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150+ of the most common Fundamentals of Nursing Questions with Elaborated Answers seen on the NCLEX® The Complete NCLEX Fundamentals of Nursing Bundle Flashcards Updated 2025 Version.$15.49
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150+ of the most common Fundamentals of Nursing Questions with Elaborated Answers seen on the NCLEX® The Complete NCLEX Fundamentals of Nursing Bundle Flashcards Updated 2025 Version.
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Course
Nclex
Institution
Nclex
Common Abbreviations & "DO NOT use list"
Q1: What does the abbreviation "NPO" stand for?
A) Nothing by mouth
B) Nutrition provided orally
C) No past orders
D) Normal patient output
Answer: A) Nothing by mouth
Elaboration: NPO is a medical abbreviation meaning the patient should not take an...
150+ of the most common Fundamentals of Nursing Questions
with Elaborated Answers seen on the NCLEX®
The Complete NCLEX Fundamentals of Nursing Bundle
Flashcards Updated 2025 Version.
1. Common Abbreviations & "DO NOT use list" (20 Questions)
Q1: What does "BP" stand for in a medical context?
A1: "BP" stands for blood pressure, which is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls
of blood vessels. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial for assessing cardiovascular health.
Q2: What is the meaning of "PRN"?
A2: "PRN" means "as needed." This term is used in medication administration to indicate that a
medication should be given only when the patient requires it, rather than on a fixed schedule.
Q3: Why should "U" (for unit) be avoided in medical documentation?
A3: "U" can be mistaken for "0" or "4," leading to medication errors. It's safer to write "unit" in
full to prevent confusion.
Q4: What does "NPO" signify?
A4: "NPO" stands for "nil per os," which is a Latin term meaning "nothing by mouth." This order
is given when a patient should not eat or drink anything, often before surgery or certain
medical tests.
Q5: What does "D/C" mean?
A5: "D/C" can mean "discontinue" or "discharge." To avoid ambiguity, it's best to use
"discontinue" for stopping a medication and "discharge" when referring to a patient leaving a
facility.
Q6: What is the significance of the abbreviation "QID"?
,A6: "QID" means "four times a day." It is used in medication orders to specify how often a
medication should be administered within a 24-hour period.
Q7: Why should the abbreviation "SQ" (for subcutaneous) be avoided?
A7: "SQ" can be confused with "SL" (sublingual) or other abbreviations. It's clearer to use
"subcutaneous" to avoid miscommunication.
Q8: What does "c" signify when used in measurements?
A8: "c" stands for "with" in medical shorthand (from the Latin "cum"). It is important to clarify
this when documenting patient care to ensure proper understanding.
Q9: What does the abbreviation "mg" represent?
A9: "mg" stands for milligram, a unit of measurement commonly used for medication dosages.
Understanding dosages in milligrams is essential for safe medication administration.
Q10: What is the meaning of "PO"?
A10: "PO" means "per os," which translates to "by mouth." It is used to describe medications
that should be taken orally.
Q11: What does "STAT" indicate in a clinical setting?
A11: "STAT" means "immediately." It is used to emphasize the urgency of a medical order,
requiring swift action from the healthcare team.
Q12: Why is it important to use clear abbreviations in medical documentation?
A12: Using clear and standardized abbreviations helps prevent misunderstandings, reduces the
risk of medication errors, and ensures effective communication among healthcare providers.
Q13: What does "TPR" stand for?
A13: "TPR" stands for temperature, pulse, and respiration. These are vital signs routinely
monitored to assess a patient's basic physiological status.
, Q14: What does "HCT" refer to?
A14: "HCT" refers to hematocrit, a blood test that measures the proportion of blood volume
occupied by red blood cells, providing insight into a patient's hydration status and anemia.
Q15: What is the meaning of "R/O" in medical terminology?
A15: "R/O" stands for "rule out." It is used to indicate that certain conditions are being
considered and tested for exclusion in a differential diagnosis.
Q16: Why should "cc" (cubic centimeter) be replaced with "mL"?
A16: "cc" can be confused with other units; using "mL" (milliliters) is clearer and more
universally accepted in modern medical practice.
Q17: What does "BMI" represent?
A17: "BMI" stands for body mass index, a measure used to assess body fat based on height and
weight. It is an important tool in evaluating a patient’s health risk related to obesity.
Q18: What is the significance of the abbreviation "R" in respiratory care?
A18: "R" refers to respiration or respiratory rate. It is a critical vital sign indicating the number
of breaths a patient takes per minute.
Q19: What does "DNR" mean?
A19: "DNR" stands for "do not resuscitate." This order indicates that, in the event of cardiac
arrest, no resuscitation efforts should be made.
Q20: Why is a "DO NOT use list" important in nursing?
A20: A "DO NOT use list" outlines abbreviations and symbols that can lead to errors, guiding
healthcare professionals in maintaining clear communication and ensuring patient safety.
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