What it means
Read it from context. In mental health and child development, ASD is autism spectrum disorderAW-tiz-um SPEK-trum dis-OR-derA lifelong difference in brain development that shapes how a person communicates, relates to others and experiences the world.Full entry . In heart care and pediatrics, it is atrial septal defectAY-tree-ul SEP-tul DEE-fektA hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart.atri/o atrium (upper heart chamber)sept/o wall, partition-al relating toFull entry , a hole between the heart's upper chambers. It is also sometimes used for acute stress disorder.
For the nurse
If a note or order could mean more than one thing, ask rather than guess.
Related terms
atrial septal defect
A hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart.
autism spectrum disorder
A lifelong difference in brain development that shapes how a person communicates, relates to others and experiences the world.