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Hospital Dictionary
We know that being in hospital can be made more confusing by the new acronyms, words and phrases medical professionals use. We’ve collected together the most common – along with explanations of the most common medical professionals you’ll come across.
Sometimes, medical professionals sometimes use the same abbreviations to mean different things. If you find an abbreviation confusing, always ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacy.
We know that being in hospital can be made more confusing by the new acronyms, words and phrases medical professionals use. We’ve collected together the most common – along with explanations of the most common medical professionals you’ll come across.
Sometimes, medical professionals sometimes use the same abbreviations to mean different things. If you find an abbreviation confusing, always ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacy.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
A
a.c: before a meal (Latin: ante cibum)
A&E: Accident and Emergency
A hospital department, open to everyone, which gives immediate medical treatment to people who are seriously injured or who are suddenly taken seriously ill.
See also: ED (same meaning); UCC; UTC
AAND: Allow A Natural Death
A document agreed by a patient (or a patient’s next of kin, if a patient can’t make the decision for themselves) which states that all life-saving and life-prolonging treatment will be withheld, allowing a patient’s life to end ‘naturally’.
See also: AND (same meaning); DNACPR; DNAR; DNR
Acute
A severe and rapid onset condition which is usually short in duration, gets worse quickly, and needs urgent medical care.
See also: Chronic
ADR: Adverse Drug Reaction
A harmful or unwanted side-effect after a medicine has been taken.
Afebrile
Does not have a fever. A fever is a body temperature of 38oC or above. A normal body temperature is around 36.4oC.
See also: Apyrexic (same meaning); Febrile; Pyrexic; Temperature
Agency Nurse
Agency nurses are registered nurses, who work for a private agency. Hospitals use them to cover planned or unplanned shortfalls in the workforce, including sickness absence, vacancies and annual or maternity leave, when no other solution can be found from within the NHS.
See also: Bank Nurse; Staff Nurse
ALS: Advanced Life Support
Emergency medical care that may include defibrillation, airway management, and use of drugs and medications to save a patient’s life. ALS is usually performed by medical professionals.
See also: BLS; CPR
Ambulatory
Able to walk.
Anaesthetic
Any drug which causes a loss of physical feeling. Anaesthetics are used during tests and surgical operations to numb sensation in certain areas of the body or induce sleep. This prevents pain and discomfort, and enables a wide range of medical procedures to be carried out.
There are two main types of anaesthetic:
1. General Anaesthetics (GA): which result in a reversible loss of consciousness. These are used for operations where a patient needs to be completely still.
2. Local Anaesthetics (LA): which cause a reversible loss of sensation for a limited region of the body without necessarily affecting consciousness. These are used, for example, when stitches are being put into a wound.
See also: GA; LA; Sedation
AND: Allow Natural Death.
A document agreed by a patient (or a patient’s next of kin, if a patient can’t make the decision for themselves) which says that all life-saving and life-prolonging treatment will be withheld, allowing a patient’s life to end ‘naturally’.
See also: AAND (same meaning); DNACPR; DNAR; DNR
ANP: Advanced Nurse Practitioner
ANPs are Registered Nurses who have done extra training and academic qualifications to be able to examine, assess, make diagnoses, treat, prescribe and make referrals for patients who present with undiagnosed problems.
Antenatal
Before birth.
Apyrexic
Does not have a fever. A fever is a body temperature of 38oC or above. A normal body temperature is around 36.4oC.
See also: Afebrile (same meaning); Febrile; Pyrexic; Temperature
Artery
Blood vessels in the human body which carry blood away from the heart.
See also: Vein
B
b.d: two times a day (Latin: bis in die)
See also: b.d.s/b.i.d. (same meaning)
b.d.s: two times a day (Latin: bis die sumendum)
See also: b.d./b.i.d. (same meaning)
b.i.d: two times a day (Latin: bis in die)
See also: b.d./b.d.s. (same meaning)
Bank Nurse
NHS ‘staff banks’ are groups of registered nurses who provide flexible, temporary staff to hospitals. This is to cover planned or unplanned shortfalls in the workforce, including sickness absence, vacancies and annual or maternity leave.
See also: Agency Nurse; Staff Nurse
Bay
A room in a hospital with beds for patients. Usually on a ward.
See also: Bed Space; Ward
Bed Space
The bed for an individual patient and the immediate space around that bed. Usually able to be divided from the rest of the bay by curtains.
See also: Bay; Bed Space
Benign
Not harmful.
See also: Malignant
Biopsy
An examination of tissue removed from a living body to discover the presence, cause, or extent of a disease.
BiPAP: Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure
A non-invasive therapy where pressurised air is used to regulate or support a patient’s breathing pattern. It helps patients to breathe more easily and regularly.
See also: BPAP (same meaning); CPAP; SiPAP
Blue-light
A casual way of referring to a person being taken to hospital in an emergency ambulance with the ‘blue lights’ on.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is a measure of the force that a human heart uses to pump blood around your body. Ideal blood pressure is between 90/60 and 120/80. High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90 or higher, and low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60 or lower
See also: BP; Hypertension; Hypotension
BLS: Basic Life Support
Emergency medical care for victims of life-threatening illnesses or injuries, given where they are until they can be given full medical care at a hospital. It can be provided by trained medical personnel, such as emergency medical technicians, and by qualified bystanders.
See also: ALS; CPR
BMI: Body Mass Index
A measure that uses a patient’s height and weight to work out if their weight is healthy. For most adults, an ideal BMI is in the 18.5 to 24.9 range. For children and young people aged 2 to 18, BMI calculations change with age and gender as well as height and weight.
BMJ: British Medical Journal
A weekly peer-reviewed medical trade journal, published by the trade union, the British Medical Association.
BNO: Bowels Not Open
Has not done a poo.
See also: Constipation (same meaning); BO
BO: Bowels Open
Has done a poo.
See also: BNO; Constipation
BP: Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is a measure of the force that a human heart uses to pump blood around a body. Ideal blood pressure is between 90/60 and 120/80. High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90 or higher, and low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60 or lower
See also: Blood Pressure; Hypertension; Hypotension
BPAP: Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure
A non-invasive therapy where pressurised air is used to regulate or support a patient’s breathing pattern. It helps patients to breathe more easily and regularly.
See also: BiPAP (same meaning); CPAP; SiPAP
Bradycardia
A slower than normal heart rate. Normal heart rates for children change with age. Babies have the fastest heart rates, which slows as a child grows up.
See also: Heart Rate; Pulse; Tachycardia
Bradypnea
Breathing too slowly.
Respiration; Tachypnea; Work of Breathing
C
CAMHS: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
The NHS service that assesses and treats young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.
Cannula
A cannula is a thin tube that doctors insert into a patient’s body cavity, such as their nose, or into a vein. Doctors use them to drain fluid (e.g. take blood), administer medication, or provide oxygen.
Cardiology
The branch of medicine that deals with diseases and abnormalities of the heart.
Cardiothoracic
The branch of medicine that deals with heart and chest (lung) surgery.
See also: Respirology
CAT Scan: Computed Axial Tomography Scan
A CAT scan allows doctors to see inside a patient’s body. It uses a combination of X-rays and a computer to create pictures of organs, bones, and other tissues. It shows more detail than a regular X-ray. It is possible to do a CAT scan on any part of the human body. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the tissues and organs show up more clearly.
See also: CT Scan (same meaning); MRI; X-Ray
Catheter
A flexible tube inserted through a narrow opening into a body cavity for removing fluid. Frequently used in the bladder for draining urine when a patient cannot go to the toilet.
See also: Line
Charge Nurse
A nurse in charge of a ward in a hospital.
See also: Nurse in Charge (same meaning)
CHD: Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease means a heart condition or defect that develops in the womb, before a baby is born. The term “congenital” means the condition is present from birth.
Chronic
A condition or disease that continues for a long time (often used where a condition or disease has continued – or will continue – for over three months).
See also: Acute
CMHN: Community Mental Health Nurse
CMHNs work outside hospitals and visit clients in their own homes, out-patient departments or GP surgeries. They can help a patient to talk through problems and give practical advice and support. They can also give medicines and keep an eye on their effects.
See also: CPN (same meaning)
CNS: Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical nurse specialists are registered nurses who have developed specialist skills in a particular area of nursing care.
CO2: Carbon Dioxide
CO2 is a gas humans breathe out. If something stops, or makes it harder, for a person to breathe out CO2 they can become very unwell.
See also: Oxygen Saturation; O2; Gas Exchange; Room Air
Condition
A broad term meaning a disease or illness.
Constipation
Finding it hard to poo or pooing much less often than usual.
See also: BNO (same meaning); BO
Consultant
Consultants are doctors who have spent many years training in their specialist area. Your child will be admitted under the care of a consultant who will also supervise junior doctors (doctors still in some form of training). You may not see the consultant on every occasion but they will remain in charge of your child’s treatment.
Contagious
A disease or illness that is spread from one person to another, typically by direct contact (such as shaking hands, hugging, etc).
Controlled Drug
A drug or other substance that is tightly controlled by the government because it may be abused or cause addiction.
See also: Controlled Substance
Controlled Substance
A drug or other substance that is tightly controlled by the government because it may be abused or cause addiction.
See also: Controlled Drug
CPAP: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
A non-invasive therapy where pressurised air is used to regulate or support a patient’s breathing pattern. It helps patients to breathe more easily and regularly.
See also: BiPAP; BPAP; SiPAP
CPN: Community Psychiatric Nurse
CPNs work outside hospitals and visit clients in their own homes, out-patient departments or GP surgeries. They can help you to talk through problems and give practical advice and support. They can also give medicines and keep an eye on their effects.
See also: CMHN (same meaning)
CPR: CardioPulmonary Resuscitation
CPR is a lifesaving technique that’s useful in many emergencies, such as a heart attack or near drowning, in which a patient’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. It combines ‘rescue breaths’ (breathing into a patient’s mouth) and ‘chest compressions’ (repeatedly pushing down on a patient’s chest) to keep blood flowing around the body until medical support arrives.
See also: ALS; BLS
CT Scan: Computed Tomography Scan
A CT scan allows doctors to see inside a patient’s body. It uses a combination of X-rays and a computer to create pictures of organs, bones, and other tissues. It shows more detail than a regular X-ray. It is possible to do a CT scan on any part of the human body. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the tissues and organs show up more clearly.
See also: CAT Scan (same meaning); MRI; X-Ray
CVP: Central Venous Pressure
CVP is the blood pressure in the venae cavae, near the right atrium of the heart. CVP reflects the amount of blood returning to the heart and the ability of the heart to pump the blood back into the arterial system.
Cyanosis
When skin looks blue or blueish because it isn’t getting enough blood. It is most commonly seen in lips, fingers and toes.
D
Day Case
When a patient is admitted to hospital for one day for treatment that does not need an overnight stay.
See also: Inpatient; Outpatient
Dermatology
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders.
DHSC: Department of Health and Social Care
The Department of Health and Social Care is the UK government department responsible for government policy on health and adult social care matters in England. Healthcare is a devolved issue so there are different departments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Scotland: Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorate
- Wales: Welsh Government Department of Health and Social Services
- Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Government Department of Health
See also: PHE; UKHSA
Diagnosis
A process through which a doctor looks at symptoms and identifies what’s wrong. A patient usually needs a diagnosis before treatment can begin.
See also: Dx (same meaning)
Diarrhoea
Loose or watery poo, three or more times in one day. The Bristol Stool Chart has more detail on different types of poo and what they mean.
Dietitian
Dietitians are specialists in nutrition and its role in health and disease. Our dietitians are available for advice on all aspects of infant and child nutrition including assessment, recommendations for nutritional management and implementation of therapeutic diets within a hospital.
