Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an exciting journey, but it involves learning a new language of medical abbreviations and terminology.
As you embark on your CNA career, mastering these abbreviations is crucial for effective communication and providing the best care to patients.
This comprehensive list will help you navigate the world of CNA medical abbreviations with ease.
Understanding CNA Medical Abbreviations
Medical abbreviations are commonly used in healthcare settings to save time and ensure clarity in communication.
As a CNA, you’ll encounter these abbreviations in medical records, patient charts, and healthcare discussions.
Familiarizing yourself with them is essential.
100 Essential CNA Medical Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ADL | Activities of Daily Living |
| AED | Automated External Defibrillator |
| AIDS | Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome |
| AMI | Acute Myocardial Infarction |
| BID | Twice a Day |
| BLS | Basic Life Support |
| BMI | Body Mass Index |
| BP | Blood Pressure |
| BPH | Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia |
| BRP | Bathroom Privileges |
| CA | Cancer |
| CAD | Coronary Artery Disease |
| CBC | Complete Blood Count |
| CC | Chief Complaint |
| CCU | Coronary Care Unit |
| CDC | Centers for Disease Control |
| CHF | Congestive Heart Failure |
| COPD | Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease |
| CPR | Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation |
| CVA | Cerebrovascular Accident |
| DNR | Do Not Resuscitate |
| ECG | Electrocardiogram |
| ED | Emergency Department |
| EEG | Electroencephalogram |
| ENT | Ear, Nose, and Throat |
| ESRD | End-Stage Renal Disease |
| FBS | Fasting Blood Sugar |
| Fx | Fracture |
| GI | Gastrointestinal |
| GU | Genitourinary |
| H&P | History and Physical |
| HCT | Hematocrit |
| HIV | Human Immunodeficiency Virus |
| HTN | Hypertension |
| ICU | Intensive Care Unit |
| I&D | Incision and Drainage |
| I&O | Intake and Output |
| IV | Intravenous |
| LMP | Last Menstrual Period |
| LOC | Level of Consciousness |
| MI | Myocardial Infarction |
| MRI | Magnetic Resonance Imaging |
| NPO | Nothing by Mouth |
| O2 | Oxygen |
| OB | Obstetrics |
| OT | Occupational Therapy |
| OTC | Over-the-Counter |
| PPE | Personal Protective Equipment |
| PRN | As Needed |
| PT | Physical Therapy |
| PVD | Peripheral Vascular Disease |
| QD | Every Day |
| RBC | Red Blood Cell |
| ROM | Range of Motion |
| RR | Respiratory Rate |
| Rx | Prescription |
| SOB | Shortness of Breath |
| STD | Sexually Transmitted Disease |
| Sx | Symptoms |
| TB | Tuberculosis |
| TIA | Transient Ischemic Attack |
| URI | Upper Respiratory Infection |
| UTI | Urinary Tract Infection |
| VRE | Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus |
| WBC | White Blood Cell |
| ADHD | Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder |
| ALS | Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis |
| A fib | Atrial Fibrillation |
| BID | Bis in die (Twice a Day) |
| CC | Chief Complaint |
| CVA | Cerebrovascular Accident |
| DNR | Do Not Resuscitate |
| ETOH | Alcohol |
| GERD | Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease |
| HBV | Hepatitis B Virus |
| HCV | Hepatitis C Virus |
| IBS | Irritable Bowel Syndrome |
| MRSA | Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus |
| MS | Multiple Sclerosis |
| OA | Osteoarthritis |
| PTSD | Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder |
| RA | Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| SLE | Systemic Lupus Erythematosus |
| TURP | Transurethral Resection of the Prostate |
| URI | Upper Respiratory Infection |
| UTI | Urinary Tract Infection |
| VRE | Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus |
| WBC | White Blood Cell |
| XRT | Radiation Therapy |
| STD | Sexually Transmitted Disease |
| AIDS | Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome |
| ESRD | End-Stage Renal Disease |
| COPD | Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease |
| NPO | Nothing by Mouth |
| Dx | Diagnosis |
| EMR | Electronic Medical Record |
| EHR | Electronic Health Record |
| HIPAA | Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act |
| IM | Intramuscular |
| INR | International Normalized Ratio |
| OD | Overdose |
| OS | Left Eye |
| OU | Both Eyes |
| OD | Right Eye |
| A fib | Atrial Fibrillation |
| qid | Four Times a Day |
| TID | Three Times a Day |
| BID | Twice a Day |
| Hx | Medical History |
| FHx | Family History |
| ROS | Review of Systems |
| N/A | Not Applicable |
| SL | Sublingual (Under the Tongue) |
| PO | By Mouth |
| IM | Intramuscular |
| ID | Intradermal |
| IV | Intravenous |
| PR | Per Rectum (By Rectum) |
| IM | Intramuscular |
| IV | Intravenous |
| SQ | Subcutaneous (Under the Skin) |
| qh | Every Hour |
| stat | Immediately |
| qod | Every Other Day |
| I&O | Intake and Output |
| CVA | Cerebrovascular Accident |
| Fx | Fracture |
| H&P | History and Physical |
| LMP | Last Menstrual Period |
| NPO | Nothing by Mouth |
| PRN | As Needed |
| SOAP | Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan |
| WNL | Within Normal Limits |
| TPR | Temperature, Pulse, Respiration |
| NVD | Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea |
| WBC | White Blood Cell |
| RBC | Red Blood Cell |
| HCT | Hematocrit |
| ECG | Electrocardiogram |
| HR | Heart Rate |
| BP | Blood Pressure |
| RR | Respiratory Rate |
| O2 | Oxygen |
Please note that this list is for reference and educational purposes. Always consult medical professionals for accurate and specific information related to these abbreviations in a clinical setting.
1. CNA – Certified Nursing Assistant
- Your professional title as a trained nursing assistant.
2. RN – Registered Nurse
- Highly trained nurses responsible for patient care.
3. LPN – Licensed Practical Nurse
- Nurses with specialized training in practical nursing.
4. MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
- An advanced degree for specialized nursing roles.
5. BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- A common nursing degree for registered nurses.
6. DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
- A terminal degree for advanced practice nursing.
7. H&P – History and Physical
- A medical record that includes a patient’s history and physical examination.
8. CPR – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Life-saving techniques for individuals in cardiac distress.
9. ADL – Activities of Daily Living
- Basic self-care tasks, such as bathing and eating.
10. CBC – Complete Blood Count
- A blood test to assess overall health and detect disorders.
11. POA – Power of Attorney
- Legal authorization for someone to make healthcare decisions.
12. ROM – Range of Motion
- The extent to which a joint can move.
13. HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
- Regulations ensuring patient data privacy.
14. PPE – Personal Protective Equipment
- Protective gear to prevent disease transmission.
15. SOAP – Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan
- A framework for medical notes and patient assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: Medical abbreviations ensure efficient communication and accurate documentation, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.
A: While you should be familiar with common abbreviations, you can reference reference guides and electronic health records as needed.
A: You can access comprehensive resources through healthcare textbooks, online medical dictionaries, and your workplace’s training materials.
A: Yes, misinterpreting or misunderstanding abbreviations can lead to errors in patient care. Always seek clarification if you encounter an unfamiliar abbreviation.
A: CNAs should use approved abbreviations following facility and state regulations. It’s important to ensure that the intended meaning is clear.
Abbreviating UP
As a Certified Nursing Assistant, you’re embarking on a career dedicated to patient care and well-being.
Understanding medical abbreviations is an integral part of your role, enabling effective communication and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
This list is your starting point, but continued learning and experience will further enhance your proficiency in CNA medical abbreviations.
That will contribute to a successful career
Five stars
*****
Thank you Juna for the fiver stars 🙂