Medical Abbreviations N–Z | 2025/2026 | 200+ Verified Terms | Quick Reference for Clinical Exams

This updated and expertly verified reference document compiles over 200 essential medical abbreviations from N to Z, designed for the 2025/2026 academic year. It serves as a rapid-access tool for students and healthcare trainees preparing for exams, clinical rotations, and bedside communication. The abbreviations span multiple medical disciplines and systems, including: Pharmacology and Medications (e.g., NPO, NSAID, TMP/SMX, TPN) Vitals and Lab Testing (e.g., TPR, TSH, PFT, PT/INR, WBC, UA) Anatomy and Body Systems (e.g., RUQ, RUL, TMJ, RLL, XY/XX) Pathology and Diagnosis (e.g., PE, PID, SLE, TB, TIA, VT, VSD) Surgical and Procedural Terms (e.g., TURP, TAH, TKR, OR) Reproductive Health (e.g., OB-GYN, NSVD, PAP, WWE) Each abbreviation is accompanied by its correct full meaning—for example: NPH – Neutral protamine Hagedorn (insulin) PPD – Packs per day ROM – Range of motion SOB – Shortness of breath TIA – Transient ischemic attack VLDL – Very low-density lipoprotein This document is especially beneficial for: Medical, PA, NP, and nursing students during foundational and clinical years Students preparing for USMLE Step 1/2, PANCE, NCLEX, or other standardized medical exams Interns, clinical scribes, and new healthcare workers who need fast and reliable access to abbreviations used in charting, patient interaction, and documentation Its flashcard-style layout promotes active recall, making it a powerful tool for memorization, review, and clinical readiness. Keywords: medical abbreviations, clinical terms, nursing shorthand, lab abbreviations, OB-GYN terms, surgical codes, SOAP note, PE, TIA, UA, PT, WBC, SOB, ROM, NPO, NSAID, VS, VDRL, X-ray, thyroid labs, cardiovascular shorthand, vital signs, reproductive terms, EHR documentation