Discharge
Going home from hospital. This usually happens when the medical team caring for your child is confident that they are safe to be at home and no longer need hospital care. You may go home with medication or a follow-up appointment.
See also: Discharge Summary; TTA; TTO
Discharge Summary
A letter written by the hospital which explains why your child came into hospital, what they were treated for, the results of any tests your child had, what follow-up your child needs and any other information the medical professionals think is relevant. A copy should be given to you, and copies will also be sent to your local GP and any other relevant professionals involved in your child’s care (e.g. a social worker).
See also: Discharge; TTA; TTO
DNA: Did Not Attend
When a patient doesn’t go to an appointment, without letting their medical professional know in advance. If you don’t attend appointments, without a good reason, you may be told you can no longer see that medical professional.
DNACPR: Do Not Attempt CardioPulmonary Resuscitation
A document agreed by a patient (or a patient’s next of kin, if a patient can’t make the decision for themselves) which states that all CPR will be withheld, allowing a patient’s life to end. CPR is a lifesaving technique that’s useful in many emergencies, such as a heart attack or near drowning, in which a patient’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
See also: AAND; AND; DNAR; DNR
DNAR: Do Not Attempt Resuscitation
A document agreed by a patient (or a patient’s next of kin, if a patient can’t make the decision for themselves) which states that all CPR will be withheld, allowing a patient’s life to end. CPR is a lifesaving technique that’s useful in many emergencies, such as a heart attack or near drowning, in which a patient’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
See also: AAND; AND; DNACPR; DNR
DNR: Do Not Resuscitate
A document agreed by a patient (or a patient’s next of kin, if a patient can’t make the decision for themselves) which states that all CPR will be withheld, allowing a patient’s life to end. CPR is a lifesaving technique that’s useful in many emergencies, such as a heart attack or near drowning, in which a patient’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
See also: AAND; AND; DNACPR; DNAR
DOB: Date of Birth
Doctor
A person who is qualified to diagnose and treat people who are ill.
See also: Dr. (same meaning)
Dr: Doctor
A person who is qualified to diagnose and treat people who are ill.
See also: Doctor (same meaning)
Drug
A substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. These are usually a tablet or liquid.
See also: Medication
Dx: Diagnosis
A process through which a doctor looks at symptoms and identifies what’s wrong. A patient usually needs a diagnosis before treatment can begin.
See also: Diagnosis
Dysphagia
Difficulty or discomfort when swallowing
E
ECG: ElectroCardioGram
An electrocardiogram is a test that checks how a patient’s heart is functioning by measuring the electrical activity of the heart. With each heartbeat, an electrical impulse (or wave) travels through a heart. This causes the muscle to squeeze and pump blood from the heart. An ECG is done through stickers placed on your child’s chest. These stickers have wires which connect to the ECG machine and measure the electrical activity of the heart.
See also: EKG (same meaning)
Echo: Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a test that uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the heart muscle. Ultrasound waves that bounce off the heart can show the size, shape, and movement of the heart’s valves and chambers as well as the flow of blood through the heart. Echocardiograms may show such abnormalities as poorly functioning heart valves or damage to the heart tissue from a past heart attack.
See also: Ultrasound
ECMO: ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
ECMO is a type of life support system. ECMO machines use a pump to circulate blood through an artificial lung back into the bloodstream. The purpose of ECMO is to provide enough oxygen to the body while giving time for the lungs and heart to rest or heal.
ED: Emergency Department
A hospital department, open to everyone, which gives immediate medical treatment to people who are seriously injured in an accident or who are suddenly taken seriously ill.
See also: A&E (same meaning); UCC; UTC
OR
ED: Eating Disorder
Any of a range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits.
EEG: ElectroEncephaloGram
An EEG is a test that detects abnormalities in brain waves, or in the electrical activity of a brain. An EEG is done through attaching small, metal discs (electrodes) to a patient’s head. Brain cells communicate via electrical impulses and are active all the time, even when a patient’s asleep. This activity shows up as wavy lines on an EEG recording.
EHCP: Education, Health and Care Plan
An EHCP is for any child or young person that has a significant and complex Special Educational Need (SEN) which cannot be met by their school. It sets out what additional support they need, and can include a requirement for a one-to-one support worker for the child.
EKG: Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram is a test that checks how a patient’s heart is functioning by measuring the electrical activity of the heart. With each heartbeat, an electrical impulse (or wave) travels through a heart. This causes the muscle to squeeze and pump blood from the heart. An EKG is done through stickers placed on your child’s chest. These stickers have wires which connect to the EKG machine and measure the electrical activity of the heart.
See also: ECG
Endocrinology
The branch of medicine that deals with the human endocrine system (a system of glands which secrete hormones).
Enema
A procedure where liquid is pushed into a patient’s rectum (bottom) through a tube. In hospitals, enemas are most often used to relieve constipation and for bowel cleansing before a medical examination or procedure.
ENT: Ear, Nose and Throat
The branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the ears, nose and throat. Also known as Otorhinolaryngology.
Epidemiology
The branch of medicine that deals with the incidence, distribution, and possible control of diseases and other factors relating to health.
ET Tube: EndoTracheal Tube
An ET tube is a flexible plastic tube that is placed through the mouth into the trachea (windpipe) to help a patient breathe. The endotracheal tube is then connected to a ventilator, which delivers oxygen to the lungs.
See also: ETT (same meaning); Extubation (to extubate); Intubation (to intubate)
ETT: EndoTracheal Tube
An ETT is a flexible plastic tube that is placed through the mouth into the trachea (windpipe) to help a patient breathe. The endotracheal tube is then connected to a ventilator, which delivers oxygen to the lungs.
See also: ET tube (same meaning); Extubation (to extubate); Intubation (to intubate)
Extubation (to extubate)
Extubation is when the doctor takes out a tube that helps a patient breathe.
See also: ETT; ET Tube; Intubation (to intubate)
F
Febrile
Has a fever. A fever is a body temperature of 38oC or above. A normal body temperature is around 36.4oC.
See aso: Afebrile; Apyrexic; Pyrexic (same meaning); Temperature
FY1: Foundation Year 1
A trainee doctor who has graduated from university and is in their first year of the general postgraduate medical training programme in the UK, which forms the bridge between medical school and specialist/general practice training.
See also: FY2; Junior Doctor; Registrar; SpR; StR
FY2: Foundation Year 2
A trainee doctor who has graduated from university and is in their second year of the general postgraduate medical training programme in the UK, which forms the bridge between medical school and specialist/general practice training.
See also: FY1; Junior Doctor; Registrar; SpR; StR
G
GA: General Anaesthetic
An anaesthetic is any drug which causes a loss of physical feeling. Anaesthetics are used during tests and surgical operations to numb sensation in certain areas of the body or induce sleep. This prevents pain and discomfort, and enables a wide range of medical procedures to be carried out. General Anaesthetics result in a reversible loss of consciousness. These are used for operations where a patient needs to be completely still.
See also: Anaesthetic; LA
Gas Exchange
A process that measures how well a patient is absorbing oxygen from the air and how well they are breathing out carbon dioxide.
Poor gas exchange can be caused by a range of different medical issues, all of which can cause low oxygen levels in the blood or high carbon dioxide levels.
See also: CO2; O2; Oxygen Saturation; Room Air
Gastroenterology
The branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the oesophagus (gullet), stomach, small and large intestines (bowel), liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
Gastrostomy
A hole made by a surgeon which goes directly from the skin into the stomach. It is usually created to allow food and/or medicines to be directly put into a patient’s stomach (without going into their mouth or down their throat).
See also: Stoma
GCS: Glasgow Coma Scale
A tool which allows doctors to measure how conscious a patient is. It measures:
1. Eye opening: a score of 1 means a patient doesn’t open their eyes at all, and 4 means they open their eyes whenever they want.
2. Verbal response to a command: 1 means no response, and 5 means a patient is alert and talking.
3. Voluntary movements in response to a command: 1 means no response, and 6 means a patient can follow commands
The highest possible score is 15. The lowest is 3.
Genetics
The branch of medicine that deals with the study of genes (the basic physical and functional unit of heredity).
Genitourinary
The branch of medicine that deals with the genital and urinary organs.
See also: Urology
GI: GastroIntestinal
Relating to the stomach and the intestines.
GMC: General Medical Council
The General Medical Council regulates doctors in the United Kingdom. They set standards, hold a register, quality assure education and investigate complaints.
GP: General Practitioner
GPs are most people’s first point of contact with medical support in the community. GPs treat all common medical conditions and refer patients to hospitals and other medical services for urgent and specialist treatment.
H
Haematology
The branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of blood.
HCA: Healthcare Assistant
Healthcare assistants are nursing support staff who help look after your child by providing basic nursing care such as feeding and washing.
HCSW: Health Care Support Worker
An umbrella term which covers a variety of health and care support roles, including healthcare assistant (HCA), nursing assistant, theatre support worker, maternity support worker and more. HCSWs can help patients with social and physical activities, personal care, mobility, meal times, booking appointments etc. They may also take observations of patients, including temperature, pulse, respiration and weight.
See also: HCA; Observations; TPR
Hepatology
The branch of medicine that deals with the study of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas as well as management of their disorders.
Histopathology
The branch of medicine that deals with the study of changes in tissues caused by disease.
HR: Heart Rate
The speed at which a heart beats.
See also: Bradycardia; Pulse (same meaning); Tachycardia
Ht: Height
How tall a patient is. This is usually measured in centimetres, or feet and inches.
See also: Wt
Hx: History
A record of information about a patient’s health. A personal medical history may include information about allergies, illnesses, surgeries, immunizations, and results of physical exams and tests. It may also include information about medicines taken and health habits, such as diet and exercise.
Hypertension
Unusually high blood pressure. Blood pressure is a measure of the force that a human heart uses to pump blood around a human body. Ideal blood pressure is between 90/60 and 120/80. High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90 or higher, and low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60 or lower.
See also: Blood Pressure; BP; Hypotension
Hypotension
Unusually low blood pressure. Blood pressure is a measure of the force that a human heart uses to pump blood around a human body. Ideal blood pressure is between 90/60 and 120/80. High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90 or higher, and low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60 or lower.
See also: Blood Pressure; BP; Hypertension
I
i.m. (IM): Intra-Muscular
Within, or into, a muscle. For example, an intramuscular injection is injected directly into a muscle.
See also: Infusion; Injection; i.o. (IO); i.v. (IV)
i.o. (IO): Intra-Osseous
Within, or into, a bone. For example, an intraosseous injection is injected directly into the bone marrow inside a bone.
See also: i.m. (IM); Infusion; Injection; i.v. (IV)
i.v. (IV): Intra-Venous
Within, or into, a vein. For example, an intravenous injection is injected directly into a vein.
See also: i.m. (IM); Infusion; Injection; i.o. (IO)
Immunocompromised
A patient with a weakened immune system. This means their body finds it harder to fight infections and other diseases. This may be caused by certain diseases or conditions, such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, malnutrition, and certain genetic disorders. It may also be caused by certain medicines or treatments, such as anticancer drugs, radiation therapy, and stem cell or organ transplant.
See also: Immunodeficient (same meaning); Immunosuppressed (same meaning)
Immunodeficient
A patient with a weakened immune system. This means their body finds it harder to fight infections and other diseases. This may be caused by certain diseases or conditions, such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, malnutrition, and certain genetic disorders. It may also be caused by certain medicines or treatments, such as anticancer drugs, radiation therapy, and stem cell or organ transplant.
