plt | platelets |
PM | Post mortem |
PMA | Plantar metatarsal area (podiatry) |
PMB | Post menopausal bleeding |
PMH | Past medical history |
PMN/ Polys | Polymorphs on gram |
PMP | Plantar metatarsal pad (podiatry) |
PMR | Polymyalgia rheumatica |
PMS | Premenstrual syndrome |
PMS2 | PMS1 homolog 2 gene |
PMT | Premenstrual tension |
P/N | Postnatal |
PN | Percussion note |
PN | Partner Notification |
PNB | Prostate needle biopsy |
PNC | Post natal clinic |
PND | Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea |
Prenatal diagnosis | |
PNET | Primitive neuroectodermal tumour |
PNF | Passive neck flexion (physio) |
PNH | Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria |
PNLA | Percutaneous needle lung aspiration |
PNMH | Perinatal Mental Health |
PNS | Peripheral nervous system |
PNT | Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour |
PNX | Pneumonia |
pO2 | Concentration of oxygen in solution |
p/o | Productive of (physio) |
PO | By mouth, orally |
POA | Power of attorney |
PO4 | Phosphate |
POBA | Plain old balloon angioplasty (internationally accepted cardiology abbreviation) |
POC | Products of conception/ Point Of care |
POCT | point of care testing |
POD | Pouch of Douglas |
Podo | Podophyllin/ podophyllotoxin |
POF | Premature ovarian failure syndrome |
POH | Poor Obstetric History |
POI | Primary ovarian insufficiency |
POP | Persistent occipito-posterior |
Progestogen only pill | |
POW | Prisoner of War/prince of wales |
Pos. | Positive |
Post. | Posterior |
Post op | Post operatively |
PP | Pin prick |
P&P | Pin and plate |
PP Ca | Primary peritoneal cancer |
PPE | Personal protective equipment |
PPH | Post partum haemorrhage |
PPHN | Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn |
PPI | Proton pump inhibitor |
PPIVM | Passive physiological intervertebral movements (physio) |
PPM | Permanent pacemaker |
PPN | Peripheral parenteral nutrition |
pPNET | Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumour |
PRAFAB | “Protection, Amount, Frequency, Adjustment, Body |
Image” – used in note PRAFAB Continence Questionnaire | |
PPROM | Preterm premature rupture of membranes |
PPU | Perforated peptic ulcer |
PR | Per rectum/paced rhythm |
Progesterone receptor | |
Pre med | Pre medication |
Pre-op | Pre operatively |
Prep | Preparation (mental health) |
PrEP | (HIV) Pre-exposure prophylaxis |
PRFFNB | Percutaneous radiofrequency facet nerve block |
PRIND | Prolonged reversible ischaemic neurological deficit |
PRK | Photorefractive keratectomy |
prn | Whenever necessary/as required (pro re nata) |
prod. | Productive |
prog. | Prognosis (mental health) |
PROM | Premature rupture of membranes |
pron. | Pronation |
prot. | Protraction/protein |
Protein | |
pro tem | for now/in the short term |
prox. | Proximal |
PRVC | Pressure regulated volume control |
PS | Presenting symptoms |
Pressure support | |
P/S | Plantar surface (podiatry) |
PSA | Prostate-specific antigen |
PSC | Polar senile cataract |
PSCP | Psychosocial Care Plan |
PSD | Psychosocial Disability |
PSH; PSHx | Past surgical history |
PSI | Previous sexual intercourse |
PSP | Progressive supranuclear palsy |
PSV | Pressure support ventilation |
Pt | Patient |
P/T | Physiotherapy |
PTA | Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty |
PTA | Post-Traumatic Amnesia |
PTAV | Percutaneous transluminal aortic valvuloplasty |
PTB | Pulmonary tuberculosis |
PTC | Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography |
PTCA | Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty |
PTCH1 | Patched 1 gene |
PTD | Pre test discussion |
PTE | Pulmonary thromboemboli |
PTEN | Phosphatase and tensin homologous gene |
PTFL | Posterior tibiofibular ligament (physio) |
PTH | Parathyroid hormone |
PTK | Phototherapeutic keratectomy |
PTS | Pulled to sitting/pulled to standing (physio) |
PTSD | Post traumatic stress disorder |
pu | Passed urine |
PU | Peptic ulcer |
Paternal uncle | |
PUD | Peptic ulcer disease |
PUF | Pick-up frame (physio) |
PUIT | Passed urine in toilet |
PUJ | Pelvi-ureteric junction |
PUO | Pyrexia of unknown origin |
PUPP | Pruritic urticarial plaques of pregnancy |
PU/S | Pulsed ultrasound (physio) |
PUVA | Psoralen ultraviolet A (therapy) |
PV | Per vagina |
PVB | Per vagina bleeding |
PVC | Premature ventricular contraction |
PVD | Peripheral vascular disease |
PVE | Per vaginal examination |
PVS | Post-viral syndrome |
PWB | Partial weight-bearing (physio) |
PWC | Powered wheelchair |
PWD | Person with Disability |
Q
QRP | Quick Response Unit |
qid | Four times a day |
quad. | Quadraplegia |
quads. | Quadriceps |
QS | Quad stick (physio) |
R
R | Receptive (sexual intercourse) |
Right | |
RA | Rheumatoid arthritis |
Right atrium | |
Room air | |
RAD | Right axis deviation |
RAEB | Refractory anaemia with excess blasts |
RAEB-T | Refractory anaemia with excess blasts in transformation |
RAF | Rapid atrial fibrillation |
RAH | Right atrial hypertrophy (on ECG) |
RAM | Rapid alternating movements (neurology) |
RARS | Refractory anaemia with ringed sideroblasts |
RAS | Renal artery stenosis |
RBBB | Right bundle branch block |
rbc | Red blood cell |
RBC | Red blood count |
RBD | Right border dullness |
RBG | Random blood glucose |
RBGL | Random blood glucose levels |
RC | Right circumflex |
