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.