AboutHillarie Speziale Expertise I can answer general questions about ICU care, the frequently used medications, procedures, and life supports. I can also explain many of the diagnoses and supportive measures used for patients with that particular illness. I am familiar with the infectious, cardiac, pulmonary, renal, and gastric problems that can land you in the ICU. I can not tell you exactly how long the patient stay will be, diagnosis your symptoms, or tell you with any certainty that the care you (or your loved one) received was wrong. I can also answer career questions regarding RRT and RN fields. Please note: neurology is not a field I have a great deal of familiarity with..
Experience I have 17 yrs experience as a Respiratory Therapist, and 9 yrs as a critical care nurse. I am familiar with infectious, cardiac, respiratory, renal and gastric diagnoses that can land you in the ICU.
Education/Credentials Assoc. Degree in Respiratory Therapy, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of science in psychiatric nurse practitioning.
Expert: Hillarie Speziale Date: 5/30/2008 Subject: need acronym expansion
Question What does P/A mean? I found the term on a patient's chart, page entitled "Patient Flow Sheet," under the heading "Test Ordered."
Thanks for your answer!
Answer Hi John,
Not entirely sure. Could be an abbreviation for almost anything. Could be pulmonary angiography, peak airway, posterior/anterior as in a chest x-ray. These days it most often means physician's assistant. It could also be shorthand related to that particular unit, or someone's initials. Best option would probably be to ask on the unit where you saw the chart.
Good luck, Hillarie
