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.”  

Every

As needed. “Take the medication PRN nausea and vomiting.”

By mouth, literally meaning Per Os. “Please PO prior to taking the medications.”

Nothing Per Os; a term referring to No Food/Nothing by Mouth. “The patient should be NPO for 6 hours prior to the procedure.”

Four times daily

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