Orthopaedic Ward Common Abbreviations
Hi everyone,
My recent placement was out on the orthopaedic ward and it was such a fantastic learning experience for me. I want to share all of the things I have learnt so that it might prepare you for your placement out on an orthopaedic ward.
First things first… abbreviations! I really don’t like them… Because what means one thing in one area, means something completely different in another. For example, PID, which actually means; pelvic inflammatory disease in genealogy but out on the wards and hospitals it means patient identification. However, if you google this, the only thing you will find is pelvic inflammatory disease. Not something you want to get wrong with a patient really…
So here is a list of all the abbreviations I had on my ward (DISCLAIMER – These might mean something different in other areas, always check with your own department).
ABG – Arterial Blood Gas
ABX – Antibiotics
ANTT – Aseptic non-touch technique
AVPU – Alert / Voice / Pain / Unresponsive
BD -Twice Daily
BLS – Basic Life Support
BO / BNO – Bowels Open / Bowels Not Open
CBD – Catheter Bag Draining
COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
CPR – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
CRP – C-reactive protein
CSU – Catheter Specimen of Urine
CXR – Chest Xray
DHS – Dynamic Hip Screw
DM – Diabetes Mellitus
DNAR – Do Not Attempt Resuscitation
DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis
ECG – Electrocardiogram
FBC – Full Blood Count
FWB – Full Weight Bearing
GCS – Glasgow Coma Scale
GF – Gutter Frame
GI – Gastrointestinal
HCA – Healthcare Assistant
HDU – High Dependancy Unit
HR – Heart Rate
HTN – Hypertension
HH – Hand Hold
IM – Intramuscular
IV – Intravenous
INC – Incontinent
MDT – Multidisciplinary Team
MFFD – Medically Fit For Discharge
MUA – Manipulation Under Anaesthetic
NWB – Non-weight Bearing
NBM – Nil By Mouth
NOF / #NOF – Neck of Femur / Fractured Neck of Femur
NORSE – Images linked to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
NAD – No Abnormalities Detected
OD – Once a Day
OPA – Outpatient Appointment
ORIF – Open Reduction Internal Fixation
POC – Package of Care
PRN – As required
QDS – Four Times a Day
R/V – Review
ROC – Removal of Clips
SVU – Self-voiding of Urine
S/C – Self-caring
TDS – Three Times a Day
THR – Total Hip Replacement
TOC – Transfer of Care
TTO – Tablets to Take Out
ZF – Zimmer frame
Those were the most common ones we used on our ward. Have a look and if there are any ones that you use on your area let me know! Add them to the comments for other people to see 🙂
Thanks for reading!
Thanks very much dear, this is so helpful.
congratulation and you are amazing
Thank you! You’re too kind