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Chapter 3 The Muscular System 81
Common Medical Abbreviations
The following medical abbreviations are commonly used in refer-
ence to the muscular system. These abbreviations provide a shorthand
method of communication among healthcare professionals concerning
pathological conditions, diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, and thera-
peutic treatments. These abbreviations can be found in this chapter and
in the medical record activity that follows.
Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning
amb ambulate (walk) NMI nuclear medicine
imaging
CAT computerized
axial tomography
NSAID nonsteroidal anti-
infl ammatory
drug
CFT certifi ed fi tness
trainer
OTC over-the-counter
c/o complains of;
complaining of
PCN penicillin
CPR cardiopulmonary
resuscitation
PCP primary care
physician
CT computed
tomography;
computerized
tomography
PFT personal fi tness
trainer
CTS carpal tunnel
syndrome
PRN, p.r.n. as needed (from the
Latin pro re nata)
DMD Duchenne
muscular
dystrophy
Pt, pt. patient
DTR deep tendon refl ex PT physical therapy
EMG electromyogram Q2–3H every two or three
hours
h hour(s) Q8H every eight hours
(from the Latin
quaque octava hora)
Hx, hx history R right
IM intramuscular RICE rest, ice,
compression,
elevation
L left RMS rhabdomyosarcoma
MD muscular
dystrophy
ROM range of motion
mg milligram(s) wt weight
MRI magnetic
resonance imaging
y/o years old; year-old
(as in 18-year-old)
N/A not applicable
E-flash
Cards