Comprehensive Medical Terminology and Clinical Concepts Study Guide

This study guide is designed to provide a thorough understanding of foundational medical terminology, common abbreviations,
medical histories, and key concepts across various body systems and clinical practices.

I. Foundational Knowledge: Medical Terminology & Anatomy

A. Prefixes
● Quantitative/Numerical:
○ a-/an-: without, none (e.g., apnea - without breath, anemia - without blood)
○ micro-: small (e.g., microscope)
○ macro-: large (e.g., macrophage)
○ uni-/mono-: one (e.g., unilateral - one side, monochromatic - one color)
○ olig/o-: less than normal (e.g., oliguria - less than normal urine output)
● Descriptive:
○ dys-: difficult, painful, abnormal (e.g., dyspnea - difficult breathing, dysuria - painful urination)
● Positional/Directional:
○ endo-: within, inside (e.g., endoscopy - to look within)
○ peri-/circum-: around (e.g., pericardium - around the heart, circumference - around a circle)
○ retro-: behind (e.g., retroperitoneal - behind the peritoneum)
○ epi-: upon, on top (e.g., epidermis - upon the skin)
○ trans-: through, across (e.g., transurethral - through the urethra)
○ intra-: within (e.g., intravenous - within a vein)
○ sub-: below, under (e.g., subcutaneous - below the skin)
● Negative:
○ a-/an-: without, none (as above)
○ Note: Other negative prefixes like 'anti-' (against) are also common.

B. Suffixes
● Disease/Condition:
○ -itis: inflammation (e.g., appendicitis - inflammation of the appendix)
○ -osis: abnormal condition (e.g., osteoporosis - abnormal condition of porous bones)
○ -emia: blood condition (e.g., hypoxemia - low oxygen in blood)
○ -cele: hernia/protrusion (e.g., hydrocele - fluid-filled hernia)
○ -plegia: paralysis (e.g., hemiplegia - paralysis of half the body)
○ -malacia: softening (e.g., osteomalacia - softening of bone)
○ -porosis: porous (e.g., osteoporosis - porous bones)
○ -asthenia: weakness (e.g., myasthenia - muscle weakness)
● Surgical:
○ -ectomy: surgical removal (e.g., appendectomy - removal of appendix)
○ -otomy: to cut into (e.g., tracheotomy - to cut into the trachea)
○ -ostomy: create an opening (e.g., colostomy - create an opening in the colon)
○ -plasty: surgical repair/reconstruction (e.g., rhinoplasty - surgical repair of the nose)
○ -centesis: surgical puncture to remove fluid (e.g., abdominocentesis - surgical puncture of the abdomen)
 ○ -tripsy: to crush (e.g., lithotripsy - to crush stones)
○ -rrhaphy: surgical suture (e.g., herniorrhaphy - surgical suture of a hernia)
● Descriptive/Symptomatic:
○ -megaly: enlargement (e.g., hepatomegaly - enlarged liver)
○ -algia/-algesia: pain (e.g., myalgia - muscle pain, analgesia - without pain)
○ -rrhea: flow, discharge (e.g., rhinorrhea - nasal discharge)
○ -chezia: defecation (e.g., hematochezia - bloody defecation)
○ -ptysis: spitting/coughing (e.g., hemoptysis - coughing up blood)
● Other Common Endings:
○ -scopy/-scopic: to look or observe, visual examination (e.g., endoscopy - to look inside)
○ -graphy/-graph: process of recording/image (e.g., cardiography - process of recording heart activity)
○ -gram: image produced (e.g., electrocardiogram - image produced by heart electricity)
○ -stasis: to stop, control (e.g., hemostasis - to stop bleeding)
○ -trophy: development, nourishment (e.g., atrophy - lack of development/nourishment)
○ -logy: study of (e.g., cardiology - study of the heart)

C. Combining Forms (Word Roots)

● cardi/o: Heart (e.g., cardiology)
● gastr/o: Stomach (e.g., gastritis)
● oste/o: Bone (e.g., osteoporosis)
● hem/o, hemat/o: Blood (e.g., hematology, hematuria)
● cyan/o: Blue (e.g., cyanosis)
● leuk/o: White (e.g., leukocyte)
● melan/o: Black (e.g., melanoma)
● xanth/o: Yellow (e.g., xanthoma)

II. Abbreviations & Common Medical Histories (PMHx)

This section compiles common abbreviations and their full meanings, particularly focusing on frequently encountered medical
histories.

