PPC Medical Abbreviations

arterial blood gas (acid base status in blood O & CO)

atrioventricular (heart anatomy)

benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate)

blood urea nitrogen (protein breakdown marker for renal function)

coronary artery bypass graft (restore blood flow)

coronary artery disease

computerized axial tomography (imaging technique)

cardiac output (volume of blood flowing out in a minute)

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema, chronic bronchitis)

continuous positive airway pressure (sleep machine blows air to assist breathing)

cerebrospinal fluid (obtained through spinal tap)

Cerebrovascular accident (stroke, no O2)

Digital rectal exam

Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)

Electroconvulsive therapy (shock therapy)

Family history (health of immediate family)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn, acid)

Head, eyes, ears, nose, throat

Hemoglobin and hematocrit (measure of RBC status)

Lumbar puncture to gather CSF

Magnetic resonance imaging (imaging technique)

No apparent distress

Nothing by mouth (usually before a procedure)

Open reduction & internal fixation (surgical repair technique- hip repair)

Pupils equal, round, responsive to light and accommodation (part of physical exam)

Pulmonary function test (assessing lung function)

Past medical history

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (increases diameter of coronary artery)

Premature ventricular contraction (arrhythmia)

Right lower quadrant, right upper quadrant, left lower quadrant, left upper quadrant (part of the torso)

Regular rate and rhythm

Return to clinic

Social history (personal habits, living situation, job)

Shortness of breath

Transurethral resection of the prostate

Thyroid stimulating hormone (marker for thyroid function)

Urinalysis (pee in a cup)

Upper respiratory (tract) infection (bronchitis, laryngitis, sinusitis)

Well dressed, well nourished

Within normal limits (pertaining to lab values)