Ad lib

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Ad lib

Ad lib (/ædˈlɪb/; from Latin ad libitum meaning "at one's pleasure") is a term often used in healthcare and medical settings.

Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ædˈlɪb/

Etymology

The term ad lib is derived from the Latin phrase ad libitum, which means "at one's pleasure" or "as you desire". It was first used in English in the mid-17th century.

Definition

In a medical context, ad lib is used to refer to a patient's freedom to follow their own inclinations in regards to activities such as eating, drinking, and moving around, especially after a surgery or during a hospital stay. It is often used in medical orders to indicate that a patient may self-adjust the amount of a care activity.

Related Terms

  • Medical prescription: A health-care program implemented by a physician or other qualified health care practitioner in the form of instructions that govern the plan of care for an individual patient.
  • Patient autonomy: The right of patients to make decisions about their medical care without their health care provider trying to influence the decision.
  • Postoperative care: This is the care you receive after a surgical procedure. The type of postoperative care you need depends on the type of surgery you have, as well as your health history.

Usage in Medical Orders

In medical orders, ad lib is used to indicate that a patient may adjust the amount of a care activity as desired. For example, a patient may be ordered to walk ad lib during their hospital stay, meaning they can walk as much or as little as they wish.

See Also

External links

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