Study notes for the most common clinical abbreviations, grouped by category. Use them as a quick reference, then drill the same set as flashcards or in the games.
Frequency & Time
Term / Abbreviation
Meaning
BID
Twice a day (bis in die)
TID
Three times a day (ter in die)
QID
Four times a day (quater in die)
QD / daily
Once a day (quaque die — write 'daily' to avoid confusion)
QOD
Every other day (quaque altera die)
QH
Every hour (quaque hora)
Q4H, Q6H, Q8H
Every 4 / 6 / 8 hours
HS
At bedtime (hora somni)
AC
Before meals (ante cibum)
PC
After meals (post cibum)
PRN
As needed (pro re nata)
STAT
Immediately (statim)
Routes of Administration
Term / Abbreviation
Meaning
PO
By mouth (oral) (per os)
PR
Per rectum
SL
Sublingual (under the tongue)
TOP
Topical
INH
Inhaled
IV
Intravenous
IM
Intramuscular
SubQ / SC
Subcutaneous
ID
Intradermal
NPO
Nothing by mouth (nil per os)
Vital Signs & Measurements
Term / Abbreviation
Meaning
BP
Blood pressure
HR
Heart rate
RR
Respiratory rate
T
Temperature
SpO2
Oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry)
VS
Vital signs
WNL
Within normal limits
I&O
Intake and output
BMI
Body mass index
wt / ht
Weight / height
Symptoms & Status
Term / Abbreviation
Meaning
SOB
Shortness of breath
DOE
Dyspnea on exertion
CP
Chest pain
N/V
Nausea and vomiting
LOC
Loss of consciousness / level of consciousness
AMS
Altered mental status
AAOx3 / AAOx4
Awake, alert, and oriented to person/place/time(/situation)