RCA | Right coronary artery |
RCB | Relaxed controlled breathing |
RCC | Red cell count |
RCCA | Right common carotid angiogram/arteriogram |
RCM | Right costal margin |
RCV | Red cell volume |
RDS | Respiratory distress syndrome |
RDT | Routine dialysis therapy |
RDW | Red cell distribution width |
Re: | Regarding (mental health) |
Reg | regular |
REIL | Repeated extension in lying (physio) |
REIS | Repeated extension in sitting (physio) |
Rels. | Relatives |
REM | Rapid eye movement |
rep. | Repeated (physio) |
Resp. | Respiratory |
ret. | Retraction (physio) |
RF | Renal failure |
Rollator frame – two wheels | |
RFA | Right femoral artery/recommendation for admission (form) |
RFH | Right femoral hernia |
RFIL | Repeated flexion in lying (physio) |
RFIS | Repeated flexion in standing (physio) |
RFP | Right frontoposterior (obstetrics) |
Regular female partner | |
RFT | Right frontotransverse (obstetrics) |
RFTs | Respiratory function tests |
RGP | Retrograde pyelogram |
Rh -ve | Rhesus factor negative |
Rh +ve | Rhesus factor positive |
RHD | Rheumatic heart disease |
RHF | Right heart failure |
RHW | Royal Hospital for Women |
RIB | Reportable incident brief/ rest in bed |
Rest in bed | |
RICE | Rest, ice, compression, and elevation |
RICS | Right intercostal space |
RIF | Right iliac fossa |
RIH | Right inguinal hernia |
RIMA | Right internal mammary artery |
RIND | Reversible ischaemic neurologic deficit |
RIP | Raised intracranial pressure/ rest in peace |
RJ | Radial jerk |
R-J | Robert Jones (bandage) |
RK | Radial keratotomy |
RLF | Retrolental fibroplasia |
RLIQ | Right lower inner quadrant (breast) |
RLL | Right lower lid/ right lower lobe |
Right lower lobe | |
RLN | Recurrent laryngeal nerve |
RLOQ | Right lower outer quadrant (breast) |
RLQ | Right lower quadrant (abdomen) |
RM | Registered midwife |
RML | Right middle lobe (lung) |
RMO | Resident Medical Officer |
RMP | Regular male partner |
RN | Registered Nurse |
RNA | Ribonucleic acid |
R/O | Removal of |
RO | Radiation oncology |
ROA | Right occipito anterior (obstetrics) |
ROI | Release of information |
ROL | Right occipitolateral (obstetrics) |
ROM | Range of motion (physio) |
ROP | Right occipitoposterior (obstetrics) |
ROS | Removal of sutures |
ROSH | Risk of Significant Harm |
rot. | Rotation (physio) |
ROT | Right occipitotransverse (obstetrics) |
RPA | Royal Prince Alfred Hospital |
RPC | Retained products of conception |
RPF | Retroperitoneal fibrosis |
RPR | Rapid plasma reagin |
Rpt | Repeat |
RR | Respiratory rate |
RRM | Risk reducing mastectomy |
RRMed | Risk reducing medication |
RR(B/U)SO | Risk reducing (bilateral/unilateral) salpingo- oophorectomy |
RRT | Renal Replacement Therapy – used in note RRT RED ZONE |
RSA | Right sacro-anterior (obstetrics) |
RSCP | Right Scapuloposterior |
RSD | Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (now CRPS) |
RSI | Repetitive strain injury |
RSO | Right salpingo-oophorectomy |
RSP | Right sacroposterior (obstetrics) |
RST | Right sacrotransverse (obstetrics) |
RSV | Respiratory syncytial virus |
RSVB | Respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis |
RT; R/T; RTx | Radiotherapy |
RTA | Regular in time and amplitude |
RTB | Return to bed |
RTHR | Right total hip replacement |
RTI | Respiratory tract infection |
RTL | Reacting to light |
RTS | Raised toilet seat (occ therapy) |
RTU | Returned to unit |
RTW | Returned to ward |
RUDAS | Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale |
RUIQ | Right upper inner quadrant (breast) |
RUL | Right upper lid/right upper lobe (lung) |
RUO | Right ureteric orifice |
RUOQ | Right upper outer quadrant (breast) |
RUQ | Right upper quadrant |
R/V | Review |
RV | Right ventricle |
Retro verted (uterus) | |
RVA | Right vertebral angiogram |
RVAD | Right ventricular assist device |
RVF | Right ventricular failure |
RVH | Right ventricular hypertrophy |
RVP | Right venous pressure |
RVT | Renal vein thrombosis |
Rx | Treatment/prescription |
RXT | Right exotropia |
S
s | serum (as in s bilirubin) |
/s | without |
S1-5 | Sacral vertebrae (1-5) |
S. aureus | Staphylococcus aureus |
Sab | Sabouraud agar |
SAFG | Short arm fibreglass (cast) (physio) |
SAH | Subarachnoid haemorrhage |
SAL | Sensorineural acuity level (test) |
SAPOP | Short arm plaster of paris (physio) |
SaO2 | Saturation of arterial oxygen |
S/B | Seen by |
Stillborn/stillbirth | |
SBA | Standby assistance (occ therapy) |
SBE | Subacute bacterial endocarditis– no longer in use; replaced by IE – infective endocarditis |
SBO | Small bowel obstruction |
SBP | Systolic blood pressure |
SBR | Serum bilirubin |
Strict bed rest | |
S-B test | Stanford-Binet test |
SBT | Sharp/blunt test (occ therapy) |
SCA | Sickle cell anaemia |
SCAD | Spontaneous coronary artery dissection |
scap. | Scapula (physio) |
SCC | Squamous cell carcinoma |
Sudden cardiac death | |
SCH | Subconjunctival haemorrhage |
SCI | Subcutaneous injection |
SCID | Severe combined immunodeficiency disease |
SCI MH-OAT | Service Contact Info. Mental Health Outcome & Assessment Tools (MH) |
SCLC | Small cell lung cancer |
SCN | Special Care Nursery |
SCTx | Static cervical traction |
SCTAT | Sex cord tumour with annular tubules (of the ovary) |
SDAT | Senile dementia Alzheimer’s type (mental health) |
