AAA abdominal aortic aneurysm
ABG arterial blood gas
AC alternating current
ACE angiotensin-converting enzyme
ACS acute coronary syndromes
ACTH adrenocorticotrophic hormone
ADT adsorbed diphtheria and tetanus toxoid
AED automatic external defibrillator
AF atrial fibrillation
AIDS acquired immune def iciency sy ndrome
AION anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy
ALP alkaline phosphatase
ALS advanced life support
ALT alanine aminotransferase
AMPLE allergies, medications, past history, last meal, events preceding
present injury
ANA antinuclear antibody
AP anteroposterior
APTT activated partial thromboplastin time
ARDS acute respiratory distress syndrome
AST aspartate aminotransferase
ATLS Advanced Trauma Life Support
ATN acute tubular necrosis
AV a t r i o v e n t r i c u l a r
b.d. bis die (t w ice da i ly)
BLS basic life support
BNF British National Formulary
BP blood pressure
BSA body surface area
BURP backwards upwards rightward pressure
C1/C7 first and seventh cervical vertebrae
C7/T1 seventh cervical and first thoracic vertebrae
CABG coronary artery bypass graft
CAD coronary artery disease
CAGE cut down, annoyed, guilty, eye-opener
Glossary