Common Medical Abbreviations Explained for Nurses
A practical reference of 20 essential medical abbreviations — BP, HR, NPO, PRN, STAT, DNR, and more — with full definitions, how to say them, and real clinical documentation examples.
What Does Tachycardia Mean?
Tachycardia means a resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute. Learn the definition, how to pronounce it correctly (tak-ih-KAR-dee-uh), the different types, and when it's clinically significant.
What Does Dyspnea Mean?
Dyspnea is the medical term for shortness of breath. Learn the correct pronunciation (DISP-nee-uh), the types of dyspnea (DOE, orthopnea, PND), common causes, and how clinicians document it.
What Does Edema Mean?
Edema is abnormal fluid buildup in tissues. Learn pitting vs. non-pitting, the 1+ to 4+ grading scale clinicians use at the bedside, and the heart, kidney, liver, and vascular causes behind it.
What Does Diaphoresis Mean?
Diaphoresis is profuse, pathologic sweating — not simple perspiration. Learn when diaphoresis is a red flag for ACS, sepsis, or endocrine crisis, and the differential every clinician works through.
What Does Diuresis Mean?
Diuresis is increased urine production above the normal 0.5–1 mL/kg/hour baseline. Understand osmotic, pressure, cold, and pharmacologic diuresis, plus the diuretic classes used in practice.
What Does Triage Mean?
Triage is the art of treating the right patient first — not the sickest. A breakdown of the 5-level Emergency Severity Index (ESI), its French military origins, and how triage nurses prioritize in the ED.
What Does NPO Mean in Medical Terms?
NPO stands for nil per os — nothing by mouth. Learn the current ASA and ERAS fasting guidelines (2 hours for clear liquids, 6 for light meals), NPO variants, and how it's documented.
What Does PRN Mean in Nursing?
PRN means pro re nata — as needed. Understand how PRN differs from scheduled orders, the indication-check / interval / max-dose protocol, and the documentation rules that protect patients.