Abbreviation Meaning Common Medical History Meaning

(PMHx) Term

HTN Hypertension (High BP) HTN Hypertension (High BP)

HLD Hyperlipidemia (High cholesterol) HLD Hyperlipidemia (High cholesterol)

DM Diabetes Mellitus DM Diabetes Mellitus

NIDDM Diabetes on pills (Non-Insulin Dependent NIDDM Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes

Diabetes) (pills)

IDDM Diabetes on insulin (Insulin Dependent IDDM Insulin Dependent Diabetes

Diabetes) (shots)
CAD Coronary Artery Disease CAD Coronary Artery Disease (heart
disease)

MI Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) MI Myocardial Infarction (heart

attack)

CHF Congestive Heart Failure CHF Congestive Heart Failure

A Fib Atrial Fibrillation A-Fib Atrial Fibrillation (irregular

heartbeat)

SVT Supraventricular Tachycardia SVT Supraventricular Tachycardia

COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary

Disease

PE Pulmonary Embolism PNA Pneumonia

PNA Pneumonia GERD Gastroesophageal Reflux

Disease (Acid reflux)

GERD Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease PUD Peptic Ulcer Disease

UTI Urinary Tract Infection IBS Irritable Bowel Syndrome

CVA Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke) UTI Urinary Tract Infection

TIA Transient Ischemic Attack (Mini-stroke) Pyelo Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)

DVT Deep Vein Thrombosis Renal Calculi Kidney stones

AAA Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm CRF on Dialysis Chronic Renal Failure (often
requires dialysis)

RA/OA Rheumatoid/Osteoarthritis BPH Enlarged prostate

IBS Irritable Bowel Syndrome CVA Stroke

CRF Chronic Renal Failure TIA Transient Ischemic Attack (mini

stroke)

Epilepsy Seizure disorder

AAA Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

PVD Peripheral Vascular Disease

DJD Degenerative Joint Disease

 OA / RA Osteoarthritis / Rheumatoid
Arthritis

Osteoporosis Weak bones

Cancer/Carcinoma Specify location/type (e.g., Lung

Carcinoma)

Metastasis Cancer spread

In Remission No current evidence of cancer

Murmur Heart murmur (abnormal heart

sound)

III. Body Systems: Specific Terminology & Abbreviations

A. Cardiovascular System
● AAA: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (weakening and bulging of the aorta in the abdomen)
● ACS: Acute Coronary Syndrome (umbrella term for conditions where blood flow to the heart is suddenly reduced)
● Afib: Atrial Fibrillation (irregular and often rapid heart rate)
● Afib with RVR: Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Ventricular Response (Afib where the lower chambers of the heart beat
too quickly)
● AKA: Above Knee Amputation
● ASA: Aspirin
● AS: Aortic Stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve)
● Bradycardia: Slow heart rate (<60 bpm)
● CABG: Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (surgery to bypass blocked heart arteries)
● CAD: Coronary Artery Disease (narrowing of heart arteries)
● Gallops: Abnormal heart rhythm with 3 or 4 beats (indicating underlying heart issues)
● Holosystolic murmur: A heart murmur heard throughout systole (heart contraction), often indicating valve regurgitation.
● HR: Heart Rate
● Htn: Hypertension (High blood pressure)
● Hypercholesterolemia: High cholesterol
● Hyperlipidemia: High cholesterol (synonymous with hypercholesterolemia)
● Homans' sign: Calf pain upon dorsiflexion of the foot, a possible sign of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis).
● BP: Blood Pressure
● CTA (Cardiovascular): Clear to auscultation (refers to listening to the heart, though more common for lungs)
● BCS: Glasgow Coma Scale (used for neurological assessment, not directly cardiovascular, but sometimes used in
contexts where cardiac arrest leads to brain injury).

