Medical Terminology Simplified

Additional Medical Terms • CHAPTER 6 255255

ABBREVIATIONS

This section introduces digestive system–related abbreviations and their meanings. Included are abbreviations
contained in the medical record activities that follow.

Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning

BM bowel movement GI gastrointestinal

BMI body mass index IBD inflammatory bowel disease

CA cancer; chronological age; IBS irritable bowel syndrome

cardiac arrest

CT computed tomography IV intravenous

Dx diagnosis LES lower esophageal sphincter

EGD esophagogastroduodenoscopy MRI magnetic resonance imaging

ERCP endoscopic retrograde NG nasogastric

cholangiopancreatography

ESWL extracorporeal shock-wave RGB Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

lithotripsy

FBS fasting blood sugar RUQ right upper quadrant

GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease US ultrasound; ultrasonography

ADDITIONAL MEDICAL TERMS

The following are additional medical terms related to the digestive system. Recognizing and learning these terms will
help you understand the connection between a pathological condition, its diagnosis, and the rationale behind the
method of treatment selected for a particular disorder.

Diseases and Conditions

Inflammation of the appendix, which is usually acute and caused by blockage of the

appendix followed by infection

Treatment for acute appendicitis is appendectomy within 48 hours of the first symptom.

When left untreated, appendicitis rapidly leads to perforation and peritonitis as fecal

matter is released into the peritoneal cavity. (See Fig. 6–8.)

Abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity

Ascites may be a symptom of inflammatory disorders in the abdomen, venous hyperten-

sion caused by liver disease, or heart failure (HF). (See Fig. 6–9.)

Gurgling or rumbling sound heard over the large intestine caused by gas moving

through the intestines

appendicitis

ă-pĕn-dĭ-SĪ-tĭs

appendic:appendix

-itis:inflammation

borborygmus

bŏr-bō-RĬG-mŭs

ascites

ă-SĪ-tēz