See also: Immunocompromised (same meaning); Immunosuppressed (same meaning)
Immunology
The branch of medicine that deals with the immune system (a complex network of cells, tissues, organs, and the substances they make that helps the body fight infections and other diseases).
Immunosuppressed
A patient with a weakened immune system. This means their body finds it harder to fight infections and other diseases. This may be caused by certain diseases or conditions, such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, malnutrition, and certain genetic disorders. It may also be caused by certain medicines or treatments, such as anticancer drugs, radiation therapy, and stem cell or organ transplant. “
See also: Immunocompromised (same meaning); Immunodeficient (same meaning)
Infusion
A way of giving drugs or fluid over a period of time, usually through a needle or catheter.
See also: i.m. (IM); Injection; i.o. (IO); i.v. (IV)
Injection
The use of a syringe and needle to push drugs or fluid into the body.
See also: i.m. (IM); Infusion; i.o. (IO); i.v. (IV)
Inpatient
Inpatient treatment is any treatment that requires a patient to stay overnight in a hospital for at least one night. a patient becomes an inpatient when they are ‘admitted’ to hospital.
See also: Day Case; Outpatient
INR: International Normalised Ratio
INR is used to measure how long it takes for a patient’s blood to clot. The higher the INR, the longer blood takes to clot. INR levels that are too low may mean a patient is at risk for dangerous blood clots. INR levels that are too high may mean a patient is at risk for dangerous bleeding. A normal INR is 1.1 or below.
Intubation (to intubate)
Intubation is when the doctor puts a tube down a patient’s trachea (windpipe) to help them breathe.
See also: ETT; ET Tube; Extubation (to extubate)
Invasive
A medical procedure which involves entering a patient’s body. For example, an injection, inserting a cannula or an operation.
See also: Non-Invasive
Investigation
The process a medical professional goes through to try and find out what is wrong with a patient.
See also: Ix (same meaning)
Ix: Investigation
The process a medical professional goes through to try and find out what is wrong with a patient.”
See also: Investigation (same meaning)
J
Junior Doctor
Any doctor who is still in some form of training.
See also: FY1; FY2; Registrar; SpR; StR
Juvenile
A patient who is not yet an adult; or about a patient who is not yet an adult (under the age of 18).
K
Nothing here yet…
L
LA: Local Anaesthetic
An anaesthetic is any drug which causes a loss of physical feeling. Anaesthetics are used during tests and surgical operations to numb sensation in certain areas of the body or induce sleep. This prevents pain and discomfort, and enables a wide range of medical procedures to be carried out. Local Anaesthetics cause a reversible loss of sensation for a limited region of the body without necessarily affecting consciousness. These are used, for example, when stitches are being put into a wound.
See also: Anaesthetic; GA
LDN: Learning Disability Nurse
LDNs provide specialist healthcare and support to people with a learning disability, as well as their families and staff teams, to help them live a fulfilling life.
Line
A commonly-used term meaning an intravenous catheter (a small plastic tube put into a patient’s arm).
See also: Catheter; Intravenous
M
Malignant
Harmful.
See also: Benign
Matron
A senior nurse with overall responsibility for the management of children’s wards.
MDT: Multi-Disciplinary Team
The whole team of specialists caring for your child. This will include doctors, nurses and other specialists such as dieticians or physiotherapists.
Medication
A substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. These are usually a tablet or liquid.
See also: Drug
Midwife
A health professional who cares for mothers and newborns around childbirth.
MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
An MRI is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body.
See also: CAT Scan; CT Scan; X-Ray
N
n.p.o: nothing by mouth (Latin: nil per os)
The patient shouldn’t eat or drink anything through their mouth.
See also: NBM (same meaning)
NAD: Nothing Abnormal Discovered
NBM: Nil/Nothing By Mouth
The patient shouldn’t eat or drink anything through their mouth.
See also: n.p.o. (same meaning)
Neonatal
Newborn babies. Used in hospital to mean sick or premature newborns.
See also: Antenatal; NICU; Postnatal
Nephrology
The branch of medicine that deals with the study of the kidneys as well as management of their disorders.
Neurology
The branch of medicine that deals with treating diseases of the nervous system. It includes the brain and spinal cord.
NG (Tube): NasoGastric (Tube)
A tube that is inserted through the nose, down the throat and into the stomach. It can be used to give drugs, liquids, and liquid food, or to remove substances from the stomach.”
See also: NJ (Tube)
NICE: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
NICE is an independent organisation, set up by the UK Government, which decides which drugs and treatments are available on the NHS in England. Decisions about drugs and treatment availability in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are made by the devolved administrations.
See also: NIHR
NICU: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
NICUs are units within hospitals which give sick newborn babies the highest level of medical care.
See also: PHDU; PICU; SCBU
NIHR: National Institute for Health Research
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is a United Kingdom government agency which funds research into health and care.
See also: NICE
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as ‘laughing gas’. Nitrous oxide can be used for general anesthesia, sedation for a procedure, dental anesthesia and to treat severe pain.
NIV: Non-Invasive Ventilation
Giving breathing support to a patient through a mask or similar device (e.g. nasal cannulas) on their face.
NJ (Tube): NasoJejunal (Tube)
A tube that is inserted through the nose, down the throat, through the stomach and into the jejunum, a part of the small intestine.. It can be used to give drugs, liquids, and liquid food, or to remove substances from the stomach. NJ tubes are used when a child has difficulty digesting food in their stomach.
See also: NG (Tube)
nocte: every night (Latin: at night)
Non-Invasive
A medical procedure which does not involve entering a patient’s body. For example, x-rays, and checking blood pressure.
See also: Invasive
NSAID: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug
Medicines which are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down a high temperature. Ibuprofen is a well known example of a NSAID.
Nurse
A person trained to care for the sick, especially in a hospital.
See also: Registered Nurse (same meaning)
Nurse in Charge
A nurse in charge of a ward in a hospital.
See also: Charge Nurse (same meaning)
Nursing Associate
Nursing associates work with healthcare support workers and registered nurses to deliver care for patients and the public. It can also be a stepping stone to becoming a registered nurse.
Nursing Station
A nursing station is an area on a hospital ward which nurses and other health care staff work behind when not working directly with patients. The station usually has a counter that can be approached by visitors and patients who wish to receive attention from nurses.
Nutritionist
Specialists who use their knowledge of the science of food to help individuals and groups make the right choices about what they eat.
O
o.d: every day (Latin: omni die)
See also: q.1.d. (same meaning); q.d. (same meaning)
o.m: every morning (Latin: omni mane)
o.n: every night (Latin: omni nocte)
O2: Oxygen
Oxygen is a gas humans breathe in. If something stops, or makes it harder, for a patient to breathe in enough oxygen – or something is wrong with their body and they can’t absorb it well from the air – they can become very unwell.
See also: CO2, Gas Exchange; Oxygen Saturation; Room Air
Obs: Observations
The measuring and recording of a patient’s vital signs. This usually includes blood pressure, temperature, respiratory rate (how fast a patient is breathing), oxygen saturation and level of consciousness.
See also: Pulse; Respiration; Temperature; TPR
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
The branch of medicine that deals with the care of women during pregnancy and childbirth and in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the female reproductive organs. It also specializes in other women’s health issues, such as menopause, hormone problems, contraception (birth control), and infertility. Also called ob/gyn.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy aims to improve a patient’s ability to do everyday tasks.
See also: Occupational Therapist
OD: Overdose
The term used when a patient takes an excessive and dangerous dose of a drug.
Oncology
The branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
Operation
An act of surgery performed on a patient.
Ophthalmology
The branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of disorders and diseases of the eye.
See also: Optometry
Optometry
The branch of medicine that deals with measuring eyesight, prescribing corrective lenses, and detecting eye disease.
See also: Ophthalmology
Oral and Maxillofacial
The branch of medicine that deals with surgery or cosmetic procedures to correct problems with the mouth, jaws, facial structures and neck.
Orthopaedics
The branch of medicine that deals with correcting deformities of bones or muscles
See also: Orthotics
Orthotics
The branch of medicine that deals with the provision and use of artificial devices such as splints and braces.
See also: Orthopaedics
OT: Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists work with children and families to help your child manage daily activities such as self-care, play and pre-school and school tasks.
See also: Occupational Therapy
Outpatient
Outpatient treatment is when a patient doesn’t need to stay overnight in hospital for treatment, but still needs to go to hospital for tests or treatments.
See also: Day Case; Inpatient
Oxygen Saturation
The amount of oxygen in a patient’s blood. A normal amount of oxygen is between 95%-100%.
See also: CO2; Gas Exchange; O2; Room Air
P
p.o: by mouth (Latin: per os)
p.r: rectally (in/up the bottom)
p.r.n: as needed (Latin: pro re nata)
Paediatric
Relating to children and young adults (defined by the NHS as from birth until the age of 18).
Page (to page)
To get a medical professional’s attention by sending a text message to their pager (a telecommunications device which displays text messages).
Palliative
Care which helps with the symptoms of a condition but does not cure it. ‘Palliative care’ is often used to mean the same as ‘end of life’ care – where a patient has a condition which cannot be cured and will cause their death. In these situations medical professionals aim to make a patient’s final days, weeks or months of ife as comfortable as possible. However, receiving palliative care does not mean a patient is dying.
PALS: Patient Advice and Liaison Service
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters. They provide a point of contact for patients, their families and their carers. The NHS has more information on PALS services.
Pathology
The branch of medicine that deals with the way diseases and illnesses develop. It is the study and diagnosis of disease through the examination of surgically removed organs, tissues (biopsy samples), bodily fluids, and in some cases the whole body (autopsy).
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are qualified professionals who are part of the healthcare team. The pharmacist will look after all drug matters while your child is in hospital and is available to answer any questions you may have about the medication your child is prescribed.
PHDU: Paediatric High Dependency Unit
PHDUs are units within hospitals which care for children who are not unwell enough to be admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, but require close monitoring and treatments which cannot be provided safely in a general children’s ward.
See also: NICU; PICU; SCBU
PHE: Public Health England
Public Health England was an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in the United Kingdom which began operating on 1 April 2013 to protect and improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. Healthcare is a devolved issue so there are different departments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Public Health England is now known as the UK Health Security Agency.
Scotland: Public Health Scotland
Wales: Public Health Wales
Northern Ireland: Public Health Agency
See also: DHSC; UKHSA
Phlebotomy
The branch of medicine that deals with the surgical opening or puncture of a vein in order to withdraw blood or to introduce a fluid.
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists work in a variety of areas. They can assess your child and develop a special programme to suit his or her needs. They monitor their progress and teach you the skills to help them perform everyday tasks.
See also: Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy helps to restore movement and function when a patient is affected by injury, illness or disability. It can also help to reduce risk of injury or illness in the future.
See also: Physiotherapist
PICU: Paediatric Intensive Care Unit
PICUs are units within hospitals which give sick children the highest level of medical care.
See also: NICU; PHDU; SCBU
Plastic Surgery
The branch of medicine that deals with surgically restorating, reconstructing, or alterating the human body.
Play Specialist
Play specialists provide play activities for inpatients, either in the playroom or at the bedside. They will help prepare your child for procedures using play therapy, enabling children to act out their anxieties and develop ways of coping.
PN: Parenteral Nutrition
PN is the medical term for infusing a specialised form of food through a vein (intravenously). Children are usually given PN when they cannot eat food and neither can they manage food either directly into their stomach or intestines.
See also: TPN (same meaning)
Postnatal
After birth
See also: Antenatal; Neonatal
Prescription
An instruction written by a doctor that authorises a patient to be issued with a medicine or treatment.
See also: Rx (same meaning)
Primary Care
Primary care services provide the first point of contact in the NHS. Primary care includes GPs, community pharmacies and dentists.