B. Neurological System
● ALTE: Apparent Life-Threatening Event (used in pediatrics, involving breathing changes, color changes, tone changes,
or choking/gagging)
● Aphasia: No speech or severe difficulty with language.
● Dysarthria: Slurred speech due to muscle weakness or difficulty controlling muscles used for speech.
 ● Dysdiadochokinesia: Inability to perform rapid alternating movements (e.g., rapidly tapping hand) - indicates cerebellar
dysfunction.
● Dysmetria: Inability to accurately control the range of a movement, often tested with finger-to-nose test - indicates
cerebellar dysfunction.
● CVA: Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)
● HA: Headache
● Cephalgia: Headache (medical term)
● CHI: Closed Head Injury (head injury without penetration of the skull)
● Encephalitis: Brain inflammation.
● Ataxic gait: An unsteady, uncoordinated manner of walking.
● HPI: History of Present Illness (detailed account of the patient's current symptoms)
● H&P: History and Physical (comprehensive documentation of patient's medical history and physical exam findings)
● Hx: History
● HO: History of
● Dysphasia: Difficulty with word finding or expressing thoughts (less severe than aphasia).
● HI: Homicidal Ideation (thoughts of harming others).
● DTR: Deep Tendon Reflexes (e.g., knee jerk reflex).

C. Respiratory System
● Apnea: Without breath (temporary cessation of breathing).
● Apneic: Adjective meaning no respirations.
● COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
● Clear rhinorrhea: Clear nasal discharge (runny nose).
● Croup: A viral upper airway infection characterized by a barking cough.
● Dyspnea: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
● Dyspnea on exertion (DOE): Shortness of breath with movement or physical activity.
● Hemoptysis: Coughing up blood.
● Atelectasis: Collapsed alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs).
● Cyanosis: Blue discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen.
● CTA (Respiratory): Clear To Auscultation (lungs sound clear when listened to with a stethoscope).
● CXR: Chest X-ray.
● BS: Breath sounds.
● Crepitus: A crackling sound or sensation under the skin, often in the chest wall, due to air in the subcutaneous tissue.
● EENT: Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat.

D. Gastrointestinal (GI) System

● Abd: Abdomen/Abdominal.
● Appy: Colloquial term for Appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix) or Appendectomy (surgical removal of the
appendix).
● Ascites: Fluid in the peritoneal cavity (the space within the abdomen).
● Biliary Colic: Severe pain in the abdomen due to gallstones blocking bile ducts.
● Cholecystectomy: Surgical removal of the gallbladder.
● Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder.
● Cholelithiasis: The presence of gallstones.
● Cirrhosis: Liver scarring leading to impaired liver function.
● Colectomy: Surgical removal of the colon.
● Diverticulitis: Inflammation of colonic outpouchings (diverticula).
 ● Diverticulosis: The presence of non-inflamed colonic outpouchings.
● Dyspepsia: Indigestion or upset stomach.
● Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing.
● Dysuria: Painful urination (can be a GI or GU symptom).
● Emesis: Vomiting.
● GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (acid reflux).
● GIB: Gastrointestinal Bleed.
● Guaiac Test: A test for fecal occult blood (hidden blood in stool).
● Hematemesis: Blood in vomit.
● Hematochezia: Bright red blood per rectum (in stool), indicating a lower GI bleed.
● Hepatomegaly: Enlarged liver.
● N/V: Nausea/Vomiting.
● Cullen’s Sign: Umbilical bruising, a sign of severe pancreatitis.
● Grey-Turner’s Sign: Flank bruising, also a sign of severe pancreatitis.
● BS: Bowel sounds.
● BM: Bowel movement.
● Abx: Antibiotics (general, but often used for GI infections like C. diff).
● Cdiff: Clostridium difficile, a bacterial infection causing severe diarrhea.

E. Genitourinary (GU)/Reproductive System

● Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation.
● Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation.
● D&C: Dilation and Curettage (a gynecological procedure).
● Dyspareunia: Pain during intercourse.
● Cystitis: Bladder inflammation (usually due to infection).
● Hematuria: Blood in urine.
● BPH: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate gland).
● GU: Genitourinary system.
● GYN: Gynecology.
● Gravid: Pregnant.
● Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Excessive vomiting in pregnancy.
● Cervical Motion Tenderness (CMT): Tenderness when moving the cervix, a sign of pelvic infection.
● Cervical vertebral tenderness: Tenderness in the neck over the cervical spine (MSK/Spine).
● C/S: Cesarean section (C-section).
● ESRD: End-Stage Renal Disease (kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant).
● ARF: Acute Renal Failure (sudden kidney failure).
● Renal colic: Severe, cramping pain from kidney stones.

