Dictionary

Abbreviations

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

OB/GYNObstetrics and gynecology: the medical specialty for pregnancy, birth and the female reproductive system, or a doctor in it.

Occupational Safety and Health AdministrationThe US federal agency, part of the Department of Labor, that sets and enforces rules to keep workplaces safe.

ODAn abbreviation that has been used for right eye, for once daily and for overdose.

OJAn abbreviation for orange juice that ISMP advises against in medication orders.

OROperating room, the hospital room where surgery is done; in research articles OR can also mean odds ratio.

ORIFOpen reduction internal fixation: surgery that opens the skin to line up a broken bone and hold it with plates, screws or rods.

OSAn abbreviation for left eye, from the Latin oculus sinister.

OUAn old abbreviation for "both eyes" that should not be used; write "each eye" or "both eyes" instead.

OXYAn abbreviation for oxytocin; ISMP advises writing the full drug name.