SDH | Subdural haemorrhage/haematoma |
SDHA | Succinate dehydrogenase A complex gene |
SDHAF2 | Succinate dehydrogenase AF2 complex gene |
SDHB | Succinate dehydrogenase B complex gene |
SDHC | Succinate dehydrogenase C complex gene |
SDHD | Succinate dehydrogenase D complex gene |
SDT | Speech detection threshold |
S/E | Subjective examination (physio) |
SEM | Systolic ejection murmur |
sens. | Sensation (physio) |
SFA | Superficial femoral artery |
SFD | Small for dates |
SFGA | Small for gestational age |
SFL/R | Side flexion left/right (physio) |
SG | Specific gravity |
SGA | Small for gestational age |
Subjective global assessment | |
SGC | Senior genetic counsellor |
SGIS | Side glide in standing (physio) |
Sh. | Shoulder (physio) |
SH; SHx | Social history/ Self harm/ Sexual Health |
SHIL | Sexual health info link |
SHL | Sudden hearing loss |
SI | Stress incontinence/ Self Injury |
Sexual intercourse | |
SIADH | Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (secretion) |
Sibs | Siblings |
SIBR | Structured Interdisciplinary Bedside Rounds |
SIDS | Sudden infant death syndrome |
SIJ | Sacro-iliac joint (physio) |
SIL | Supported Independent Living |
SIMV | Synchronised intermittent mandatory ventilation |
SIRS | Systemic inflammatory response syndrome |
SISADH | Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone |
SIW | Self inflicted wound |
SL | Side lying (physio) |
Sublingual | |
SLAP | Superior labrum anterior-posterior lesion |
SLE | Systemic lupus erythematosus |
SLFG | Short leg fibreglass (cast) (physio) |
SLN | Superior laryngeal nerve |
SLPOP | Short leg plaster of Paris (physio) |
SLR | Straight leg raising (physio) |
SLS | Single leg stand (physio) |
SLT | Single lung transplant |
SM | Student midwife |
SMA | Superior mesenteric artery |
SMAD4 | SMAD family member 4 gene |
SMBG | Self monitoring of blood glucose |
SMD | Senile macular degeneration |
SMI | Sustained maximal inspiration (physio) |
SMR | Submucous resection (nose) |
SMHSOP | |
SN | Senile nuclear (cataract) |
Sn | Suction (physio) |
SNAP | Subacute & non-acute patient |
SNAP AROC | Subacute and Non-Acute Patient Australian Rehabilitation Outcomes Centre |
SNM | Senior Nurse Manager |
SNRI | Serotonin/Noradrenalin re-uptake inhibitor (mental health) |
SNS | Sympathetic nervous system |
s/o | Suction out (physio) |
Standing order | |
SO | Salpingo-oophorectomy |
SOA | Swelling of ankles |
SOB | Shortness of breath |
SOBAR | Shortness of breath at rest |
SOBOE | Shortness of breath on exertion |
SOEOB | Sitting over edge of bed (physio) |
SOL | Spontaneous onset of labour |
Sol’n | Solution (mental health) |
SOM | Secretary otitis media |
SOOB | Sit out of bed |
SP | Speech Pathology |
sp | Species |
SPC | Suprapubic catheter |
Spiro. | Spirometry (physio) |
SPO2 | Saturation of peripheral oxygen |
SPS | Single point stick (physio) |
SPPS | Stable plasma protein solution |
SPRED1 | Sprouty-related gene |
SPROM | Spontaneous premature rupture of the membranes |
SPS | Single point stick (physio) |
Sput. | Sputum (physio) |
SQ | Static quadriceps (physio) |
SR | Sinus rhythm |
SR | Self Report |
SROM | Spontaneous rupture of membranes |
s-s | Side to side (physio) |
SSA | Sessile serrated adenoma |
SSG | Split skin graft |
SSHC | Sydney Sexual Health Centre |
SSI | Sliding scale insulin |
SSNHL | Sudden sensorineural hearing loss |
SSP/SSPE | Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis |
SSRI | Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor (mental health) |
SSS | Sick sinus syndrome |
SST | Supraspinatus tendon (physio) |
SSV | Short saphenous vein |
ST | Sinus tachycardia |
STACS | Sutherland Transitional Aged Care Team |
Staph. | Staphylococcus |
stat | immediately and once only (statim) |
Statim/Stat | Immediately, once only |
STD | Sexually transmitted disease |
STEMI | ST elevation myocardial infarction |
STIGMA | Sexually Transmissible Infections in Gay Men Action Group |
STI | Soft tissue injury |
Sexually transmissible infection | |
STK11 | Serine/threonine kinase 11 gene |
STM | Short term memory |
STML | Short term memory loss |
STO | Standing order |
STR | Soft tissue release (physio) |
STS | Serology tests for syphilis |
Sit to stand (allied health) | |
STSG | Split-thickness skin graft |
Strep. | Streptococcus |
subcut. | Subcutaneous |
subj. | Subjective (physio) |
subling. | Sublingual |
Subscap. | Subscapularis (tendon) (physio) |
SUD | Sudden unexplained death |
SUDI | Sudden unexplained death in Infancy |
Sup. | Supination (physio) |
Supp. | Suppository/ Supplement |
SUPPS | Substance Use in Pregnancy and Parenting Support |
Surg. | Surgery or surgical |
Sub US | Subaquatic ultrasound (physio) |
Susp. | Suspension |
S/V | Supervision |
SVC | Superior vena cava |
SVD | Septal ventricular defect |
SVG | Saphenous vein graft |
SVH | St Vincent’s Hospital |
SVR | Systemic vascular resistance |
SVT | Supraventricular tachycardia |
SW | Social work |
SWISH | NSW Statewide Infant Screening – Hearing |
SW/ SIW | Sex industry worker |
SWOP | SWOP Sex Workers Outreach Project |
Sx | Surgery (physio) |
SX | Symptoms |
SXR | Skull x-ray |
Syph | Syphilis |
/ | |
SZ/SCZ | Schizophrenia (mental health) |
T
T1-12 | Thoracic vertebrae (1-12) |
Tab. | Tablet |
TA | Tendoachilles / technical assistant (physio) |