F. Musculoskeletal (MSK) System

● Abrasion: A superficial skin wound where the skin is rubbed or scraped off.
● Avulsion: The tearing away of skin or other body tissue.
● Bimalleolar fracture: A fracture involving both malleoli (bony prominences) in the ankle.
● BKA: Below Knee Amputation.
● Fx: Fracture (a break in a bone).
● Comminuted fracture: A fracture where the bone is shattered into multiple fragments.
● Contusion: A bruise (bleeding under the skin without a break in the skin).
● Bursa: A fluid-filled sac that cushions joints and reduces friction between bones, tendons, and muscles.
 ● Gait: A person's manner of walking.
● FROM: Full Range of Motion (ability to move a joint completely).
● Ext: Extremity (arm or leg).
● Ataxic gait: An unsteady, uncoordinated walking pattern.
● H/O: History of.
● Herniorrhaphy: Hernia repair (surgical suture of a hernia).
● Homans' sign: Calf tenderness upon dorsiflexion of the foot, a potential sign of a blood clot (DVT).

G. Hematologic/Immune/Infectious System
● Abx: Antibiotics.
● Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection causing redness, swelling, and warmth.
● Erythema: Redness of the skin.
● Ecchymosis: A large bruise or discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath.
● Febrile: Having a fever.
● Afebrile: Without fever.
● Sepsis: A life-threatening condition caused by the body's overwhelming response to an infection.
● Bacterial Meningitis: A serious bacterial infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
● Ecoli: Escherichia coli, a common type of bacteria.
● FFP: Fresh Frozen Plasma (a blood product).
● DKA: Diabetic Ketoacidosis (a serious complication of diabetes with high blood sugar and ketones).
● DM: Diabetes Mellitus.
● Hyperkalemia: High potassium levels in the blood.
● Hypercalcemia: High calcium levels in the blood.
● HSV: Herpes Simplex Virus.

H. ENT & Special Senses

● Cerumen: Earwax.
● Cerumen impaction: Excessive earwax that blocks the ear canal.
● Epistaxis: Nosebleed.
● Otitis media/externa: Inflammation/infection of the middle ear (media) or outer ear canal (externa).
● Erythema of external: Redness of the outer ear canal.
● Fundi: Refers to the retina and optic disc observed during an eye exam (fundoscopy).
● Extraocular Movements Intact (EOMI): Indicates that eye movements are normal and coordinated.
● Exophthalmos: Bulging eyes, often associated with thyroid conditions.
● Crepitus (ENT/Jaw): A crackling or popping sound/sensation in the jaw or face, possibly due to joint issues.
● Diplopia: Double vision.

I. Mental Health & Behavioral

● Homicidal Ideation (HI): Thoughts of harming others.
● Suicidal Ideation (SI): Thoughts of harming oneself.
● Depression, anxiety: Common mental health conditions that are typically documented.
● DNR: Do Not Resuscitate (a medical order indicating that a patient does not want CPR if their heart stops or they stop
breathing).

