What does the term WNL refer to in medical documentation?

The term WNL stands for "within normal limits" in medical documentation. This phrase is commonly used by healthcare professionals to indicate that a particular test result, observation, or physical examination finding is considered to be normal and does not require further attention or intervention. It serves as a shorthand way of communicating that there are no abnormalities present that would raise concern.

In clinical practice, the ability to quickly recognize and interpret shorthand terms like WNL is critical for efficient documentation and communication among medical staff. This ensures that all parties involved in a patient’s care can understand the status of the patient without ambiguity.