Tubular adenoma | |
Take away medication doses for outpatient staged supply | |
TACP | Transitional Aged Care Program |
TACS | Transitional Aged Care Team |
TAF | Tenofovir Alafenamide |
TAH | Total abdominal hysterectomy |
TAHBSO | Total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy |
TAPVC | Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection |
TAT | Turnaround time |
TB | Tuberculosis (tubercle bacillus) |
TBA | To be arranged |
TBC | To be confirmed (physio) |
TBI | Traumatic brain injury |
TBLC | Term birth living child |
TBLI | Term birth live infant |
TBW | Tension band wiring |
TCA | Tricyclic antidepressant (mental health) |
TCC | Transitional cell carcinoma |
TCI | To come in |
TCRA | Transfer of Care Risk Assessment |
TCM | Transcutaneous monitoring |
T-CLL | T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia |
TCV | Talipes calcaneovalgus (physio) |
TD | Tardive dyskinesia (mental health) Transdermal |
TDF | Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate |
t.d.s | Three times a day (ter die sumendum) |
TED | Thromboembolic deterrent (stockings) |
Temp. | Temperature |
TEN | Trainee enrolled nurse |
TENS | Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (physio) |
TEST | Tubal embryo stage transfer |
Tet-tox | Tetanus toxoid |
TEV | Talipes equinovarus (physio) |
TF | Thickened fluids |
TFA | Transfemoral amputation (physio) |
TFGT | Treatment focussed genetic testing |
TFL | Tensor fasciae latae (physio) |
TFT | Thyroid function tests |
T/F | Transfer (physio) |
TG | Triglycerides |
TGA | Transient global amnesia |
TGF-b | Tumour growth factor – b |
TH | Total hysterectomy |
THA | Total hip arthroplasty |
THBSO | Total hysterectomy bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy |
THC | Tetrahydrocannabinol (marijuana) (mental health) |
THR | Total hip replacement |
TIA | Transient ischaemic attack |
TIBC | Total iron binding capacity |
TIPS | Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt |
TIS | Translating and Interpreting Service |
TIVA | Total intravenous anaesthesia |
TJ | Triceps jerks |
TKA | Total knee arthroplasty |
TKR | Total knee replacement |
TKVO | To keep vein open |
TLA | Translumbar aortogram |
TLE | Temporal lobe epilepsy |
TLR | Tonic labyrinthine reflex (physio) |
TM | Tympanic membrane |
TMC | Threatened miscarriage |
TMJ | Temporomandibular joint |
TML | Trachea midline |
TMR | Transmyocardial revascularisation |
TMT | Tarsometatarsal (physio) |
THN | Take home Naloxone |
TNBC | Triple negative breast cancer |
TNF | Tumour necrosis factor |
TNP | Transitional Nurse Practitioner |
TOC | Test Of Cure |
TOE | Transoesophageal echocardiogram |
TOF | Tracheo-oesophageal fistula– Tetralogy of Falot |
TOL | Trial of labour |
TOP | Termination of pregnancy |
TOR | Test of reinfection |
TORCH | Toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex |
TOS | Trial of scar |
TOV | Trial of void |
Toxo | toxoplasmosis |
T/P | Transplant |
TPG | Transpulmonary pressure gradient |
TPHA | Treponema pallidum haemagglutination (test) |
TPI | Totally and permanently incapacitated |
TPL | Threatened premature labour |
TPN | Total parenteral nutrition |
TPP | Time, place and person |
TPR | Temperature, pulse and respiration |
TPTL | Threatened pre-term labour |
TPW | Temporary pacing wire |
TP53 | Tumour protein p53 gene |
TrA | Transversus abdominis (physio) |
tract. | Traction (physio) |
TRAM | Transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (flap) |
traps. | Trapezius (physio) |
TRH | Thyrotropin-releasing hormone |
Trich/ TV | Trichomoniasis |
Ts and As | Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy |
T/S | Thoracic spine (physio) |
TSE | Testicular self examination |
TSH | Thyroid stimulating hormone |
TSI | Thyroid stimulating immunoglobin |
TSS | Toxic shock syndrome |
TTA | Transtibial amputation (physio) |
TTE | Transthoracic echocardiogram |
TTN | Transient tachypnoea of the newborn |
TTP | Traumatic tension pneumothorax |
TTTS | Twin to twin transfusion syndome |
TUD | Transurethral diathermy |
TULIP | Transurethral ultrasound-guided laser induced prostatectomy |
TUNA | Transurethral needle ablation (of prostate) |
TUR | Transurethral resection |
TURP | Transurethral resection of prostate |
TV | Tidal volume (physio) |
TVA | Tubulovillous adenoma |
TVH | Total vaginal hysterectomy |
TVP | Transvenous pacing/ Transvenous pacemaker |
TVR | Tricuspid valve replacement |
TVT | Transvaginal tension (tape) |
TVUS | Transvaginal ultrasound |
TWB | Touch weight bearing (physio) |
TWOC | Trial without catheter |
Tx | Traction (physio)/Treatment/ Transplant |
Transplant | |
TZ | Transformation zone |
T1DM | Type 1 diabetes mellitus |
T2DM | Type 2 diabetes mellitus |
U
U/A | Urinalysis |
UA | Unstable angina |
UAP | Unstable angina pectoris |
UBT | Uterine balloon therapy |
UC | Ulcerative colitis |
U & E | Urea and electrolytes (use UEC instead) |
UCG | Urinary chorionic gonadotrophin |
UEC | Urea, electrolytes and creatinine |
U/K | Unknown |
UL | Upper limb (physio) |
ULTT | Upper limb tension test (physio) |
ULTT1-3 | Upper limb tension test 1-3 (physio) |
UMN | Upper motor neuron |
Unilat | Unilateral |
U/O | Urine output |
UPDRS | Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (physio) |
