NCLEX Medical Terminology Review
Understanding the medical terminology used on the NCLEX should be a top priority when preparing for the NCLEX. Medical terms can sometimes be confusing due to the use of medical abbreviations.
If you are unable to understand the medical terminology used on the NCLEX then you will have poor chance of picking the correct answer. Depending on your clinical rotations you may also be more familiar with certain medical terms in a specific area of nursing. Generally, nurses that have the broadest experience with medical terminology will have a better understanding to answer questions that contain complex medical terminology on the NCLEX test.
Take time to review the following abbreviations on the NCLEX test as well as a more thorough list as found in the NCLEX study guide linked to the right hand side of this page.
| ADH | antidieuretic hormone |
| AML | acute myelogenous leukemia |
| APC | atrial premature contraction |
| ASD | atrial septal defect |
| BPH | benign prostatic hypertrophy |
| BUN | blood, urea, nitrogen |
| Ca | calcium |
| CA | cancer |
| CAPD | continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis |
| CC | chief complaint |
| CPK | creatine phosphokinase |
| CRP | C-reactive protein |
| DIFF | differential blood count |
| DOE | dyspnea on exertion |
| D/W | dextrose in water |
| ECT | electroconvulsive therapy |
| ESRD | end stage renal disease |
| FUO | fever of undetermined origin |
| GH | growth hormone |
| GSC | glascow coma scale |
| Hg | mercury |
| HLA | human leukocyte antigen |
| Hz | hertz |
| ICS | intercostal space |
| IPG | impedance plethysmogram |
| JRA | juvenile rheumatoid arthritis |
Practicing nurses have the luxury of being able to look up medial abbreviations and definitions before making patient care decisions. However, the NCLEX test does not allow that option. If you are confused by the medical terminology on the NCLEX, you will not be able to use a medical dictionary for reference purposes.