Dictionary

Abbreviations

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

I&DIncision and drainage: cutting open an abscess or collection so pus or fluid can drain out.

ICAn abbreviation with several meanings, such as inspiratory capacity, interstitial cystitis or incident command; the setting shows which.

IDAn abbreviation that can mean intradermal, identification, infectious disease or intellectual disability.

IgAImmunoglobulin A: a kind of antibody found mostly in the body's linings and in saliva, tears and breast milk.

IgDImmunoglobulin D: an antibody found mostly on the surface of B cells, where it helps start an immune response.

IgEImmunoglobulin E: the type of antibody involved in allergic reactions and in fighting parasites.

IgGImmunoglobulin G: the most common type of antibody in the blood, which gives long-lasting protection against germs.

IgMImmunoglobulin M: the antibody the body makes first when it meets a new infection.

IJAn abbreviation for "injection" that ISMP says not to use; in line and procedure notes, IJ also means internal jugular vein.

INA short form for intranasal, meaning given into the nose.

IPFIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a long-term lung disease of unknown cause in which lung tissue becomes thick and scarred.

IPVAn abbreviation with two common meanings: inactivated poliovirus vaccine, or intimate partner violence.

ISBARRIntroduction, Situation, Background, Assessment, Request, Repeat back: a set order for sharing client information.

ITAn abbreviation for intrathecal (into the spinal fluid) that ISMP lists as error-prone, because it is misread.

IUAn abbreviation for international unit, banned by the Joint Commission because it is misread.

IVIntravenous: into a vein, or the tube placed in a vein to give fluids and drugs.

IVPAn abbreviation with more than one meaning, most often IV push or intravenous pyelogram.

IVPBIntravenous piggyback: a small bag of IV medicine given over a short time through a second line joined to the main IV line.