See also: Secondary care, Tertiary care
Procedure
A course of action intended to achieve a result in the care of patients. This includes, but is not limited to, surgery. For example, the term ‘procedure’ also includes CT scans, MRIs and echocardiograms.
Prognosis
An opinion, based on medical evidence and experience, of the likely course of a medical condition.
Prosthetics
The branch of medicine that deals with making and fitting artificial body parts.
Psychiatry
The branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of mental illness, emotional disturbance, and abnormal behaviour.
See also: Psychology
Psychology
The branch of medicine that deals with the science of mind and behavior. Many hospitals have teams of psychologists who support patients and their families.
See also: Psychiatry
Pulse
How fast a patient’s heart is beating.
See also: Bradycardia; Heart Rate (same meaning); Tachycardia; TPR
Pyrexic
Has a fever. A fever is a body temperature of 38oC or above. A normal body temperature is around 36.4oC.
See also: Afebrile; Apyrexic; Febrile (same meaning); Temperature
Q
q: every (Latin: quater/quata)
q.1.d: every day (Latin: quaque die)
See also: o.d. (same meaning); q.d. (same meaning)
q.1.h: every hour (Latin: quaque hora)
See also: q.h. (same meaning)
q.2.h: every two hours (Latin: quaque secunda hora)
q.4.h: every four hours (Latin: quaque quarta hora)
See also: q.q.h. (same meaning)
q.6.h: every six hours (Latin: quaque sexta hora)
q.8.h: every eight hours (Latin: quaque octava hora)
q.d: every day (Latin: quaque die)
See also: o.d. (same meaning); q.1.d. (same meaning)
q.d.s: four times a day (Latin: quater die sumendum)
q.h: every hour (Latin: quaque hora)
See also: q.1.h. (same meaning)
q.o.d: every other day (Latin: quaque altera die)
q.q.h: every four hours (Latin: quaque quarta hora)
See also: q.4.h. (same meaning)
R
Radiology
The branch of medicine that deals with medical imaging to diagnose and treat diseases in humans.
RCN: Royal College of Nursing
The UK’s trade union for nurses. The majority of members are registered nurses; however student nurses and healthcare assistants are also members.
RCPCH: Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
The professional body for paediatricians in the United Kingdom. It is responsible for the postgraduate training of paediatricians and conducts the Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health exams.
Recovery
The room where a patient is moved after surgery, to recover from the immediate effects of surgery.
Referral
An act of referring a patient for consultation, review, or further action.
Registrar
A doctor who has completed their foundation training programme (two years of training after graduating university), and is now receiving advanced training in a specialist field of medicine in order to become a consultant or GP.
Renal
Relating to the kidneys
See also: Nephrology
Respiration
How fast a patient is breathing
See also: Bradypnea; Tachypnea; TPR; Work of Breathing
Respirology
The branch of medicine that deals with lungs and respiratory system and their diseases.
See also: Cardiothoracic
Rheumatology
The branch of medicine that deals with diagnosis and therapy of rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles.
RN: Registered Nurse
A person trained to care for the sick, especially in a hospital.
See also: Nurse (same meaning)
Room Air
Normal air. The oxygen concentration in room air is 21%.
See also: CO2; Gas Exchange; O2; Oxygen Saturation
Runner
A nurse who doesn’t have a specific patient to care for while they are on shift. They fill in for whatever is needed, including bringing medicine to other nurses and covering other nurses when they go on a break.
Rx: Prescription
An instruction written by a doctor that authorises a patient to be issued with a medicine or treatment.
See also: Prescription (same meaning)
S
s.c: subcutaneous
Under the skin, usually used in reference to an injection.
See also: Subcut (same meaning); Subcutaneous (same meaning)
SALT: Speech and Language Therapist
Speech therapists specialise in managing babies, children and young people who have speech, language and voice problems that make communication difficult. They also work with children who have problems swallowing food and drink.
See also: SLT (same meaning)
SCBU: Special Care Baby Unit
For babies who need hospital treatment but do not need intensive care.
See also: NICU; PHDU; PICU
Secondary Care
Secondary care means being taken care of by a patient who has particular expertise in whatever problem a patient is having. It’s where most people go when they have a health problem that can’t be dealt with in primary care because it needs more specialised knowledge, skill or equipment than the GP has. This includes, for example, hospital services and child development services.
See also: Primary Care, Tertiary Care
Sedation
Sedation is a medicine that makes a patient feel sleepy and relaxes them both physically and mentally; it’s sometimes used to keep a patient calm during minor, painful or unpleasant procedures.
See also: Anaesthetic
Senior Sister
A Senior sister is the most senior nurse on each ward and has overall responsibility for managing that ward.
See also: Sister
SiPAP: Synchronized Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure
A non-invasive therapy where pressurised air is used to regulate or support a patient’s breathing pattern. It helps patients to breathe more easily and regularly. Used most often in babies.
See also: BiPAP, BPAP, CPAP
Sister
Sisters are experienced registered nurses on each shift and have responsibility for running the ward during that shift.
See also: Senior Sister
SLT: Speech and Language Therapist
Speech therapists specialise in managing babies, children and young people who have speech, language and voice problems that make communication difficult. They also work with children who have problems swallowing food and drink.
See also: SALT (same meaning)
SpR: Specialist Registrar
A doctor who has completed their foundation training programme (two years of training after graduating university), and is now receiving advanced training in a specialist field of medicine in order to become a consultant or GP.
See also: FY1; FY2; Junior Doctor; Registrar; StR (same meaning)
Staff Nurse
Staff nurses are registered nurses, some of who may be newly qualified and some of who have many years’ experience in caring for children and young people. Staff nurses are directly employed by the hospital.
See aso: Agency Nurse; Bank Nurse
Stat: Immediately
Stoma
A hole made by a surgeon into a hollow organ (e.g. the throat, stomach, intestines or bowel). Stomas are made for a variety of reasons but are usually to allow a bodily function to be diverted (e.g. breathing through a tracheostomy, or divert the flow of faeces or urine from the bowel or bladder).
See also: Gastrostomy
StR: Specialty Registrar
A doctor who has completed their foundation training programme (two years of training after graduating university), and is now receiving advanced training in a specialist field of medicine in order to become a consultant or GP.
See also: FY1; FY2; Junior Doctor; Registrar, SpR (same meaning)
Subcut
Under the skin, usually used in reference to an injection.
See also: s.c. (same meaning); Subcutaneous (same meaning)
Subcutaneous
Under the skin, usually used in reference to an injection.
See also: s.c. (same meaning); Subcut (same meaning)
Surgeon
Surgeons are doctors who operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates. In the UK, senior surgeons are not referred to as Dr, but as Mr/Mrs/Ms.
Surgery
The branch of medicine that treats injuries, diseases, and deformities by the physical removal, repair, or readjustment of organs and tissues, often involving cutting into the body.
T
t.d.s: three times a day (Latin: ter die sumendum).
See also: t.i.d. (same meaning)
t.i.d: three times a day (Latin: ter in die)
See also: t.d.s. (same meaning)
Tachycardia
A faster than normal heart rate. Normal heart rates for children change with age. Babies have the fastest heart rates, which slows as a child grows up.
See also: Bradycardia; HR; Pulse
Tachypnea
Breathing too fast.
See also: Respiration; Bradypnea; Work of Breathing
Temperature
How warm a patient’s body is.
See also: Afebrile; Apyrexic; Febrile; Pyrexic; TPR
Tertiary Care
Highly specialized medical care usually over an extended period of time that involves advanced and complex procedures and treatments performed by medical specialists in state-of-the-art facilities. This includes, for example, cancer management, neurosurgery, cardiac surgery and plastic surgery.
See also: Primary Care, Secondary Care
Theatre
The room in which surgery takes place.
TPN: Total Parenteral Nutrition
TPN is the medical term for infusing a specialised form of food through a vein (intravenously). Children are usually given TPN when they cannot eat food and neither can they manage food either directly into their stomach or intestines.
See also: PN (same meaning)
TPR: Temperature, Pulse and Respiration
Temperature: how warm a patient’s body is.
Pulse: how fast a patient’s heart is beating.
Respiration: how fast a patient is breathing.
See also: Obs
Tracheostomy
An opening created at the front of the neck so a tube can be inserted into the windpipe (trachea) to help a patient breathe. If necessary, the tube can be connected to an oxygen supply and a breathing machine called a ventilator.
Transfer
To move from one hospital to another; or within a hospital from one ward or department to another.
Treatment
Medical care given to a patient for an illness or injury.
See also: Tx (same meaning)
TTA: To Take Away
A form that should be completed for all patients being discharged from hospital. It both summarises a patient’s hospital stay for their GP and acts as a prescription to order the drugs they need to take home with them.
See also: Discharge; Discharge Summary; TTO (same meaning)
TTO: To Take Out
A form that should be completed for all patients being discharged from hospital. It both summarises a patient’s hospital stay for their GP and acts as a prescription to order the drugs they need to take home with them.
See also: Discharge; Discharge Summary; TTA (same meaning)
Tx: Treatment
Medical care given to a patient for an illness or injury.
See also: Treatment (same meaning)
U
u.d: as directed (Latin: ut dictum)
UCC: Urgent Care Centre
UCCs are GP-led units, open at least 12 hours a day, every day, offer appointments that can be booked through 111 or through a GP referral, and are equipped to diagnose and deal with many of the most common problems people attend A&E for.
UKHSA: UK Health Security Agency
The UK Health Security Agency is a government agency in the United Kingdom, responsible for UK-wide public health protection and infectious disease capability. It replaced Public Health England in April 2021. It is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
See also: DHSC; PHE
Ultrasound
An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to make an image of a patient’s internal body structures. Doctors commonly use ultrasound to study a developing fetus (unborn baby), a patient’s abdominal and pelvic organs, muscles and tendons, or their heart and blood vessels.
See also: Echo
Urology
The branch of medicine that deals with the function and disorders of the urinary system.
See also: Genitourinary
UTC: Urgent Treatment Centre
UTCs are GP-led units, open at least 12 hours a day, every day, offer appointments that can be booked through 111 or through a GP referral, and are equipped to diagnose and deal with many of the most common problems people attend A&E for.
See also: A&E, ED, UCC
UTI: Urinary Tract Infection
An infection in any part of a patient’s urinary system – kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.
V
Vascular
The branch of medicine that deals with the study of blood vessels, and the diagnosis and treatment of their problems.
Vein
Blood vessels in the human body which carry blood back to the heart.
See also: Artery
Ventilation
The process by which air – or air with extra oxygen – is blown into a patient’s airways and lungs when they are having difficulty breathing or cannot breathe by themselves
See also: Ventilator
Ventilator
A machine that blows air – or air with extra oxygen – into a patient’s airways and lungs when they are having difficulty breathing or cannot breathe by themselves.
See also: Ventilation
W
Ward
A clearly defined part of a hospital which is shared by patients who need a similar kind of care.
See also: Bay, Bed Space
Ward Clerk
Ward clerks help with the general smooth running of the ward, providing many administrative and customer service tasks.
Ward Round
Regular visits to patients in hospital by medical staff for the purpose of making decisions concerning patient care. Called a ‘ward round’ because the medical staff usually do this by walking around the ward, going from one patient to the next.
Weaning
The gradual withdrawal of a drug or therapy (e.g. ventilation).
Work of Breathing
How easy or difficult a patient is finding it to breathe.
See also: Bradypnea; Respiration; Tachypnea
Wt: Weight
How heavy a patient is. Usually measured in kilograms or stones and pounds.
