Pharmacy Abbreviations Quiz

Medical Abbreviations

• ac: before meals
• ad lib: as desired
• bid: twice a day
• BP: blood pressure
• c: with
• cc: centimeters (equivalent to millimeters)

Medication Forms and Administration

• CR: controlled release
• cap: capsule
• DS: double strength
• EC: enteric coated
• ext: extract
• h: hour
• Nightly: refers to hour of sleep or bedtime

Routes of Administration

• IM: intramuscular
• IV: intravenous
• IVP: intravenous push
• IVPB: intravenous piggyback
• NG: nasogastric
• NJ: nasojejunal
• NPO: nothing by mouth
• PO: by mouth (can also refer to orally)
• pr: per rectal
• sl: sublingual
• supp: suppository

Medical Instructions

• NKA: No known allergies
• NKDA: No known drug allergies
• KVO: keep vein open
• stat: immediately

Dosage and Frequency

• pc: after meals (post cibum)
• prn: whenever necessary
• q1h: every 1 hour
• q2h: every 2 hours
• q3h: every 3 hours
• q4h: every 4 hours
• q6h: every 6 hours
• q8h: every 8 hours
• qh: every hour
• qid: four times a day
• tid: three times a day

Vital Signs and Observations

• VO: verbal order
• VS: vital signs
• WNL: within normal limits
• ROM: range of motion

Conversion Factors

• Weight and Volume Conversions:

  • 1,000 mg = 1 g
  • 1,000 mcg = 1 mg
  • 1 liter = 1,000 mL
  • 1 pound = 16 ounces
  • 1 ounce = 30 mL = 2 tablespoons
  • 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons
  • 1 teaspoon = 5 mL
  • 1 cup = 8 ounces = 240 mL

• Length Conversions:

  • 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
  • 1 centimeter = 10 millimeters
  • 1 cubic centimeter = 1 milliliter
  • 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds

Test your knowledge of commonly used pharmacy abbreviations with this quiz. Understanding these terms is crucial for anyone working in healthcare or pharmacy. From dosage instructions to medical terms, this quiz covers it all.