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 2 hours

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