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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Medical Abbreviation Quiz: Test Common Terms in 20 Questions

Quick, free medical abbreviations test-20 questions, instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Gavin PuleioUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Other
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Colorful paper art promoting Med Abbreviations Challenge quiz for advanced students.

This medical abbreviation quiz helps you check common terms used in charts, build speed, and avoid mix-ups. For extra practice, try our abbreviations quiz with answers, explore a medical terminology quiz, or review cna medical abbreviation topics before a shift.

What does the abbreviation BID indicate in a medication order?
Twice daily
Every other day
Three times daily
Once daily
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In prescriptions, TID means
Four times daily
Twice daily
Every 2 hours
Three times daily
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QID on a medication label stands for
At bedtime
Every 4 hours around the clock
Every other day
Four times daily
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PRN in a nursing note most appropriately means
As needed
Before meals
Immediately
After meals
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NPO prior to surgery directs the patient to
Only drink clear liquids
Avoid dairy products only
Take nothing by mouth
Hold solid food but take pills with water
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PO in a medication order specifies administration
Under the skin
By mouth
Intravenously
Sublingually
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PR as a route of administration means
Per regimen
Per rectum
Per risk
Per renal
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The timing abbreviation AC instructs dosing
Before meals
With meals
After meals
At bedtime
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PC on a prescription indicates medication should be taken
With meals
Before meals
Between meals
After meals
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Which is the safest way to write once daily to avoid unsafe abbreviations?
q.d.
QD
Daily (spelled out)
OD
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ECG (also written EKG) is the abbreviation for
Electrocardiogram
Endocardiogram
Echocardiogram
Electroencephalogram
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aPTT is a test used primarily to assess the
Platelet aggregation function
Extrinsic coagulation pathway
Fibrinolysis rate
Intrinsic and common coagulation pathways
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IVPB attached to a primary IV line most accurately means
Intravenous piggyback
Intravenous pressure bag
Intravenous proximal bag
Intravenous push bolus
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IT in anesthesia documentation most often stands for
Intertendonous
Intra-tubal
Intratracheal
Intrathecal
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PEG tube placed for long-term feeding stands for
Partial endoscopic gastroplasty
Percutaneous esophageal gastrotomy
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
Percutaneous endoscopic gastropexy
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PT in coagulation studies most directly measures the
Platelet function only
Extrinsic and common coagulation pathways
Fibrinogen degradation
Intrinsic pathway only
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CVA documented in neurology notes stands for
Cerebrovascular accident
Cardiovascular arrest
Cerebral venous anomaly
Cervical vertebral alignment
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CABG scheduled by cardiothoracic surgery stands for
Coronary aortic bypass graft
Coronary arterial balloon graft
Cardiac ablation guided bypass
Coronary artery bypass graft
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What does the abbreviation BID mean in terms of hours between doses?
Approximately every 6 hours
Approximately every 12 hours
Approximately every 8 hours
Approximately every 4 hours
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AU refers to both eyes.
True
False
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0

Study Outcomes

  1. Understand common medical abbreviations and their meanings.
  2. Recall essential abbreviations accurately in various contexts.
  3. Apply learned abbreviations in exam-style questions.
  4. Analyze clinical scenarios to identify appropriate abbreviations.
  5. Evaluate the effectiveness of abbreviations in healthcare communication.

Medical Abbreviations Quiz: Study Guide Cheat Sheet

  1. Familiarize yourself with common medical abbreviations - Unlock the secret lingo of patient charts by mastering BP (blood pressure), HR (heart rate), and RR (respiratory rate). Decoding these vital signs will help you follow case discussions like a seasoned clinician.
  2. Learn key patient‑instruction codes - Never miss a beat in patient care by learning instructions like NPO (nothing by mouth) and PRN (as needed). These codes guide treatment plans and prevent mix‑ups in hectic clinical settings.
  3. Understand diagnostic shorthand - Spot check lab results with ease once you know CBC (complete blood count) and ECG (electrocardiogram). These diagnostic abbreviations reveal patient status faster than you can grab a stethoscope.
  4. Recognize condition acronyms - Own the shorthand for chronic conditions by memorizing CHF (congestive heart failure) and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Quick recall of these terms boosts your confidence during rounds and exams.
  5. Memorize medication‑timing abbreviations - Keep medications on schedule by understanding BID (twice a day) and TID (three times a day). Proper timing of doses is a lifesaver - literally - and shows your attention to detail.
  6. Utilize the "AEIOU‑TIPS" mnemonic - Turn mental status mysteries into clear diagnoses with the "AEIOU‑TIPS" mnemonic. This handy acronym helps you recall the main causes of altered mental status in emergencies.
  7. Practice with real‑world charts - Sharpen your skills by reviewing sample medical charts and notes regularly. Contextual practice makes abbreviations stick, so you can breeze through real‑world cases with confidence.
  8. Stay updated on standards - Avoid dangerous confusions by staying updated with standard abbreviations and guidelines. Regularly checking trusted sources ensures you're speaking the same language as your healthcare team.
  9. Engage with quizzes and flashcards - Make learning fun with quizzes and flashcards - quiz nights or study apps turn memorization into a game. Interactive challenges help you retain abbreviations effortlessly.
  10. Consider multiple meanings - Remember that some abbreviations wear multiple hats; context is your best friend. Pausing to consider the clinical scenario ensures accurate interpretation and patient safety.
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