IV. Procedures, Tests, and General Medical Terms

● CXR: Chest X-ray.
● CT: Computerized Tomography (imaging scan).
● EKG: Electrocardiogram (records heart's electrical activity).
● CPR: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
● Cath: Catheter (a tube inserted into a body cavity, duct, or vessel).
● Debridement: Removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue from a wound.
● Dx: Diagnosis.
● c.c.: Chief Complaint (main reason for the patient's visit).
● DC: Discharged (from hospital/care).
● F/U: Follow-up.
● H&P: History and Physical.
● HPI: History of Present Illness.
● Appy: Colloquial for Appendectomy (surgical removal of the appendix).
● CSF: Cerebrospinal Fluid.
● S/P: Status Post (meaning "after a procedure" or "after a condition").
● ABN (Advanced Beneficiary Notice): A notice given to a Medicare beneficiary when a provider believes Medicare may
not pay for a service.
● Angiography: Imaging of blood vessels, often using contrast dye.
● Arthroscopy: Endoscopic examination of a joint.
● Biopsy: A sample of tissue taken for examination (usually under a microscope).
● Bundling: Grouping of related services or procedures into a single code for payment.
● Coding Guidelines: Official rules for assigning medical codes.
● CPT® (Current Procedural Terminology): Codes for medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures and services.
● DME (Durable Medical Equipment): Equipment for home use serving a medical purpose (e.g., wheelchairs, oxygen tanks).
● Echocardiogram: Ultrasound imaging of the heart.
● E/M (Evaluation and Management): Codes for physician services for visits, consultations, etc.
● Excision: Surgical removal.
● Fluoroscopy: Real-time moving X-ray images.
● Graft: Transfer of tissue from one site to another (e.g., skin graft).
● HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System): Includes CPT codes (Level I) and codes for products,
supplies, and services not in CPT (Level II).
● ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification): Codes for diagnoses,
symptoms, and procedures (used for billing and mortality statistics).
● Interventional Radiology (IR): Minimally invasive procedures performed using imaging guidance.
● LCD (Local Coverage Determination): Medicare decision on covered services in a specific region.
● MUE (Medically Unlikely Edit): Prevents payment for an unlikely number of units of service.
● NCCI (National Correct Coding Initiative): Edits to promote correct coding and prevent improper payments.
● NGS (Next Generation Sequencing): Advanced DNA sequencing technology.
● Panel: A group of laboratory tests ordered together.
● Pathology: The study of disease.
● Pericardiocentesis: Surgical puncture of the pericardial sac to remove fluid.
● Quantitative: Measuring the amount or quantity of something.
● Qualitative: Identifying the presence or absence of something.
● Sequela: A condition that is the consequence of a previous disease or injury.
● TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate): Surgical procedure to remove excess prostate tissue through the
urethra.
● Vasectomy: Surgical procedure for male sterilization.
V. Key Clinical Concepts & Documentation
● Subjective: Information from the patient’s feelings/opinions (e.g., "I have pain in my arm").
● Objective: Information from the physician’s observations/facts (e.g., "The arm shows tenderness to palpation").
● Pain vs. Tenderness:
○ Pain: The patient’s report of discomfort.
○ Tenderness: The physician’s finding upon physical examination (e.g., pain elicited when pressed).
● Acute: New onset or recent (e.g., "symptoms started 2 hours ago").
● Chronic: Long-standing, ongoing (e.g., "symptoms for years").
● Baseline: The patient’s normal state of being or usual health status.
● Auscultation: The act of listening with a stethoscope (e.g., to heart, lungs, bowel sounds).
● Palpation: The act of the physician pressing on an area to examine it.

VI. Medical Practice Management Terms

● Chief Complaint: The main reason for the patient's visit.
● Medical Decision Making (MDM): The provider’s thought process in arriving at a diagnosis and treatment plan,
considering the complexity of problems, data reviewed, and risk.
● Meaningful Use: A set of required documentation metrics for quality care, encouraging the use of EHRs to improve
patient care coordination and outcomes.

VII. Oncology Terms

● CA: Cancer.
● Mets: Metastasis (the spread of cancer from its primary site to other parts of the body).
● S/P resection: Status post resection, meaning the cancer has been surgically removed.
● Chemo/Radiation: Common treatment modalities for cancer (chemotherapy and radiation therapy).
● In Remission: Indicates that no current evidence of cancer is detectable.

VIII. OB/GYN History

● Gravida: The number of total pregnancies a woman has had.
● Para: The number of live births a woman has had.
● Abortus: The number of miscarriages/abortions a woman has had.
○ Example: G2P1A1 = 2 pregnancies, 1 live birth, 1 miscarriage/abortion.

IX. Surgical History Terms (Lay to Medical Translation)

Layman Term Medical Term

Tonsils removed Tonsillectomy

Gallbladder removed Cholecystectomy

Heart Bypass CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft)

Stents Coronary stents

Heart cath Cardiac Catheterization

Appendix removed Appendectomy

Part of lung removed Partial lobectomy

Breast removed Mastectomy

Ear tubes Pressure Equalizer tubes

Hole in neck Tracheostomy

Colon removed Colectomy

Valve Repair/Replacement Bovine or mechanical valve repair/replacement

Pacemaker/AICD Pacemaker/Automatic Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator

Angioplasty Balloon for blocked artery

Kidney removed Nephrectomy

Uterus removed Hysterectomy

Prostate removed Prostatectomy

Testis removed Orchiectomy

Ovary removed Oophorectomy

Creating new pathway Bypass

Inserting a tube Catheterization

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X. Medication & Allergy Terms

● PMHx Meds: Refers to a patient's home medications (medications they are currently taking).
● Allergy: An immune system reaction to a substance, causing symptoms like rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.
 ● Adverse Reaction: A non-allergic negative reaction to a medication (e.g., nausea, dizziness), often dose-dependent.

