Questions and Answers
What does the abbreviation 'a.c.' stand for?
Which abbreviation means 'twice daily'?
The abbreviation 'a.u.' refers to which of the following?
What does 'ad lib.' indicate in a prescription?
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Which of the following abbreviations means 'at any time'?
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The abbreviation 'D5W' represents what type of solution?
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What is the meaning of the abbreviation 'd.t.d.'?
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Which abbreviation is used for 'cream' in prescriptions?
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What does the abbreviation 'IJ' typically indicate in medical terms?
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Which abbreviation could be misinterpreted as indicating 'every other day'?
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Which abbreviation is incorrectly interpreted if 'o' is misread as 'a'?
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What is the intended meaning of the abbreviation 'SC'?
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What can the abbreviation 'μg' be easily confused with?
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What does 'm.d.u.' stand for in medical terminology?
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Which of the following is the abbreviation for half normal saline?
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What does the abbreviation 'prn' signify in a medical context?
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Which of the following represents a milliequivalent?
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What does 'q.a.d.' mean in prescriptions?
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What does 'ID' refer to in medical dosing?
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Which of the following terms refers to a solution in a medical context?
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What does 'o.d.' indicate regarding dosage?
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What does 'q.i.d.' stand for in medical terminology?
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Which abbreviation indicates a medication should be taken sublingually?
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What does 't.i.d.' denote in terms of frequency of medication administration?
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'q.d.' is used to indicate what frequency for medications?
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Which of the following abbreviations means 'as directed'?
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Which abbreviation is used to indicate a drug is intended to be taken rectally?
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What does 'susp' refer to in pharmaceutical terminology?
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What frequency does 'q.o.d.' represent in medication administration?
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Study Notes
Prescription Abbreviations Overview
- Prescription abbreviations convey crucial information in medical dosages and administration routes.
- Familiarity with these abbreviations aids healthcare professionals in preventing medication errors.
Common Abbreviations
- aa (ana): of each
- ad: up to
- a.c. (ante cibum): before meals
- a.d. (auris dextra): right ear
- ad lib. (ad libitum): as much as one desires
- agita (agit): stir/shake
- alt. h. (alternis horis): every other hour
- a.m. (Ante Meridiem): morning, before noon
- B.M.: bowel movement
- b.i.d. (bis in die): twice daily
- prn (pro re nata): as needed
- p.o. (per os): by mouth
- t.i.d. (ter in die): three times a day
Less Common Abbreviations
- D5W: dextrose 5% in water
- IVP: intravenous push
- mL: millilitre
- q.d. (quaque die): every day
- SL: sublingually (under the tongue)
- supp: suppository
Abbreviations to Avoid
- a.u., a.s., a.d.: potential confusion with eye abbreviations due to misreading 'a' as 'o'
- h.s.: could mean half strength or hour of sleep
- d/c: can mean discontinue or discharge
- q.o.d.: may be misinterpreted leading to medication frequency errors
- U: units could be misread as "0" or "4", leading to dosing errors
Recommendations
- Avoid abbreviations that have potential for misinterpretation.
- Use clear, unambiguous language in prescriptions to enhance patient safety.
- Familiarity with both recommended abbreviations and those to avoid can significantly minimize prescription errors.
Practice and Application
- Regularly review and practice prescription abbreviations to ensure clarity in communication.
- Use proper abbreviations during practice scenarios to build familiarity.
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Description
Test your knowledge of common prescription abbreviations and their meanings in this helpful quiz. Learn how to interpret these important terms used in the medical field. Ideal for students in healthcare programs or anyone interested in pharmacology.
