CNA Common Medical Terms and Abbreviations — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the abbreviation 'NPO' mean?
- Nothing by mouth (Correct answer)
- No patient orders
- No physical observation
- Normal patient output
Correct answer: Nothing by mouth
NPO stands for 'nil per os,' a Latin phrase meaning nothing by mouth. It is ordered when a patient must not eat or drink, such as before surgery or certain diagnostic procedures.
Question 2: What does the abbreviation 'BP' stand for in medical documentation?
- Body position
- Blood pressure (Correct answer)
- Bowel pattern
- Basic procedure
Correct answer: Blood pressure
BP stands for blood pressure. It is a vital sign that measures the force of blood pushing against artery walls and is recorded as systolic over diastolic pressure (e.g., 120/80 mmHg).
Question 3: What does the abbreviation 'ROM' refer to in patient care?
- Rate of movement
- Range of motion (Correct answer)
- Respiratory output measurement
- Routine oral medications
Correct answer: Range of motion
ROM stands for range of motion. It refers to the measurement of the amount and direction of movement possible at a joint. CNAs often assist with ROM exercises to maintain or improve joint flexibility.
Question 4: What does 'SOB' mean when documented in a patient's chart?
- Side of bed
- Shortness of breath (Correct answer)
- Signs of bleeding
- Sudden onset of bruising
Correct answer: Shortness of breath
SOB stands for shortness of breath. It is a symptom that must be reported promptly to a nurse because it can indicate a serious respiratory or cardiac problem requiring immediate intervention.
Question 5: What does the medical abbreviation 'Fx' represent?
- Fever
- Function
- Fracture (Correct answer)
- Fluid exchange
Correct answer: Fracture
Fx is the standard medical abbreviation for fracture. CNAs should be familiar with this term when reading care plans to understand any physical limitations or handling precautions for a patient.
Question 6: Which abbreviation is used to indicate that a task should be done 'as needed'?
- STAT
- QD
- PRN (Correct answer)
- BID
Correct answer: PRN
PRN comes from the Latin phrase 'pro re nata,' meaning as needed or as the situation demands. It is commonly used to indicate medications or care interventions given only when a specific condition arises.
CNA Common Medical Terms and Abbreviations
What does the abbreviation 'NPO' mean?