Interpretation should include providing the meanings of common Latin and Greek abbreviations, symbols, and acronyms, such as:
- PRN – as needed
- G0P0 – grava 0, para 0 (no pregnancies and no live births)
- H&P – history and physical
- DOA – dead on arrival
- CHF – congestive heart failure
- bid – twice a day
- Bx – biopsy
- Rx – prescription
- NPO – nothing by mouth
Interpretation should also include Facts about the Official “Do Not Use” List of Abbreviations.
Process/Skill Questions:
- Why are abbreviations, symbols, and acronyms used in health care?
- Why are there regional differences in abbreviations, symbols, and acronyms?
- Why is it important to distinguish when upper- and lower-case letters, abbreviations, or acronyms are used?
- Why is it important to know a facility’s approved abbreviations list?
- Why are some medical abbreviations no longer used?