Archives: Abbreviations

IV stands for Intravenous. What does IV mean? Given directly into a vein. When is IV used? Route for fluids, medications, and blood products via a drip or line.

NKDA stands for No known drug allergies. What does NKDA mean? The patient has no recorded allergies to any medications. When is NKDA used? Documented on admission and before prescribing.

SOB stands for Shortness of breath. What does SOB mean? Difficulty breathing or a sensation of not getting enough air. When is SOB used? A symptom of respiratory, cardiac, and other conditions; also called dyspnea.

OD stands for Once daily / Right eye. (Latin: omni die / oculus dexter) What does OD mean? Once a day; or, in ophthalmology, the right eye. When is OD used? Context determines meaning; abbreviation is discouraged for safety.

QID stands for Four times daily. (Latin: quater in die) What does QID mean? A medication to be taken four times per day. When is QID used? Roughly every 6 hours; used for antibiotics and some analgesics.

TID stands for Three times daily. (Latin: ter in die) What does TID mean? A medication to be taken three times per day. When is TID used? Common dosing frequency, roughly every 8 hours.

BID stands for Twice daily. (Latin: bis in die) What does BID mean? A medication to be taken two times per day. When is BID used? Standard dosing frequency for many oral medications.

STAT stands for Immediately. (Latin: statim) What does STAT mean? To be done at once, without delay. When is STAT used? Used for urgent orders such as emergency medications or tests.

PRN stands for As needed. (Latin: pro re nata) What does PRN mean? A medication or intervention given only when required, not on a fixed schedule. When is PRN used? Common for pain relief, anti-nausea, and sleep medications.

NPO stands for Nothing by mouth. (Latin: nil per os) What does NPO mean? The patient must not eat or drink anything. When is NPO used? Ordered before surgery, procedures, or when aspiration is a risk.