UPP | Urethral pressure profile |
UPPP | Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty |
URI | Upper respiratory infection |
urol. | Urology or urological |
URT | Upper respiratory tract |
URTI | Upper respiratory tract infection |
US;U/S | Ultrasound |
UTA | Unable to attend (physio) |
UTI | Urinary tract infection |
UTT | Up to toilet (physio) |
UULEX | Unsupported upper limb exercise test (physio) |
UV | Ultra violet |
UVP | Utero vaginal prolapse |
UVR | Ultraviolet radiation |
UWSD | Underwater seal drain |
UZ | Upper zone (physio) |
V
VA | Visual acuity |
VAD | Vascular access device |
VAIN | Vaginal intra-epithelial neoplasia (grades 1-3) |
VAN | Violence and Neglect (state-wide terminology for services. Is being used in community a bit) |
VAS | Visual analogue scale (physio) |
Vax. | vaccine |
VBAC | Vaginal birth after Caesarean |
VBI | Vertebrobasilar insufficiency |
VC | Vital capacity (physio) |
VCE | Video capsule endoscopy |
V & D | Vomiting and diarrhoea |
VDRL | Venereal disease research laboratory |
VE | Vacuum extraction |
VE, V/E | Vaginal examination |
VEB | Ventricular ectopic beats |
VEP | Visual evoked potential |
VF | Ventricular fibrillation |
VFT | Ventilatory function test (physio) |
VH | Vaginal hysterectomy |
VHD | Valvular heart disease |
VHL | Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome / gene |
vibs/vibes. | Vibrations (physio) |
VIB | Voided in bed |
VIN (I, II, III) | Vulval intraepithelial neoplasia (grades I, II, III) |
VIP | Visual Infusion phlebitis score |
VIPoma | Vasoactive intestinal peptide tumour |
VIQ | Verbal intelligence quotient |
Vit. | Vitamin |
Viz | namely |
VL | Viral Load |
VLAP | Visual laser assisted prostatectomy |
VLBW | Very low birth weight |
VLDL | Very low density lipoproteins |
VMO | Visiting Medical Officer |
VP | Ventriculoperitoneal |
VPB | Ventricular premature beats |
VPC | Ventricular premature contractions |
VPS | Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt |
VQ;V/Q;V-Q | calculate airflow and bloodflow |
VR | Ventricular rate |
VRE | Vancomycin-resistant enterococci |
VS | Vital signs |
VSC | Vertebral subluxation complex |
VSD | Ventricular septal defect |
VSI | Vaginal sexual intercourse |
VT | Ventricular tachycardia |
VTE | Venous thrombo-embolism |
VUJ | Vesico-ureteric junction |
VV | Varicose vein |
vWD | von Willebrand’s disease |
VVC | Vulvovaginal candidiasis |
Vx | Vertex |
VZV | Varicella zoster virus |
W
WAGR | Wilms tumour, aniridia, G-U malformations, mental retardation |
WAIS-III | Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Version 3 (mental |
health) | |
WB | Weight bearing (physio) |
Whole blood | |
WBAT | Weight bearing as tolerated (physio) |
wbc | White blood cell |
WBC | White blood count |
WBR | Whole body radiation |
WC | Workers’ compensation |
WCC | White cell count |
W/cm² | Watts per centimetre squared (physio) |
Wee-FIM | Paediatric functional independence measure (physio) |
WH&S | Work Health and safety |
Wks | Weeks |
WNL | Within normal limits |
w/o | Without |
W/O | Washout |
WO | Welfare officer (mental health) |
WOB | Work of breathing |
WPTAS | Westmead Post-Traumatic Amnesia |
WPW | Wolff-Parkinson-White (Syndrome) |
W/S | Walking stick |
WSW | Women who have sex with women |
Wt | Weight |
WTM | Will take message |
2WW | Two-wheeled walker |
4WF | Four-wheeled frame (physio) |
4WW | Four-wheeled walker |
X
XLD | X-linked dominant |
XLR | X-linked recessive |
X-match | Cross match |
XR | X-ray |
Extended release | |
XRT | X-ray therapy |
Y
y/o | Years old |
yr/s | Year/Years |
Z
Z-N | Ziehl Neelsen (stain) |
Abbreviations that signify time
Abbreviation | Meaning |
mane | In the morning |
bd | Twice a day |
stat | Immediately, with no delay, now |
prn | As needed |
q | Every |
q.d. | Every day |
q.i.d | four times per day |
q8H | Every 8 hours |
x/24 | Number of hours (example 2/24 = 2 hours) |
x/7 | Number of days (example 2/7 = 2 days) |
x/52 | Number of weeks (example 2/52 = 2 weeks) |
x/12 | Number of months (example 2/12 = 2 months) |
Abbreviations that are used for units of measurement
Abbreviation | Meaning |
kg | Kilograms (kilo) |
g | Grams |
mg | Milligram |
L | Litre |
mL | Millilitre |
mmol | Millimole |
Abbreviation for type of medication or method of drug administration
Type of medication or method of drug administration | Abbreviation |
metered dose inhaler | MDI |
suppositories | supp |
subcutaneous | subcut |
nebulised | NEB |
pessary | pess |
intravenous | IV |
per rectum | PR |
Common Symbols
Symbol | Meaning |
> | Greater than |
< | Less than |
♂ | Male |
♀ | Female |
↓ | decreased |
↑ | increased |
Δ | diagnosis; change |
# | fracture |
Acronyms
An acronym is a pronounceable word formed from the first letter or first few letters of each word in a phrase or title. Most acronyms are expressed in uppercase letters, but not always. For example, laser stands for (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation)
Acronyms and abbreviations are commonly used in the medical world to save time and space whilst writing in the patients’ medical records. As various specialties have evolved, each has developed a collection of commonly used abbreviations within its practice, which may not be recognizable to those not working within the same field.