See also: Ht
X
X-Ray
X-rays are a type of radiation called electromagnetic waves. X-rays creates pictures of the inside of a patient’s body. The images show the parts of a patient’s body in different shades of black and white. The most familiar use of x-rays is checking for fractures (broken bones).
See also: CAT Scan; CT Scan; MRI
Y
Nothing here yet…
Z
Nothing here yet…
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
A
a.c: before a meal (Latin: ante cibum)
A&E: Accident and Emergency
A hospital department, open to everyone, which gives immediate medical treatment to people who are seriously injured or who are suddenly taken seriously ill.
See also: ED (same meaning); UCC; UTC
AAND: Allow A Natural Death
A document agreed by a patient (or a patient’s next of kin, if a patient can’t make the decision for themselves) which states that all life-saving and life-prolonging treatment will be withheld, allowing a patient’s life to end ‘naturally’.
See also: AND (same meaning); DNACPR; DNAR; DNR
Acute
A severe and rapid onset condition which is usually short in duration, gets worse quickly, and needs urgent medical care.
See also: Chronic
ADR: Adverse Drug Reaction
A harmful or unwanted side-effect after a medicine has been taken.
Afebrile
Does not have a fever. A fever is a body temperature of 38oC or above. A normal body temperature is around 36.4oC.
See also: Apyrexic (same meaning); Febrile; Pyrexic; Temperature
Agency Nurse
Agency nurses are registered nurses, who work for a private agency. Hospitals use them to cover planned or unplanned shortfalls in the workforce, including sickness absence, vacancies and annual or maternity leave, when no other solution can be found from within the NHS.
See also: Bank Nurse; Staff Nurse
ALS: Advanced Life Support
Emergency medical care that may include defibrillation, airway management, and use of drugs and medications to save a patient’s life. ALS is usually performed by medical professionals.
See also: BLS; CPR
Ambulatory
Able to walk.
Anaesthetic
Any drug which causes a loss of physical feeling. Anaesthetics are used during tests and surgical operations to numb sensation in certain areas of the body or induce sleep. This prevents pain and discomfort, and enables a wide range of medical procedures to be carried out.
There are two main types of anaesthetic:
1. General Anaesthetics (GA): which result in a reversible loss of consciousness. These are used for operations where a patient needs to be completely still.
2. Local Anaesthetics (LA): which cause a reversible loss of sensation for a limited region of the body without necessarily affecting consciousness. These are used, for example, when stitches are being put into a wound.
See also: GA; LA; Sedation
AND: Allow Natural Death.
A document agreed by a patient (or a patient’s next of kin, if a patient can’t make the decision for themselves) which says that all life-saving and life-prolonging treatment will be withheld, allowing a patient’s life to end ‘naturally’.
See also: AAND (same meaning); DNACPR; DNAR; DNR
ANP: Advanced Nurse Practitioner
ANPs are Registered Nurses who have done extra training and academic qualifications to be able to examine, assess, make diagnoses, treat, prescribe and make referrals for patients who present with undiagnosed problems.
Antenatal
Before birth.
Apyrexic
Does not have a fever. A fever is a body temperature of 38oC or above. A normal body temperature is around 36.4oC.
See also: Afebrile (same meaning); Febrile; Pyrexic; Temperature
Artery
Blood vessels in the human body which carry blood away from the heart.
See also: Vein
B
b.d: two times a day (Latin: bis in die)
See also: b.d.s/b.i.d. (same meaning)
b.d.s: two times a day (Latin: bis die sumendum)
See also: b.d./b.i.d. (same meaning)
b.i.d: two times a day (Latin: bis in die)
See also: b.d./b.d.s. (same meaning)
Bank Nurse
NHS ‘staff banks’ are groups of registered nurses who provide flexible, temporary staff to hospitals. This is to cover planned or unplanned shortfalls in the workforce, including sickness absence, vacancies and annual or maternity leave.
See also: Agency Nurse; Staff Nurse
Bay
A room in a hospital with beds for patients. Usually on a ward.
See also: Bed Space; Ward
Bed Space
The bed for an individual patient and the immediate space around that bed. Usually able to be divided from the rest of the bay by curtains.
See also: Bay; Bed Space
Benign
Not harmful.
See also: Malignant
Biopsy
An examination of tissue removed from a living body to discover the presence, cause, or extent of a disease.
BiPAP: Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure
A non-invasive therapy where pressurised air is used to regulate or support a patient’s breathing pattern. It helps patients to breathe more easily and regularly.
See also: BPAP (same meaning); CPAP; SiPAP
Blue-light
A casual way of referring to a person being taken to hospital in an emergency ambulance with the ‘blue lights’ on.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is a measure of the force that a human heart uses to pump blood around your body. Ideal blood pressure is between 90/60 and 120/80. High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90 or higher, and low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60 or lower
See also: BP; Hypertension; Hypotension
BLS: Basic Life Support
Emergency medical care for victims of life-threatening illnesses or injuries, given where they are until they can be given full medical care at a hospital. It can be provided by trained medical personnel, such as emergency medical technicians, and by qualified bystanders.
See also: ALS; CPR
BMI: Body Mass Index
A measure that uses a patient’s height and weight to work out if their weight is healthy. For most adults, an ideal BMI is in the 18.5 to 24.9 range. For children and young people aged 2 to 18, BMI calculations change with age and gender as well as height and weight.
BMJ: British Medical Journal
A weekly peer-reviewed medical trade journal, published by the trade union, the British Medical Association.
BNO: Bowels Not Open
Has not done a poo.
See also: Constipation (same meaning); BO
BO: Bowels Open
Has done a poo.
See also: BNO; Constipation
BP: Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is a measure of the force that a human heart uses to pump blood around a body. Ideal blood pressure is between 90/60 and 120/80. High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90 or higher, and low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60 or lower
See also: Blood Pressure; Hypertension; Hypotension
BPAP: Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure
A non-invasive therapy where pressurised air is used to regulate or support a patient’s breathing pattern. It helps patients to breathe more easily and regularly.
See also: BiPAP (same meaning); CPAP; SiPAP
Bradycardia
A slower than normal heart rate. Normal heart rates for children change with age. Babies have the fastest heart rates, which slows as a child grows up.
See also: Heart Rate; Pulse; Tachycardia
Bradypnea
Breathing too slowly.
Respiration; Tachypnea; Work of Breathing
C
CAMHS: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
The NHS service that assesses and treats young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.
Cannula
A cannula is a thin tube that doctors insert into a patient’s body cavity, such as their nose, or into a vein. Doctors use them to drain fluid (e.g. take blood), administer medication, or provide oxygen.
Cardiology
The branch of medicine that deals with diseases and abnormalities of the heart.
Cardiothoracic
The branch of medicine that deals with heart and chest (lung) surgery.
See also: Respirology
CAT Scan: Computed Axial Tomography Scan
A CAT scan allows doctors to see inside a patient’s body. It uses a combination of X-rays and a computer to create pictures of organs, bones, and other tissues. It shows more detail than a regular X-ray. It is possible to do a CAT scan on any part of the human body. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the tissues and organs show up more clearly.
See also: CT Scan (same meaning); MRI; X-Ray
Catheter
A flexible tube inserted through a narrow opening into a body cavity for removing fluid. Frequently used in the bladder for draining urine when a patient cannot go to the toilet.
See also: Line
Charge Nurse
A nurse in charge of a ward in a hospital.
See also: Nurse in Charge (same meaning)
CHD: Congenital Heart Disease
Congenital heart disease means a heart condition or defect that develops in the womb, before a baby is born. The term “congenital” means the condition is present from birth.
Chronic
A condition or disease that continues for a long time (often used where a condition or disease has continued – or will continue – for over three months).
See also: Acute
CMHN: Community Mental Health Nurse
CMHNs work outside hospitals and visit clients in their own homes, out-patient departments or GP surgeries. They can help a patient to talk through problems and give practical advice and support. They can also give medicines and keep an eye on their effects.
See also: CPN (same meaning)
CNS: Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical nurse specialists are registered nurses who have developed specialist skills in a particular area of nursing care.
CO2: Carbon Dioxide
CO2 is a gas humans breathe out. If something stops, or makes it harder, for a person to breathe out CO2 they can become very unwell.
See also: Oxygen Saturation; O2; Gas Exchange; Room Air
Condition
A broad term meaning a disease or illness.
Constipation
Finding it hard to poo or pooing much less often than usual.
See also: BNO (same meaning); BO
Consultant
Consultants are doctors who have spent many years training in their specialist area. Your child will be admitted under the care of a consultant who will also supervise junior doctors (doctors still in some form of training). You may not see the consultant on every occasion but they will remain in charge of your child’s treatment.
Contagious
A disease or illness that is spread from one person to another, typically by direct contact (such as shaking hands, hugging, etc).
Controlled Drug
A drug or other substance that is tightly controlled by the government because it may be abused or cause addiction.
See also: Controlled Substance
Controlled Substance
A drug or other substance that is tightly controlled by the government because it may be abused or cause addiction.
See also: Controlled Drug
CPAP: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
A non-invasive therapy where pressurised air is used to regulate or support a patient’s breathing pattern. It helps patients to breathe more easily and regularly.
See also: BiPAP; BPAP; SiPAP
CPN: Community Psychiatric Nurse
CPNs work outside hospitals and visit clients in their own homes, out-patient departments or GP surgeries. They can help you to talk through problems and give practical advice and support. They can also give medicines and keep an eye on their effects.
See also: CMHN (same meaning)
CPR: CardioPulmonary Resuscitation
CPR is a lifesaving technique that’s useful in many emergencies, such as a heart attack or near drowning, in which a patient’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. It combines ‘rescue breaths’ (breathing into a patient’s mouth) and ‘chest compressions’ (repeatedly pushing down on a patient’s chest) to keep blood flowing around the body until medical support arrives.
See also: ALS; BLS
CT Scan: Computed Tomography Scan
A CT scan allows doctors to see inside a patient’s body. It uses a combination of X-rays and a computer to create pictures of organs, bones, and other tissues. It shows more detail than a regular X-ray. It is possible to do a CT scan on any part of the human body. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the tissues and organs show up more clearly.
See also: CAT Scan (same meaning); MRI; X-Ray
CVP: Central Venous Pressure
CVP is the blood pressure in the venae cavae, near the right atrium of the heart. CVP reflects the amount of blood returning to the heart and the ability of the heart to pump the blood back into the arterial system.
Cyanosis
When skin looks blue or blueish because it isn’t getting enough blood. It is most commonly seen in lips, fingers and toes.
D
Day Case
When a patient is admitted to hospital for one day for treatment that does not need an overnight stay.
See also: Inpatient; Outpatient
Dermatology
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders.
DHSC: Department of Health and Social Care
The Department of Health and Social Care is the UK government department responsible for government policy on health and adult social care matters in England. Healthcare is a devolved issue so there are different departments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Scotland: Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorate
- Wales: Welsh Government Department of Health and Social Services
- Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Government Department of Health
See also: PHE; UKHSA
Diagnosis
A process through which a doctor looks at symptoms and identifies what’s wrong. A patient usually needs a diagnosis before treatment can begin.
See also: Dx (same meaning)
Diarrhoea
Loose or watery poo, three or more times in one day. The Bristol Stool Chart has more detail on different types of poo and what they mean.
Dietitian
Dietitians are specialists in nutrition and its role in health and disease. Our dietitians are available for advice on all aspects of infant and child nutrition including assessment, recommendations for nutritional management and implementation of therapeutic diets within a hospital.
Discharge
Going home from hospital. This usually happens when the medical team caring for your child is confident that they are safe to be at home and no longer need hospital care. You may go home with medication or a follow-up appointment.
