Full form/Meaning: Ante Cibum   Definition: Shorthand for the Latin of Ante Cibum (before food) and used in medical directives to denote that action such as checking of blood sugar or taking of a particular drugs be done before meals.   Use in Sentences: “Always remember to take this medications A.C.”   Do you know? […]

Acronym for Out of Bed

An acronym used for Keep Veins Open. It is usually a slang term and not a formal order, although frequently used to communicate in notes. KVO refers to just enough fluids to prevent clots in the catheter, so usually about 10cc/hour (clots form when you have no flow).

  As needed, deriving from the latin word “pro re nata”, which means “for an occasion that has arisen. ” “The ABG order is written PRN as we titrate the ventilator settings.”  

Four times daily

Intramuscular; a way to deliver a medication with a needle into the msucle. “Haldol 5mg IM was given to the patient.”

At bedtime, usually an order to take a medication in that time. “take metformin PO QHS”

Three times per Day

A drip, usually used in context of medications. “Please start a Lasix gtt”

Subcutaneous