Dictionary

Abbreviations

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

UDAn abbreviation for "as directed" (Latin ut dictum) that ISMP advises against; write "as directed."

USPSTFUS Preventive Services Task Force: an independent expert panel that reviews evidence and recommends screening tests and other preventive care.

VLDLVery low-density lipoprotein: a particle made by the liver that carries fats, mostly triglycerides, in the blood.

VREVancomycin-resistant enterococci: Enterococcus bacteria that the antibiotic vancomycin can no longer kill.

VRSAVancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: staph bacteria that the antibiotic vancomycin can no longer kill.

WICWomen, Infants, and Children: a US government program giving healthy food, nutrition advice and breastfeeding support to families with low incomes.

within normal limitsA charting phrase meaning a finding or test result falls inside the expected range.

XRAn abbreviation with two common meanings: extended-release (after a drug name) or x-ray (in an imaging order).

ZnSO4The chemical shorthand for zinc sulfate, a zinc supplement; ISMP advises writing the full name.

µgA symbol for microgram that should not be used in medication orders; write "mcg" instead.

µmol/LMicromoles per liter: a unit for how much of a substance is in a liter of fluid, used on many lab reports.