Here is a very small example list of acronyms.
- AAC – Ageing and Aged Care
- ABI – Acquired Brain Injury
- AMA – Australian Medical Association
- BMI – Body mass index
- CAT: Computerised axial tomography (scan)
- CDAP – Centre for Drug and Alcohol Programs
- DHA – Department of Health and Ageing
- DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis
- ECG – Electrocardiogram
- ED – Emergency Department
- FPA – Family Planning Association
- GCT – Glucose Challenge Test
- HCV – Hepatitis C virus
- HRT – Hormone replacement therapy
- HICAPS – Health Industry Claims and Payments Service
- ICU – Intensive Care Unit
- MA – Medicare Australia
- MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- NCSP – National Cervical Screening Program
- OMP – Other Medical Practitioner
- PBS – Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
- QoL – Quality of Life
- RACGP – Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
- SARS – Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
- VR – Vocational Registration
Drug Categories and classes
Medical practitioners frequently include references to drugs in their correspondence. They might refer to a drug by its generic name or brand name or they might refer to a category or class of drugs.
MIMS is the leading supplier of trusted, quality, independent medicine information to Australian healthcare professionals. Medical practitioners subscribe to MIMS Online who provides a wide range of Australian medicines information – full product information, abbreviated product information, a drug interaction module and a pill identification module and more.
The difference between the generic and brand name
The generic name – is the drug’s ‘active ingredient’ that makes it work. Generic names are usually typed in lower case.
The brand name – is given by the pharmaceutical company that markets the drug. Brand names are typed with initial capitals.
For example: ibuprofen a generic name Advil is the brand name.
The classes of drugs in Australia include:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Cannabis
- Methamphetamines (e.g. MDMA) and other stimulants such as cocaine
- New psychoactive substances – synthetic drugs
- Opioids, including heroin
- The non-medical use of prescription drugs
Drugs can be categorised by the way in which they affect our bodies:
- depressants – slow down the function of the central nervous system
- hallucinogens – affect your senses and change the way you see, hear, taste, smell or feel things
- stimulants – speed up the function of the central nervous system.
Drugs can also be grouped by how or where they are commonly used.
- Analgesics
- Inhalants
- Opioids
- Party drugs
- Performance and image enhancing drugs
- Prescription drugs
The Medicine Cabinet
Below you will find a list of common medications, their purpose and examples of the products used. Note: Brands are the proprietary names and trademarks of the pharmaceutical companies that make and distribute them.
This content is for educational information only. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have about taking your medications.
Analgesics
Commonly know as
pain meds
They are used for
headaches, muscle aches and pains
Examples
Aspirin
Codeine
Nurofen (ibuprofen)
Tylenol (acetaminophen)
“Feeling no pain” in Greek. These are some of the most common medications taken. Many are available OTC (over the counter-without prescription). Most all of these drugs work on three things: pain, inflammation, and fever. Each varies in its potency for one of these three complaints. Aspirin and Tylenol are taken for colds, headaches, sinus pain, muscular aches. Aspirin has a strong anti-inflammatory action and is often taken for many problems involving inflammatory reactions: infections, bruising, broken bones and arthritis.
Severe pain, such as after surgery, may require stronger analgesics, narcotics, such as codeine.
Antacids
Commonly know as
indigestion pills
They are used for
heartburn
Examples
Rennie
Mylanta
Tums
Zantac (ranitidine)
Who hasn’t had “heartburn” after a big, fatty or spicy meal? So called “heartburn” has nothing to do with the heart, but refers to the burning pain felt behind the breast bone related to meals. The cause is gastric acid backing up into the esophagus.
There are three levels of treatment for mild to moderate to severe symptoms. Popping a Rennie or Tums, which contains an alkaline chemical, directly neutralises acid. If heartburn occurs frequently, several times a week, your physician may recommend Zantac or Pepcid which are OTC available histamine blockers. Histamine in the stomach is one of the signals that stimulates acid production. For severe heartburn your physician may prescribe a medication that directly blocks acid production, a proton-pump inhibitor, such as Prevacid (sounds like someone combined “prevent” and “acid”). Each is progressively more effective, but more expensive and with more side effects.
Antiarthritic
Commonly know as
rheumatism pills
They are used for
rheumatoid arthritis
Examples
Aspirin
Aleve (naproxin)
Celebrex (celecoxib)
Humira (adalimumab)
Remicade (infliximab)
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, that is, the immune system attacks joint tissue as if it were foreign tissue leading to joint pain, swelling, redness, warmth (the four criteria of inflammation). Ultimately, joint tissues are damaged. The cause is unknown, but something triggers the inflammatory reaction which becomes chronic and results in destruction of joint structures.
All antiarthritic medications have a common goal, to avoid, suppress or interrupt the inflammatory process. Keep in mind that inflammation is a normal and desirable process when we have an infection. Normally, the inflammatory process, involving bringing in leucocytes (white blood cells) and antibodies does its job and then resolves with the healing process. It is when inflammation develops as a result of an abnormal trigger and/or becomes chronic that normal tissues can be damaged with joint destruction and immobility as a result.
Aspirin and Aleve belong to a category of drugs called NSAIDS (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs). These medications inhibit synthesis of an intermediary chemical in the inflammatory process called prostaglandins.
