Abbreviations
This section introduces respiratory system–related abbreviations and their meanings.
132 CHAPTER 4• Respiratory System
Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning
ABGs arterial blood gases FVC forced vital capacity
AIDS acquired immunodeficiency HF heart failure
syndrome
ARDS acute respiratory distress MRI magnetic resonance imaging
syndrome
CA cancer; chronological age; NMT nebulized mist treatment
cardiac arrest
CF cystic fibrosis O 2 oxygen
CO 2 carbon dioxide OSA obstructive sleep apnea
COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary PCP Pneumocystispneumonia; primary
disease care physician
CPAP continuous positive airway PE pulmonary embolism
pressure
CT computed tomography PFT pulmonary function test
DPT diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus PSG polysomnography
Dx diagnosis SIDS sudden infant death syndrome
EEG electroencephalography, TB tuberculosis
electroencephalogram