(myocardial infarction) The patient who suffered an MI was admitted to CCU. Explanation A myocardial infarction is a heart attack.
mm
(millimeter) The wound was approximately 6 mm's in diameter. Explanation One mm equals .1 cm (centimeter), or we could say that ten mm's equal 1 cm. To convert mm's to inches, multiply by 10 and divide by 254.
P
(pulse) The patient had a 78 P rate. Explanation P is an abbreviation for pulse. A pulse is recorded in beats per minute. A radial pulse -wrist, popliteal pulse-knee, an apical pulse on the chest, a carotid pulse neck, and a pedal pulse on the foot.
BRP
(bathroom privileges) The recovering fractured hip patient was granted BRP. Explanation Patients may be placed on bed rest but allowed to get up out of bed to go to the bathroom.
®
(rectal) The patient had a 99.6° F ® temp. Explanation This is not a registered trademark but a reference to rectal concerning temperature.
HOB
(head of bed) The doctor's order stated that the patient should be kept in reverse Trendelenberg position. Explanation HOB is an acronym for head of bed.
QS
(quantity sufficient) The patient's urine output was QS in regard to his I/O. Explanation Okay, after all these Latin phrases, I'll bet you know what this stands for. Here it is, though, just in case you got sleepy: quantum sufficit.
AX
(axillary) The infant's temperature was 98.2 (AX). Explanation Axillary refers to temperature under the arm. In newborn infants, temperatures are usually recorded in this manner to not damage the rectum.
cath
(catheter) The doctor ordered a urinary cath for the patient with retention (who could not urinate). Explanation A catheter is a tubular instrument that allows passage of fluid from or into a body cavity.
p(line over it)
(after) The patient was to have his dressings changed his a.m. care. Explanation This is an abbreviation for post or after.