Antibiotics
Commonly know as
bug killers
They are used for
microbial infections
Examples
Amoxil (amoxicillin)
Erythromycin
Keflex (cephalexin)
Pen-Vee (Penicillin)
Septra (sulfamethoxazole)
Vibramycin (doxycycline)
There are many of these drugs so only a brief overview can be offered. Two major categories are called broad spectrum meaning many types of microorganisms are affected, and narrow spectrum meaning one or a few microorganisms are affected. First, how do antibiotics work? How can they kill “bugs” but not us? Two examples follow: Humans need folic acid but can’t make it, so we have to get it in our diet as a vitamin. Bacteria can’t take in folic acid, so they must make it. Sulfa drugs block synthesis of folic acid. Voila! Okay for us. Bad for bacteria. Another example is bacteria have an extra layer around themselves called a cell wall. Penicillins block cell wall synthesis. Humans lack a cell wall outside our cell membranes. Okay for us. Bad for bacteria.
Sulphonamides, also called sulpha drugs, were the earliest antibiotics. In those old WWII movies when you see them sprinkling a powder on wounds, that may be a sulpha drug. Over time many organisms have developed resistance to sulpha drugs, so newer antibiotics have to be used. Or, patients develop allergic reactions to sulfa drugs and they must be replaced with other antibiotics. However, they are still used for urinary tract infections and in burn units among other specific uses.
Penicillin is effective against a wide variety of microorganisms including pneumococcal pneumonia, staphylococcal infections, meningitis, syphilis and gonorrhea. How would you know that nafcillin, oxacillin, ampicillin and amoxicillin are all forms of peniCILLIN? Unfortunately, some individuals develop an allergic reaction to penicillins and many microorganisms have become resistant. In this category are newer antibiotics called cephalosporins. Resistant strains have developed against these antibiotics also. What is the nature of antibiotic resistance (more difficult to kill)? In the case of penicillins some microorganisms have developed an enzyme, penicillinase, that inactivates the antibiotic. Microorganisms may also change the chemical structure of their cell walls, the target of penicillins and cephalosporins. Those wily bacteria!
Tetracyclines interfere with bacterial protein synthesis. They effectively stop bacterial growth so our immune system can finish them off. This works because of subtle differences in the protein making machinery of microorganisms and human cells. Tetracyclines are used in chlamydial infections, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, mycoplasma pneumonia, cholera, syphilis, among others. Another inhibitor of protein synthesis is Erythromycin which is the drug of choice for Legionnaires Disease and one of the few antibiotics that can penetrate the prostate gland. Since it covers a similar spectrum of microorganisms as penicillins, it can be used to treat syphilis in patients who are allergic to penicillin.
Why won’t my doctor prescribe an antibiotic when I have a really bad cold? Common colds are caused by viruses. Viruses have neither cell walls nor their own metabolic machinery (they use yours). Consequently, antibiotics don’t work against viruses.
Anticoagulants
Commonly know as
blood thinners
They are used for
prevent blood clots
Examples
Coumadin (warfarin)
Heparin
Plavix (clopidogrel)
Well, they really don’t make your blood thinner. What they do is make your blood less likely to clot (coagulate) when it is undesirable for clotting to take place like inside your coronary arteries (remember thrombus and embolus?). Since anticoagulants interfere with the clotting mechanism, their use must be carefully monitored to make sure clotting does take place normally with a finger cut, but prevent clots forming after your hip surgery.
Anticonvulsants
Commonly know as
epilepsy drugs
They are used for
prevent seizures
Examples
Dilantin (phenytoin)
Phenobarbital
Neurontin (gabapentin)
Although head trauma or a brain tumor can cause seizures, many times there is no specific cause and it may be inherited. The function of anticonvulsant drugs is to suppress the source of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Dilantin is a first choice drug in controlling many forms of seizures. Dilantin along with Valium (a tranquiliser) are first line drugs for “status epilepticus”, continuous seizure activity which must be stopped quickly. However, there are various anticonvulsants for specific forms of epilepsy, all with differing effectiveness, side effects and potential drug interactions with other medications. Many famous people have had epilepsy: Socrates, Julius Caesar, Napoleon, Handel, Charles Dickens, Alfred Nobel and Elton John among many others.
Antidepressants
Commonly know as
uppers
They are used for
relieve depression
Examples
Elavil (amitriptyline)
Prozac (fluoxetine)
Zoloft (sertraline)
All of us have days when we feel “blue” and for some good reason, disappointment or bad news. But, persistent sadness, preoccupation with negative thoughts, insomnia, prolonged loss of concentration at work and loss of interest in personal affairs may signal a need for medical intervention. All these medications elevate mood from feeling “down”. Two major categories of drugs in use for depression are called tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s). Put simply, both medications modify the chemicals (neurotransmitters) that carry signals in our brain. They target brain areas that are associated with emotional feelings and our reactions to them. Feel better? Act better!
Antihistamines
Commonly know as
cold and flu pills
They are used for
stops a runny nose, wheezing and itchiness
Examples
Allegra (fexofenadine)
Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
Claritin (loratadine)
Histamine is a natural substance produced by many tissues of the body. Histamine release in nasal passages in response to bacteria or virus infection, sensitivity to various pollens results in a runny nose and nasal congestion. Histamine release in lung tissue causes constriction of air passages. Histamine release in the skin produces redness and itchiness. So, the wide distribution of histamine and its unique actions in those tissues account for the variety of reactions that can occur with its release. Antihistamines block the action of histamine at its target organ.
Antihypertensives
Commonly know as
blood pressure pills
They are used for
lowers high blood pressure
Examples
Norvasc (amlodipine besylate)
Captopen (captopril)
Inderal (propranolol)
Lotensin (benazepril)
Tenormin (atenolol)
Zestril (lisinopril)
Cardiac drugs
Commonly know as
heart medicine
They are used for
treats abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure, angina pain
Examples
Cardizem (diltiazem)
Cordarone (amiodarone)
Inderal (propranolol)
Lanoxin (digoxin)
Nitrostat (nitroglycerin)
There are three major uses for heart medications: regulate an abnormal rhythm (pattern of contractions), strengthen the contractions of a failing heart, respond to cardiac pain.
