RRT
Abbreviation with 3 meanings
| Stands for | Rapid response team |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 3 |
| Categories | Medical |
RRT has three meanings. The most common are Rapid response team (hospital) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (healthcare credential); it can also stand for Renal replacement therapy.
Meanings of RRT at a glance
| # | RRT stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rapid response team | Medical › Hospital |
| 2 | Registered Respiratory Therapist | Medical › Healthcare Credential |
| 3 | Renal replacement therapy | Medical › Nephrology & Urology |
1. Rapid response team
Medical · Hospital Abbreviations
Team of critical care staff, often an ICU nurse, respiratory therapist and physician or advanced practice provider, called to the bedside of a patient showing signs of deterioration before cardiac arrest occurs.
Example: RRT called for RR 30 and SpO2 86%; transferred to ICU.
Rapid response systems spread widely after the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's 100,000 Lives Campaign (2004 to 2006). Many hospitals let patients and families call the team directly. In nephrology RRT means renal replacement therapy, and in respiratory care registered respiratory therapist.
2. Registered Respiratory Therapist
Medical · Healthcare Credential Abbreviations
Advanced respiratory therapy credential from the NBRC, earned by passing the Therapist Multiple-Choice exam at the high cut score and the Clinical Simulation Exam. It is the standard credential sought by hospitals.
Example: ICU RRT managed proning and ventilator weaning protocol.
RRTs may add specialty credentials such as ACCS (adult critical care), NPS (neonatal/pediatric) or RPFT (pulmonary function). Hospitals often list RRT as required for critical care positions. In hospitals RRT also means rapid response team, and in nephrology renal replacement therapy.
3. Renal replacement therapy
Medical · Nephrology & Urology Abbreviations
Any treatment that replaces kidney function: hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, continuous therapies in intensive care, and kidney transplantation. In acute settings, indications include refractory high potassium, acidosis, fluid overload, uremic symptoms and certain poisonings.
Example: AKI with potassium 7.1 despite treatment; nephrology to start RRT via temporary femoral catheter.
The urgent indications are taught with the mnemonic AEIOU: acidosis, electrolytes, intoxication, overload and uremia. Some nephrologists prefer "kidney replacement therapy" (KRT), following the general move away from "renal". In hospital operations RRT also means rapid response team, which nursing notes use frequently.
Related abbreviations
More hospital abbreviations
- PPE – Personal protective equipment
- QI – Quality improvement
- RACE – Rescue, alarm, contain, extinguish
- RHC – Rural health clinic
- SCN – Special care nursery
- SDS – Safety data sheet
- SDU – Step-down unit
- SICU – Surgical intensive care unit
See all 89 hospital abbreviations →
More healthcare credential abbreviations
- RN – Registered nurse
- RNC-NIC – Registered Nurse Certified in Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing
- RNC-OB – Registered Nurse Certified in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing
- RPh – Registered pharmacist
- RT – Respiratory therapist
- RT(R) – Registered Technologist in Radiography
- SLP – Speech-language pathologist
- SRNA – Student registered nurse anesthetist
See all 122 healthcare credential abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.