See also: Discharge Summary; TTA; TTO
Discharge Summary
A letter written by the hospital which explains why your child came into hospital, what they were treated for, the results of any tests your child had, what follow-up your child needs and any other information the medical professionals think is relevant. A copy should be given to you, and copies will also be sent to your local GP and any other relevant professionals involved in your child’s care (e.g. a social worker).
See also: Discharge; TTA; TTO
DNA: Did Not Attend
When a patient doesn’t go to an appointment, without letting their medical professional know in advance. If you don’t attend appointments, without a good reason, you may be told you can no longer see that medical professional.
DNACPR: Do Not Attempt CardioPulmonary Resuscitation
A document agreed by a patient (or a patient’s next of kin, if a patient can’t make the decision for themselves) which states that all CPR will be withheld, allowing a patient’s life to end. CPR is a lifesaving technique that’s useful in many emergencies, such as a heart attack or near drowning, in which a patient’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
See also: AAND; AND; DNAR; DNR
DNAR: Do Not Attempt Resuscitation
A document agreed by a patient (or a patient’s next of kin, if a patient can’t make the decision for themselves) which states that all CPR will be withheld, allowing a patient’s life to end. CPR is a lifesaving technique that’s useful in many emergencies, such as a heart attack or near drowning, in which a patient’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
See also: AAND; AND; DNACPR; DNR
DNR: Do Not Resuscitate
A document agreed by a patient (or a patient’s next of kin, if a patient can’t make the decision for themselves) which states that all CPR will be withheld, allowing a patient’s life to end. CPR is a lifesaving technique that’s useful in many emergencies, such as a heart attack or near drowning, in which a patient’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
See also: AAND; AND; DNACPR; DNAR
DOB: Date of Birth
Doctor
A person who is qualified to diagnose and treat people who are ill.
See also: Dr. (same meaning)
Dr: Doctor
A person who is qualified to diagnose and treat people who are ill.
See also: Doctor (same meaning)
Drug
A substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. These are usually a tablet or liquid.
See also: Medication
Dx: Diagnosis
A process through which a doctor looks at symptoms and identifies what’s wrong. A patient usually needs a diagnosis before treatment can begin.
See also: Diagnosis
Dysphagia
Difficulty or discomfort when swallowing
E
ECG: ElectroCardioGram
An electrocardiogram is a test that checks how a patient’s heart is functioning by measuring the electrical activity of the heart. With each heartbeat, an electrical impulse (or wave) travels through a heart. This causes the muscle to squeeze and pump blood from the heart. An ECG is done through stickers placed on your child’s chest. These stickers have wires which connect to the ECG machine and measure the electrical activity of the heart.
See also: EKG (same meaning)
Echo: Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a test that uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the heart muscle. Ultrasound waves that bounce off the heart can show the size, shape, and movement of the heart’s valves and chambers as well as the flow of blood through the heart. Echocardiograms may show such abnormalities as poorly functioning heart valves or damage to the heart tissue from a past heart attack.
See also: Ultrasound
ECMO: ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
ECMO is a type of life support system. ECMO machines use a pump to circulate blood through an artificial lung back into the bloodstream. The purpose of ECMO is to provide enough oxygen to the body while giving time for the lungs and heart to rest or heal.
ED: Emergency Department
A hospital department, open to everyone, which gives immediate medical treatment to people who are seriously injured in an accident or who are suddenly taken seriously ill.
See also: A&E (same meaning); UCC; UTC
OR
ED: Eating Disorder
Any of a range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits.
EEG: ElectroEncephaloGram
An EEG is a test that detects abnormalities in brain waves, or in the electrical activity of a brain. An EEG is done through attaching small, metal discs (electrodes) to a patient’s head. Brain cells communicate via electrical impulses and are active all the time, even when a patient’s asleep. This activity shows up as wavy lines on an EEG recording.
EHCP: Education, Health and Care Plan
An EHCP is for any child or young person that has a significant and complex Special Educational Need (SEN) which cannot be met by their school. It sets out what additional support they need, and can include a requirement for a one-to-one support worker for the child.
EKG: Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram is a test that checks how a patient’s heart is functioning by measuring the electrical activity of the heart. With each heartbeat, an electrical impulse (or wave) travels through a heart. This causes the muscle to squeeze and pump blood from the heart. An EKG is done through stickers placed on your child’s chest. These stickers have wires which connect to the EKG machine and measure the electrical activity of the heart.
See also: ECG
Endocrinology
The branch of medicine that deals with the human endocrine system (a system of glands which secrete hormones).
Enema
A procedure where liquid is pushed into a patient’s rectum (bottom) through a tube. In hospitals, enemas are most often used to relieve constipation and for bowel cleansing before a medical examination or procedure.
ENT: Ear, Nose and Throat
The branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the ears, nose and throat. Also known as Otorhinolaryngology.
Epidemiology
The branch of medicine that deals with the incidence, distribution, and possible control of diseases and other factors relating to health.
ET Tube: EndoTracheal Tube
An ET tube is a flexible plastic tube that is placed through the mouth into the trachea (windpipe) to help a patient breathe. The endotracheal tube is then connected to a ventilator, which delivers oxygen to the lungs.
See also: ETT (same meaning); Extubation (to extubate); Intubation (to intubate)
ETT: EndoTracheal Tube
An ETT is a flexible plastic tube that is placed through the mouth into the trachea (windpipe) to help a patient breathe. The endotracheal tube is then connected to a ventilator, which delivers oxygen to the lungs.
See also: ET tube (same meaning); Extubation (to extubate); Intubation (to intubate)
Extubation (to extubate)
Extubation is when the doctor takes out a tube that helps a patient breathe.
See also: ETT; ET Tube; Intubation (to intubate)
F
Febrile
Has a fever. A fever is a body temperature of 38oC or above. A normal body temperature is around 36.4oC.
See aso: Afebrile; Apyrexic; Pyrexic (same meaning); Temperature
FY1: Foundation Year 1
A trainee doctor who has graduated from university and is in their first year of the general postgraduate medical training programme in the UK, which forms the bridge between medical school and specialist/general practice training.
See also: FY2; Junior Doctor; Registrar; SpR; StR
FY2: Foundation Year 2
A trainee doctor who has graduated from university and is in their second year of the general postgraduate medical training programme in the UK, which forms the bridge between medical school and specialist/general practice training.
See also: FY1; Junior Doctor; Registrar; SpR; StR
G
GA: General Anaesthetic
An anaesthetic is any drug which causes a loss of physical feeling. Anaesthetics are used during tests and surgical operations to numb sensation in certain areas of the body or induce sleep. This prevents pain and discomfort, and enables a wide range of medical procedures to be carried out. General Anaesthetics result in a reversible loss of consciousness. These are used for operations where a patient needs to be completely still.
See also: Anaesthetic; LA
Gas Exchange
A process that measures how well a patient is absorbing oxygen from the air and how well they are breathing out carbon dioxide.
Poor gas exchange can be caused by a range of different medical issues, all of which can cause low oxygen levels in the blood or high carbon dioxide levels.
See also: CO2; O2; Oxygen Saturation; Room Air
Gastroenterology
The branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the oesophagus (gullet), stomach, small and large intestines (bowel), liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
Gastrostomy
A hole made by a surgeon which goes directly from the skin into the stomach. It is usually created to allow food and/or medicines to be directly put into a patient’s stomach (without going into their mouth or down their throat).
See also: Stoma
GCS: Glasgow Coma Scale
A tool which allows doctors to measure how conscious a patient is. It measures:
1. Eye opening: a score of 1 means a patient doesn’t open their eyes at all, and 4 means they open their eyes whenever they want.
2. Verbal response to a command: 1 means no response, and 5 means a patient is alert and talking.
3. Voluntary movements in response to a command: 1 means no response, and 6 means a patient can follow commands
The highest possible score is 15. The lowest is 3.
Genetics
The branch of medicine that deals with the study of genes (the basic physical and functional unit of heredity).
Genitourinary
The branch of medicine that deals with the genital and urinary organs.
See also: Urology
GI: GastroIntestinal
Relating to the stomach and the intestines.
GMC: General Medical Council
The General Medical Council regulates doctors in the United Kingdom. They set standards, hold a register, quality assure education and investigate complaints.
GP: General Practitioner
GPs are most people’s first point of contact with medical support in the community. GPs treat all common medical conditions and refer patients to hospitals and other medical services for urgent and specialist treatment.
H
Haematology
The branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of blood.
HCA: Healthcare Assistant
Healthcare assistants are nursing support staff who help look after your child by providing basic nursing care such as feeding and washing.
HCSW: Health Care Support Worker
An umbrella term which covers a variety of health and care support roles, including healthcare assistant (HCA), nursing assistant, theatre support worker, maternity support worker and more. HCSWs can help patients with social and physical activities, personal care, mobility, meal times, booking appointments etc. They may also take observations of patients, including temperature, pulse, respiration and weight.
See also: HCA; Observations; TPR
Hepatology
The branch of medicine that deals with the study of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas as well as management of their disorders.
Histopathology
The branch of medicine that deals with the study of changes in tissues caused by disease.
HR: Heart Rate
The speed at which a heart beats.
See also: Bradycardia; Pulse (same meaning); Tachycardia
Ht: Height
How tall a patient is. This is usually measured in centimetres, or feet and inches.
See also: Wt
Hx: History
A record of information about a patient’s health. A personal medical history may include information about allergies, illnesses, surgeries, immunizations, and results of physical exams and tests. It may also include information about medicines taken and health habits, such as diet and exercise.
Hypertension
Unusually high blood pressure. Blood pressure is a measure of the force that a human heart uses to pump blood around a human body. Ideal blood pressure is between 90/60 and 120/80. High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90 or higher, and low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60 or lower.
See also: Blood Pressure; BP; Hypotension
Hypotension
Unusually low blood pressure. Blood pressure is a measure of the force that a human heart uses to pump blood around a human body. Ideal blood pressure is between 90/60 and 120/80. High blood pressure is considered to be 140/90 or higher, and low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60 or lower.
See also: Blood Pressure; BP; Hypertension
I
i.m. (IM): Intra-Muscular
Within, or into, a muscle. For example, an intramuscular injection is injected directly into a muscle.
See also: Infusion; Injection; i.o. (IO); i.v. (IV)
i.o. (IO): Intra-Osseous
Within, or into, a bone. For example, an intraosseous injection is injected directly into the bone marrow inside a bone.
See also: i.m. (IM); Infusion; Injection; i.v. (IV)
i.v. (IV): Intra-Venous
Within, or into, a vein. For example, an intravenous injection is injected directly into a vein.
See also: i.m. (IM); Infusion; Injection; i.o. (IO)
Immunocompromised
A patient with a weakened immune system. This means their body finds it harder to fight infections and other diseases. This may be caused by certain diseases or conditions, such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, malnutrition, and certain genetic disorders. It may also be caused by certain medicines or treatments, such as anticancer drugs, radiation therapy, and stem cell or organ transplant.
See also: Immunodeficient (same meaning); Immunosuppressed (same meaning)
Immunodeficient
A patient with a weakened immune system. This means their body finds it harder to fight infections and other diseases. This may be caused by certain diseases or conditions, such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, malnutrition, and certain genetic disorders. It may also be caused by certain medicines or treatments, such as anticancer drugs, radiation therapy, and stem cell or organ transplant.
See also: Immunocompromised (same meaning); Immunosuppressed (same meaning)
Immunology
The branch of medicine that deals with the immune system (a complex network of cells, tissues, organs, and the substances they make that helps the body fight infections and other diseases).