XI. Anatomical Directions & Movement Terms

A. Anatomical Directions
● Anterior/Ventral: Front of the body.
● Posterior/Dorsal: Back of the body.
● Caudal: Toward the feet (inferior).
● Superior: Toward the head (cranial).
● Plantar: Pertaining to the bottom of the foot.
● Palmar: Pertaining to the palm of the hand.
● Medial Rash: A rash located on the inside of the leg (closer to the midline).
● Wrist to Elbow: The wrist is distal to the elbow (further from the trunk).
● Dorsal Hand Pain: Pain on the back of the hand.
● Leg Cut Below Knee: A laceration inferior/distal to the knee.

B. Movement Terms
● Abduction: Movement away from the body's midline.
● Adduction: Movement toward the body's midline.
● Flexion: Decreasing the angle of a joint (bending).
● Extension: Increasing the angle of a joint (straightening).
● Medial Rotation: Rotation toward the midline.
● Lateral Rotation: Rotation away from the midline.
● Supination: Rotation of the forearm so the palm faces up (or anteriorly).
● Pronation: Rotation of the forearm so the palm faces down (or posteriorly).
● Circumduction: A circular movement combining flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.

XII. Other Symptom & General Medical Terms

A. Respiratory Terms
● Apnea: Not breathing.
● Dyspnea: Difficulty breathing.
● Tachypnea: Fast breathing.

B. Bruising Terms (All are types of bruising/bleeding)

● Ecchymosis: A large bruise (larger than petechiae or purpura).
● Contusion: A bruise (general term for injury causing bleeding under the skin without a break in the skin).
● Hematoma: A collection of blood outside of blood vessels, typically in a localized area, often forming a lump.

C. Other Symptom Terms

● Emesis: Vomiting.
● Epistaxis: Bloody nose.
● Rhinorrhea: Runny nose (clear nasal discharge).
 ● Dysuria: Painful urination.
● Hematuria: Blood in urine.
● Polyuria: Frequent urination (large amounts).
● Incontinence: Loss of bladder control.
● Tinnitus: Ringing in the ears.
● Vertigo: Dizziness (sensation of spinning).
● Syncope: Fainting or passing out.
● Erythema: Skin redness.
● Purulent: Pus-filled (e.g., purulent discharge).
● Pruritus: Itching.
● Diffuse: Spread out or not localized to one specific area.

XIII. Common Surgical Procedures & Their Associated Organs

● Appendectomy: Surgical removal of the appendix.
● Cholecystectomy: Surgical removal of the gallbladder.
● Partial Colectomy: Surgical removal of part of the colon.
● Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus.
● Mastectomy: Surgical removal of a breast.
● Nephrectomy: Surgical removal of a kidney.
● Tonsillectomy: Surgical removal of the tonsils.
● Bypass: Creating a new pathway for a body fluid or organ (e.g., heart bypass).
● Catheterization: Inserting a tube (catheter) into a body cavity or vessel.

XIV. Common Abbreviations (General & Medical)

● DOB: Date of Birth.
● WNL: Within Normal Limits.
● NKDA: No Known Drug Allergies.
● DNR: Do Not Resuscitate.
● NAD: No Acute Distress.
● S/p: Status post (meaning "after a procedure" or "after an event").
● h/o: History of.
● PRN: As needed (from Latin pro re nata).
● qpm: Every evening.
● BID: Twice a day (from Latin bis in die).
● qh: Every hour.
● PO: By mouth (from Latin per os).
● QID: Four times a day (from Latin quater in die).
● q: Every.
● Rx: Prescription.
● TID: Three times a day (from Latin ter in die).
● Dx: Diagnosis.
● Fx: Fracture.
● CHF: Congestive Heart Failure.
● Ca: Cancer.
● HTN: Hypertension.
● CAD: Coronary Artery Disease.
● MI: Myocardial Infarction.
● CVA: Cerebrovascular Accident.
● TIA: Transient Ischemic Attack.
● COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
● PE: Pulmonary Embolism.
● DVT: Deep Vein Thrombosis.
● SBO: Small Bowel Obstruction.
● STD: Sexually Transmitted Disease.
● UTI: Urinary Tract Infection.