What is the abbreviation for 'Immediately' commonly used in medical contexts?

The abbreviation for 'Immediately' that is commonly used in medical contexts is STAT. This term originates from the Latin word "statim," which means "immediately" or "at once." In healthcare settings, when a healthcare professional orders something to be done STAT, it indicates that the action is urgent and needs to be performed without delay. This is particularly important in emergency situations where timely intervention can significantly impact patient outcomes.

The other abbreviations, while frequently used in medical practice, have different meanings: PRN stands for "as needed," indicating that a medication or treatment should be given only when required; QID stands for "four times a day," indicating the frequency of medication administration; and TID stands for "three times a day," also related to medication scheduling. Each of these terms plays a crucial role in medication management, but none convey the immediacy that STAT does.