Immunosuppressed
A patient with a weakened immune system. This means their body finds it harder to fight infections and other diseases. This may be caused by certain diseases or conditions, such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, malnutrition, and certain genetic disorders. It may also be caused by certain medicines or treatments, such as anticancer drugs, radiation therapy, and stem cell or organ transplant. “
See also: Immunocompromised (same meaning); Immunodeficient (same meaning)
Infusion
A way of giving drugs or fluid over a period of time, usually through a needle or catheter.
See also: i.m. (IM); Injection; i.o. (IO); i.v. (IV)
Injection
The use of a syringe and needle to push drugs or fluid into the body.
See also: i.m. (IM); Infusion; i.o. (IO); i.v. (IV)
Inpatient
Inpatient treatment is any treatment that requires a patient to stay overnight in a hospital for at least one night. a patient becomes an inpatient when they are ‘admitted’ to hospital.
See also: Day Case; Outpatient
INR: International Normalised Ratio
INR is used to measure how long it takes for a patient’s blood to clot. The higher the INR, the longer blood takes to clot. INR levels that are too low may mean a patient is at risk for dangerous blood clots. INR levels that are too high may mean a patient is at risk for dangerous bleeding. A normal INR is 1.1 or below.
Intubation (to intubate)
Intubation is when the doctor puts a tube down a patient’s trachea (windpipe) to help them breathe.
See also: ETT; ET Tube; Extubation (to extubate)
Invasive
A medical procedure which involves entering a patient’s body. For example, an injection, inserting a cannula or an operation.
See also: Non-Invasive
Investigation
The process a medical professional goes through to try and find out what is wrong with a patient.
See also: Ix (same meaning)
Ix: Investigation
The process a medical professional goes through to try and find out what is wrong with a patient.”
See also: Investigation (same meaning)
J
Junior Doctor
Any doctor who is still in some form of training.
See also: FY1; FY2; Registrar; SpR; StR
Juvenile
A patient who is not yet an adult; or about a patient who is not yet an adult (under the age of 18).
K
Nothing here yet…
L
LA: Local Anaesthetic
An anaesthetic is any drug which causes a loss of physical feeling. Anaesthetics are used during tests and surgical operations to numb sensation in certain areas of the body or induce sleep. This prevents pain and discomfort, and enables a wide range of medical procedures to be carried out. Local Anaesthetics cause a reversible loss of sensation for a limited region of the body without necessarily affecting consciousness. These are used, for example, when stitches are being put into a wound.
See also: Anaesthetic; GA
LDN: Learning Disability Nurse
LDNs provide specialist healthcare and support to people with a learning disability, as well as their families and staff teams, to help them live a fulfilling life.
Line
A commonly-used term meaning an intravenous catheter (a small plastic tube put into a patient’s arm).
See also: Catheter; Intravenous
M
Malignant
Harmful.
See also: Benign
Matron
A senior nurse with overall responsibility for the management of children’s wards.
MDT: Multi-Disciplinary Team
The whole team of specialists caring for your child. This will include doctors, nurses and other specialists such as dieticians or physiotherapists.
Medication
A substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. These are usually a tablet or liquid.
See also: Drug
Midwife
A health professional who cares for mothers and newborns around childbirth.
MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
An MRI is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body.
See also: CAT Scan; CT Scan; X-Ray
N
n.p.o: nothing by mouth (Latin: nil per os)
The patient shouldn’t eat or drink anything through their mouth.
See also: NBM (same meaning)
NAD: Nothing Abnormal Discovered
NBM: Nil/Nothing By Mouth
The patient shouldn’t eat or drink anything through their mouth.
See also: n.p.o. (same meaning)
Neonatal
Newborn babies. Used in hospital to mean sick or premature newborns.
See also: Antenatal; NICU; Postnatal
Nephrology
The branch of medicine that deals with the study of the kidneys as well as management of their disorders.
Neurology
The branch of medicine that deals with treating diseases of the nervous system. It includes the brain and spinal cord.
NG (Tube): NasoGastric (Tube)
A tube that is inserted through the nose, down the throat and into the stomach. It can be used to give drugs, liquids, and liquid food, or to remove substances from the stomach.”
See also: NJ (Tube)
NICE: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
NICE is an independent organisation, set up by the UK Government, which decides which drugs and treatments are available on the NHS in England. Decisions about drugs and treatment availability in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are made by the devolved administrations.
See also: NIHR
NICU: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
NICUs are units within hospitals which give sick newborn babies the highest level of medical care.
See also: PHDU; PICU; SCBU
NIHR: National Institute for Health Research
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is a United Kingdom government agency which funds research into health and care.
See also: NICE
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as ‘laughing gas’. Nitrous oxide can be used for general anesthesia, sedation for a procedure, dental anesthesia and to treat severe pain.
NIV: Non-Invasive Ventilation
Giving breathing support to a patient through a mask or similar device (e.g. nasal cannulas) on their face.
NJ (Tube): NasoJejunal (Tube)
A tube that is inserted through the nose, down the throat, through the stomach and into the jejunum, a part of the small intestine.. It can be used to give drugs, liquids, and liquid food, or to remove substances from the stomach. NJ tubes are used when a child has difficulty digesting food in their stomach.
See also: NG (Tube)
nocte: every night (Latin: at night)
Non-Invasive
A medical procedure which does not involve entering a patient’s body. For example, x-rays, and checking blood pressure.
See also: Invasive
NSAID: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug
Medicines which are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down a high temperature. Ibuprofen is a well known example of a NSAID.
Nurse
A person trained to care for the sick, especially in a hospital.
See also: Registered Nurse (same meaning)
Nurse in Charge
A nurse in charge of a ward in a hospital.
See also: Charge Nurse (same meaning)
Nursing Associate
Nursing associates work with healthcare support workers and registered nurses to deliver care for patients and the public. It can also be a stepping stone to becoming a registered nurse.
Nursing Station
A nursing station is an area on a hospital ward which nurses and other health care staff work behind when not working directly with patients. The station usually has a counter that can be approached by visitors and patients who wish to receive attention from nurses.
Nutritionist
Specialists who use their knowledge of the science of food to help individuals and groups make the right choices about what they eat.
O
o.d: every day (Latin: omni die)
See also: q.1.d. (same meaning); q.d. (same meaning)
o.m: every morning (Latin: omni mane)
o.n: every night (Latin: omni nocte)
O2: Oxygen
Oxygen is a gas humans breathe in. If something stops, or makes it harder, for a patient to breathe in enough oxygen – or something is wrong with their body and they can’t absorb it well from the air – they can become very unwell.
See also: CO2, Gas Exchange; Oxygen Saturation; Room Air
Obs: Observations
The measuring and recording of a patient’s vital signs. This usually includes blood pressure, temperature, respiratory rate (how fast a patient is breathing), oxygen saturation and level of consciousness.
See also: Pulse; Respiration; Temperature; TPR
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
The branch of medicine that deals with the care of women during pregnancy and childbirth and in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the female reproductive organs. It also specializes in other women’s health issues, such as menopause, hormone problems, contraception (birth control), and infertility. Also called ob/gyn.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy aims to improve a patient’s ability to do everyday tasks.
See also: Occupational Therapist
OD: Overdose
The term used when a patient takes an excessive and dangerous dose of a drug.
Oncology
The branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
Operation
An act of surgery performed on a patient.
Ophthalmology
The branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of disorders and diseases of the eye.
See also: Optometry
Optometry
The branch of medicine that deals with measuring eyesight, prescribing corrective lenses, and detecting eye disease.
See also: Ophthalmology
Oral and Maxillofacial
The branch of medicine that deals with surgery or cosmetic procedures to correct problems with the mouth, jaws, facial structures and neck.
Orthopaedics
The branch of medicine that deals with correcting deformities of bones or muscles
See also: Orthotics
Orthotics
The branch of medicine that deals with the provision and use of artificial devices such as splints and braces.
See also: Orthopaedics
OT: Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists work with children and families to help your child manage daily activities such as self-care, play and pre-school and school tasks.
See also: Occupational Therapy
Outpatient
Outpatient treatment is when a patient doesn’t need to stay overnight in hospital for treatment, but still needs to go to hospital for tests or treatments.
See also: Day Case; Inpatient
Oxygen Saturation
The amount of oxygen in a patient’s blood. A normal amount of oxygen is between 95%-100%.
See also: CO2; Gas Exchange; O2; Room Air
P
p.o: by mouth (Latin: per os)
p.r: rectally (in/up the bottom)
p.r.n: as needed (Latin: pro re nata)
Paediatric
Relating to children and young adults (defined by the NHS as from birth until the age of 18).
Page (to page)
To get a medical professional’s attention by sending a text message to their pager (a telecommunications device which displays text messages).
Palliative
Care which helps with the symptoms of a condition but does not cure it. ‘Palliative care’ is often used to mean the same as ‘end of life’ care – where a patient has a condition which cannot be cured and will cause their death. In these situations medical professionals aim to make a patient’s final days, weeks or months of ife as comfortable as possible. However, receiving palliative care does not mean a patient is dying.
PALS: Patient Advice and Liaison Service
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters. They provide a point of contact for patients, their families and their carers. The NHS has more information on PALS services.
Pathology
The branch of medicine that deals with the way diseases and illnesses develop. It is the study and diagnosis of disease through the examination of surgically removed organs, tissues (biopsy samples), bodily fluids, and in some cases the whole body (autopsy).
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are qualified professionals who are part of the healthcare team. The pharmacist will look after all drug matters while your child is in hospital and is available to answer any questions you may have about the medication your child is prescribed.
PHDU: Paediatric High Dependency Unit
PHDUs are units within hospitals which care for children who are not unwell enough to be admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, but require close monitoring and treatments which cannot be provided safely in a general children’s ward.
See also: NICU; PICU; SCBU
PHE: Public Health England
Public Health England was an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in the United Kingdom which began operating on 1 April 2013 to protect and improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. Healthcare is a devolved issue so there are different departments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Public Health England is now known as the UK Health Security Agency.
Scotland: Public Health Scotland
Wales: Public Health Wales
Northern Ireland: Public Health Agency
See also: DHSC; UKHSA
Phlebotomy
The branch of medicine that deals with the surgical opening or puncture of a vein in order to withdraw blood or to introduce a fluid.
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists work in a variety of areas. They can assess your child and develop a special programme to suit his or her needs. They monitor their progress and teach you the skills to help them perform everyday tasks.
See also: Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy helps to restore movement and function when a patient is affected by injury, illness or disability. It can also help to reduce risk of injury or illness in the future.
See also: Physiotherapist
PICU: Paediatric Intensive Care Unit
PICUs are units within hospitals which give sick children the highest level of medical care.
See also: NICU; PHDU; SCBU
Plastic Surgery
The branch of medicine that deals with surgically restorating, reconstructing, or alterating the human body.
Play Specialist
Play specialists provide play activities for inpatients, either in the playroom or at the bedside. They will help prepare your child for procedures using play therapy, enabling children to act out their anxieties and develop ways of coping.
PN: Parenteral Nutrition
PN is the medical term for infusing a specialised form of food through a vein (intravenously). Children are usually given PN when they cannot eat food and neither can they manage food either directly into their stomach or intestines.
See also: TPN (same meaning)
Postnatal
After birth
See also: Antenatal; Neonatal
Prescription
An instruction written by a doctor that authorises a patient to be issued with a medicine or treatment.
See also: Rx (same meaning)
Primary Care
Primary care services provide the first point of contact in the NHS. Primary care includes GPs, community pharmacies and dentists.
See also: Secondary care, Tertiary care
Procedure
A course of action intended to achieve a result in the care of patients. This includes, but is not limited to, surgery. For example, the term ‘procedure’ also includes CT scans, MRIs and echocardiograms.
