Literal Meaning

Immediately, urgently

Actual Meaning

Do this RIGHT NOW - it's an emergency and every second counts.

Context

Used when conveying the need for immediate medical attention.

Examples

• "The nurse rushed in and told the team we needed to prep for surgery stat."
• "The doctor said to get the lab results stat to make a quick diagnosis."
• "If you feel any chest pain, call for help stat!"

Tips

• Doctors and nurses may use 'stat' to prioritize tasks; understanding this can help you gauge the seriousness of a situation.
• In healthcare settings, 'stat' is often used to convey urgency, so when you hear this term, it means immediate action is required.
• The word is commonly understood among medical professionals, so if you hear it, know that speed is essential for whatever is happening.