Master Canadian Nursing Abbreviations 2026 - Free Nursing Abbreviation Practice Questions and Study Guide

In a clinical diagnostic context, "R/O" stands for "rule out." This term is commonly used by healthcare professionals to indicate the need to eliminate certain conditions or diseases from consideration when diagnosing a patient. For instance, if a physician states that they want to "R/O myocardial infarction," they mean they need to assess the patient and gather evidence to confirm or exclude that diagnosis based on the symptoms and test results available. This practice is crucial in clinical settings to ensure appropriate care and treatment can be provided, focusing on the most likely conditions while safely excluding others.

Understanding this terminology is essential for nursing professionals, as it informs patient assessments and guides clinical decision-making.