Prognosis
An opinion, based on medical evidence and experience, of the likely course of a medical condition.
Prosthetics
The branch of medicine that deals with making and fitting artificial body parts.
Psychiatry
The branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of mental illness, emotional disturbance, and abnormal behaviour.
See also: Psychology
Psychology
The branch of medicine that deals with the science of mind and behavior. Many hospitals have teams of psychologists who support patients and their families.
See also: Psychiatry
Pulse
How fast a patient’s heart is beating.
See also: Bradycardia; Heart Rate (same meaning); Tachycardia; TPR
Pyrexic
Has a fever. A fever is a body temperature of 38oC or above. A normal body temperature is around 36.4oC.
See also: Afebrile; Apyrexic; Febrile (same meaning); Temperature
Q
q: every (Latin: quater/quata)
q.1.d: every day (Latin: quaque die)
See also: o.d. (same meaning); q.d. (same meaning)
q.1.h: every hour (Latin: quaque hora)
See also: q.h. (same meaning)
q.2.h: every two hours (Latin: quaque secunda hora)
q.4.h: every four hours (Latin: quaque quarta hora)
See also: q.q.h. (same meaning)
q.6.h: every six hours (Latin: quaque sexta hora)
q.8.h: every eight hours (Latin: quaque octava hora)
q.d: every day (Latin: quaque die)
See also: o.d. (same meaning); q.1.d. (same meaning)
q.d.s: four times a day (Latin: quater die sumendum)
q.h: every hour (Latin: quaque hora)
See also: q.1.h. (same meaning)
q.o.d: every other day (Latin: quaque altera die)
q.q.h: every four hours (Latin: quaque quarta hora)
See also: q.4.h. (same meaning)
R
Radiology
The branch of medicine that deals with medical imaging to diagnose and treat diseases in humans.
RCN: Royal College of Nursing
The UK’s trade union for nurses. The majority of members are registered nurses; however student nurses and healthcare assistants are also members.
RCPCH: Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
The professional body for paediatricians in the United Kingdom. It is responsible for the postgraduate training of paediatricians and conducts the Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health exams.
Recovery
The room where a patient is moved after surgery, to recover from the immediate effects of surgery.
Referral
An act of referring a patient for consultation, review, or further action.
Registrar
A doctor who has completed their foundation training programme (two years of training after graduating university), and is now receiving advanced training in a specialist field of medicine in order to become a consultant or GP.
Renal
Relating to the kidneys
See also: Nephrology
Respiration
How fast a patient is breathing
See also: Bradypnea; Tachypnea; TPR; Work of Breathing
Respirology
The branch of medicine that deals with lungs and respiratory system and their diseases.
See also: Cardiothoracic
Rheumatology
The branch of medicine that deals with diagnosis and therapy of rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles.
RN: Registered Nurse
A person trained to care for the sick, especially in a hospital.
See also: Nurse (same meaning)
Room Air
Normal air. The oxygen concentration in room air is 21%.
See also: CO2; Gas Exchange; O2; Oxygen Saturation
Runner
A nurse who doesn’t have a specific patient to care for while they are on shift. They fill in for whatever is needed, including bringing medicine to other nurses and covering other nurses when they go on a break.
Rx: Prescription
An instruction written by a doctor that authorises a patient to be issued with a medicine or treatment.
See also: Prescription (same meaning)
S
s.c: subcutaneous
Under the skin, usually used in reference to an injection.
See also: Subcut (same meaning); Subcutaneous (same meaning)
SALT: Speech and Language Therapist
Speech therapists specialise in managing babies, children and young people who have speech, language and voice problems that make communication difficult. They also work with children who have problems swallowing food and drink.
See also: SLT (same meaning)
SCBU: Special Care Baby Unit
For babies who need hospital treatment but do not need intensive care.
See also: NICU; PHDU; PICU
Secondary Care
Secondary care means being taken care of by a patient who has particular expertise in whatever problem a patient is having. It’s where most people go when they have a health problem that can’t be dealt with in primary care because it needs more specialised knowledge, skill or equipment than the GP has. This includes, for example, hospital services and child development services.
See also: Primary Care, Tertiary Care
Sedation
Sedation is a medicine that makes a patient feel sleepy and relaxes them both physically and mentally; it’s sometimes used to keep a patient calm during minor, painful or unpleasant procedures.
See also: Anaesthetic
Senior Sister
A Senior sister is the most senior nurse on each ward and has overall responsibility for managing that ward.
See also: Sister
SiPAP: Synchronized Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure
A non-invasive therapy where pressurised air is used to regulate or support a patient’s breathing pattern. It helps patients to breathe more easily and regularly. Used most often in babies.
See also: BiPAP, BPAP, CPAP
Sister
Sisters are experienced registered nurses on each shift and have responsibility for running the ward during that shift.
See also: Senior Sister
SLT: Speech and Language Therapist
Speech therapists specialise in managing babies, children and young people who have speech, language and voice problems that make communication difficult. They also work with children who have problems swallowing food and drink.
See also: SALT (same meaning)
SpR: Specialist Registrar
A doctor who has completed their foundation training programme (two years of training after graduating university), and is now receiving advanced training in a specialist field of medicine in order to become a consultant or GP.
See also: FY1; FY2; Junior Doctor; Registrar; StR (same meaning)
Staff Nurse
Staff nurses are registered nurses, some of who may be newly qualified and some of who have many years’ experience in caring for children and young people. Staff nurses are directly employed by the hospital.
See aso: Agency Nurse; Bank Nurse
Stat: Immediately
Stoma
A hole made by a surgeon into a hollow organ (e.g. the throat, stomach, intestines or bowel). Stomas are made for a variety of reasons but are usually to allow a bodily function to be diverted (e.g. breathing through a tracheostomy, or divert the flow of faeces or urine from the bowel or bladder).
See also: Gastrostomy
StR: Specialty Registrar
A doctor who has completed their foundation training programme (two years of training after graduating university), and is now receiving advanced training in a specialist field of medicine in order to become a consultant or GP.
See also: FY1; FY2; Junior Doctor; Registrar, SpR (same meaning)
Subcut
Under the skin, usually used in reference to an injection.
See also: s.c. (same meaning); Subcutaneous (same meaning)
Subcutaneous
Under the skin, usually used in reference to an injection.
See also: s.c. (same meaning); Subcut (same meaning)
Surgeon
Surgeons are doctors who operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates. In the UK, senior surgeons are not referred to as Dr, but as Mr/Mrs/Ms.
Surgery
The branch of medicine that treats injuries, diseases, and deformities by the physical removal, repair, or readjustment of organs and tissues, often involving cutting into the body.
T
t.d.s: three times a day (Latin: ter die sumendum).
See also: t.i.d. (same meaning)
t.i.d: three times a day (Latin: ter in die)
See also: t.d.s. (same meaning)
Tachycardia
A faster than normal heart rate. Normal heart rates for children change with age. Babies have the fastest heart rates, which slows as a child grows up.
See also: Bradycardia; HR; Pulse
Tachypnea
Breathing too fast.
See also: Respiration; Bradypnea; Work of Breathing
Temperature
How warm a patient’s body is.
See also: Afebrile; Apyrexic; Febrile; Pyrexic; TPR
Tertiary Care
Highly specialized medical care usually over an extended period of time that involves advanced and complex procedures and treatments performed by medical specialists in state-of-the-art facilities. This includes, for example, cancer management, neurosurgery, cardiac surgery and plastic surgery.
See also: Primary Care, Secondary Care
Theatre
The room in which surgery takes place.
TPN: Total Parenteral Nutrition
TPN is the medical term for infusing a specialised form of food through a vein (intravenously). Children are usually given TPN when they cannot eat food and neither can they manage food either directly into their stomach or intestines.
See also: PN (same meaning)
TPR: Temperature, Pulse and Respiration
Temperature: how warm a patient’s body is.
Pulse: how fast a patient’s heart is beating.
Respiration: how fast a patient is breathing.
See also: Obs
Tracheostomy
An opening created at the front of the neck so a tube can be inserted into the windpipe (trachea) to help a patient breathe. If necessary, the tube can be connected to an oxygen supply and a breathing machine called a ventilator.
Transfer
To move from one hospital to another; or within a hospital from one ward or department to another.
Treatment
Medical care given to a patient for an illness or injury.
See also: Tx (same meaning)
TTA: To Take Away
A form that should be completed for all patients being discharged from hospital. It both summarises a patient’s hospital stay for their GP and acts as a prescription to order the drugs they need to take home with them.
See also: Discharge; Discharge Summary; TTO (same meaning)
TTO: To Take Out
A form that should be completed for all patients being discharged from hospital. It both summarises a patient’s hospital stay for their GP and acts as a prescription to order the drugs they need to take home with them.
See also: Discharge; Discharge Summary; TTA (same meaning)
Tx: Treatment
Medical care given to a patient for an illness or injury.
See also: Treatment (same meaning)
U
u.d: as directed (Latin: ut dictum)
UCC: Urgent Care Centre
UCCs are GP-led units, open at least 12 hours a day, every day, offer appointments that can be booked through 111 or through a GP referral, and are equipped to diagnose and deal with many of the most common problems people attend A&E for.
UKHSA: UK Health Security Agency
The UK Health Security Agency is a government agency in the United Kingdom, responsible for UK-wide public health protection and infectious disease capability. It replaced Public Health England in April 2021. It is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
See also: DHSC; PHE
Ultrasound
An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to make an image of a patient’s internal body structures. Doctors commonly use ultrasound to study a developing fetus (unborn baby), a patient’s abdominal and pelvic organs, muscles and tendons, or their heart and blood vessels.
See also: Echo
Urology
The branch of medicine that deals with the function and disorders of the urinary system.
See also: Genitourinary
UTC: Urgent Treatment Centre
UTCs are GP-led units, open at least 12 hours a day, every day, offer appointments that can be booked through 111 or through a GP referral, and are equipped to diagnose and deal with many of the most common problems people attend A&E for.
See also: A&E, ED, UCC
UTI: Urinary Tract Infection
An infection in any part of a patient’s urinary system – kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.
V
Vascular
The branch of medicine that deals with the study of blood vessels, and the diagnosis and treatment of their problems.
Vein
Blood vessels in the human body which carry blood back to the heart.
See also: Artery
Ventilation
The process by which air – or air with extra oxygen – is blown into a patient’s airways and lungs when they are having difficulty breathing or cannot breathe by themselves
See also: Ventilator
Ventilator
A machine that blows air – or air with extra oxygen – into a patient’s airways and lungs when they are having difficulty breathing or cannot breathe by themselves.
See also: Ventilation
W
Ward
A clearly defined part of a hospital which is shared by patients who need a similar kind of care.
See also: Bay, Bed Space
Ward Clerk
Ward clerks help with the general smooth running of the ward, providing many administrative and customer service tasks.
Ward Round
Regular visits to patients in hospital by medical staff for the purpose of making decisions concerning patient care. Called a ‘ward round’ because the medical staff usually do this by walking around the ward, going from one patient to the next.
Weaning
The gradual withdrawal of a drug or therapy (e.g. ventilation).
Work of Breathing
How easy or difficult a patient is finding it to breathe.
See also: Bradypnea; Respiration; Tachypnea
Wt: Weight
How heavy a patient is. Usually measured in kilograms or stones and pounds.
See also: Ht
X
X-Ray
X-rays are a type of radiation called electromagnetic waves. X-rays creates pictures of the inside of a patient’s body. The images show the parts of a patient’s body in different shades of black and white. The most familiar use of x-rays is checking for fractures (broken bones).
See also: CAT Scan; CT Scan; MRI
Y
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Z
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