An irregular heart rhythm can lead to a fatal arrhythmia, sudden cardiac death, that is, the heart pumping action failing and stopping. In the normal heart there is one special area of tissue, the pacemaker, that sets “the beat”, the heart rhythm. If an area of the heart becomes irritable or damaged, it can become an abnormal pacemaker. Antiarrhythmic drugs suppress abnormal, irritable tissue from taking over from the normal pacemaker. A myocardial infarct, “heart attack”, may cause abnormal pacemakers to appear or may disrupt the normal signal conduction pathway through the myocardium. Antiarrhythmic drugs also suppress abnormal conduction pathways. In an oversimplified way, many antiarrhythmic drugs act like a local anesthetic on the myocardium.
The heart may begin to lose efficiency as a pump due to long term hypertension causing back pressure in the heart, a damaged heart valve allowing leakage can cause back pressure or damaged myocardium can result in reduced pumping efficiency following a heart attack. The back pressure in the heart causes fluid to back up in the lungs, hence the name, congestive heart failure (CHF). The failing heart needs a boost, a drug that will strengthen the force of contractions. Digitalis (Lanoxin in cabinet) is a standard drug used in CHF. Diuretics (see that category) and drugs that dilate blood vessels to lower pressure may also be used to reduce the work load on the heart.
Cardiac ischemia produces a unique pain called angina pectoris. It is the heart’s cry for more oxygen due to inadequate coronary artery blood flow. One patient described it “like an elephant sitting on my chest”. A commonly used medication for angina is nitroglycerine. It is not an analgesic, but relieves the cause of the pain, insufficient blood flow to the myocardium. This medication causes the coronary arteries to dilate allowing more blood flow to heart muscle and the anginal pain subsides.
Diuretics
Commonly know as
water pills
They are used for
lowers high blood pressure, treat congestive heart failure
Examples
Hydrodiuril (hydrochlorothiazide)
Lasix (furosemide)
“Promoting urine” in Greek. These medications may be used alone or in combination with blood pressure medication. Their purpose is to rid the body of excess fluid which can help lower blood pressure and work demand on the heart. Easing the heart’s work load indirectly prevents fluid accumulation in the air sacs of the lungs which can cause difficulty breathing, especially when lying down. The most common mechanism is to reduce reabsorption of sodium chloride (salt) in the kidneys. More sodium chloride in the urine pulls more water into the urine reducing the body’s fluid volume.
Erectile Dysfunction
They are used for
impotency
Examples
Cialis (tadalafil)
Levitra(vardenafil)
Viagra (sildenafil)
Erectile dysfunction, what used to be called “impotency”, is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection sufficient to complete intercourse. The three current oral medications for this complaint work by a similar mechanism. Achieving an erection depends upon an hydraulic function of increasing blood flow into the penis at a rate faster than the penile veins can drain it away. Sexual stimulation causes a chemical, nitric oxide, to be released by the lining of the penile arteries which causes relaxation of the muscles of the arterial walls resulting in dilating (widening) of the arteries and increased blood flow. Each of these drugs contain a chemical that slows down the destruction of nitrous oxide so the latter prolongs the dilation of the penile arteries. Note that the medication must act on existing nitric oxide released by sexual stimulation. Popping a pill is not enough. No sexual stimulation. No erection.
Although these drugs work by a similar mechanism, they may differ in their effectiveness in individual patients, side effects and drug interactions.
Hypnotics
Commonly know as
sleeping pills
They are used for
insomnia
Examples
Ambien (zolpidemtartrate)
Lunesta (eszopiclone)
Sonata (zaleplon)
Chronic insomnia, not being able to get to sleep, frequent waking up, not getting enough sleep, can ruin your day! People with sleeping problems may feel drowsy, even nod off, during the work day. Chronic fatigue from lack of sufficient rest is physically and emotionally draining. Hypnotics are sleep-inducing drugs. Their activity is similar to anti-anxiety medications (see “downers” in the list), tamping down brain activity so you can more easily fall asleep and stay asleep. Hypnotics differ in emphasis. Some are most effective in helping you fall asleep, but are very short acting, and may not be very effective for staying asleep. Others are more effective in minimising number of awakenings for up to eight hours. All hypnotics have a sedation effect. So, you still may be drowsy during the day, but from medication effects. Your physician can best determine the choice of drug and dosage that will balance a good night’s rest with minimal or no daytime sedation.
Hypoglycemic agents
Commonly know as
diabetic drugs
They are used for
lowers high blood sugar
Examples
Diabeta (Glyburide)
Glucophage (metformin)
Glucotrol (glipizide)
Insulin
Osteoporosis therapy
Commonly know as
Bone pills
They are used for
strengthens bones
Examples
Actonel (risendronate)
Boniva (ibandronate)
Fosamax (alendronate)
Tranquilisers
Commonly know as
downers
They are used for
anxiety
Examples
Valium (diazepam)
Xanax (alprazolam)
From time to time we all feel stressed about our job or what our teenagers are up to, but we manage to get on with our lives. Sometimes, however, we feel constantly on edge and overwhelmed with worry to the point that it interferes with tasks of daily living. The normal “fear” response takes over inappropriately, and we become immobilised with anxiety. These medications may supplement the support from loved ones and professional counseling. The most commonly used tranquilisers (anxiolytics, antianxiety drugs) have two major actions: to reduce anxiety and to sedate (sleep-inducing). The basic mechanism is to inhibit activity in the area of the brain associated with “fear”. The challenge for your physician is to choose a medication that will reduce anxiety without your falling asleep at your work during the day!
