Dictionary

Abbreviations

Abbreviations nurses read and write, with the ones never to use.

HAVHepatitis A virus: a virus that infects the liver and spreads when traces of stool get into the mouth, as through food or water.

HCT (hydrocortisone)HCT written for the drug hydrocortisone: an abbreviation ISMP lists as error-prone. It is not the lab value Hct (hematocrit).

HCTZAn abbreviation for hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic; it should not be used because it can be misread.

HEENTHead, eyes, ears, nose and throat: a section of a physical exam or health history.

HHSHyperosmolar hyperglycemic state: very high blood glucose with severe dehydration and little or no ketone buildup.

HIPAAThe Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a US law that protects the privacy of health information.

HITHeparin-induced thrombocytopenia: an immune reaction to heparin that lowers the platelet count.

HIVHuman immunodeficiency virus: a virus that infects and destroys immune cells called CD4 T cells.

HIV/AIDSHuman immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, its most advanced stage, written together.

HLAn abbreviation that most often means Hodgkin lymphoma, and sometimes hearing loss; the setting shows which.

HMG-CoA3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A: a substance the liver uses on its way to making cholesterol.

HSAn abbreviation that has been used for "at bedtime" (from Latin hora somni) and for "half-strength".

HSV-1Herpes simplex virus type 1, the virus that most often causes cold sores and can also cause genital herpes.

HSV-2Herpes simplex virus type 2, the virus that most often causes genital herpes.

HxA charting abbreviation for history, such as a client's medical history.