P para
PA posteroanterior
PAC premature atrial contraction
PAO2 alveolar oxygen
PaO2 peripheral arterial oxygen content
PAP pulmonary artery pressure
PAT paroxysymal atrial tachycardia
P&PD percussion and postural drainage
PC after eating
PCWP pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
PDA patent ductus arteriosus
PDR physicians desk reference
PE pulmonary embolus, or physical exam or pleural effusion
PEEP positive end expiratory pressure
PFT pulmonary function tests
pg picogram
PI pulmonic insufficiency disease
PKU phenylketonuria
PMH previous medical history
PMI point of maximal impulse
PMN polymorphonuclear leukocyte (neutrophil)
PND paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
PO by mouth
POD post-op day
PP postprandial or pulsus paradoxus
PPD purified protein derivative
PR by rectum
PRBC packed red blood cells
PRN as needed
PS pulmonic stenosis
PT prothrombin time, or physical therapy
Pt patient
PTCA percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
PTH parathyroid hormone
PTHC percutanous transhepatic cholangiogram
PTT partial thromboplastin time
PUD peptic ulcer disease
PVC premature ventricular contraction
PVD peripheral vascular disease