W N L

Published by Duncan in the blog Duncan's Blog. Views: 137

It is a clinical abbreviation. It stands for 'Within Normal Limits'. It's a handy phrase. We take blood pressure readings and the client asks, "Am I normal?" And I respond, "Your results are within normal limits." And the client asks, "WTF does that mean?" And I respond, "Your reading is less than 140/90, If it were that or higher, I would have to take another reading on the other arm to compare."
Normal limits are used for lab values.
They are used to determine where a person is on the spectrum of weight... are you NORMAL, OVERWEIGHT, or OBESE? That is one of the most dreaded charts I know, for in order for me to fall into the so-called normal zone, I'd have to be between 125-158 (according to the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute of the National Institutes of Health).
I suppose in this day and age it's best not to say NORMAL and instead offer limits.
You need to be logged in to comment
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice