In the medical field, when are abbreviations acceptable?
In the Medical field, a standarized set of abbreviations is used. Most refer to medical orders and diagnoses. Many of them have Latin roots. They are used to save time and space, and to protect patient’s privacy. Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, Pharmacy assistants, Medical technologists, Paramedics, and all other health care providers must be knowledgeable about these abbreviations and their meanings. Here’s a list of some of the most common: STAT= Immediately CPR= Cardiorespiratory Resuscitation D= Daily BID= Twice a day {from Latin “Bis In Die”} HS= At Bedtime {from Latin “Hora Somni”} HBP= High Blood Pressure PRN= When Needed {from Latin “Pro Re Nata} IV= Intravenously There are many other medically accepted abbreviations; to learn more, go to the following links: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/a… http://www.jdmd
