What does the abbreviation NAD indicate?

The abbreviation NAD stands for "No acute disease or distress." This term is commonly used in medical documentation and clinical assessments to indicate that the patient is not currently exhibiting any signs of acute illness or distress during the examination. When a healthcare provider notes that a patient is in NAD, it provides reassurance that, at the time of examination, the patient appears to be stable and does not require immediate medical intervention for acute health issues.

Using NAD in a clinical setting helps streamline communication among healthcare professionals by succinctly conveying the patient's current state of health. It is typically documented in the physical examination section of a patient's chart, emphasizing the absence of any immediate concerns. Understanding such abbreviations is vital for medical scribes in order to accurately document and convey information within patient records.