Prescription Systems and Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic of a private prescription?

The patient is responsible for the full cost of medication. (correct)

It is issued by NHS medical practitioners only.

It is not required to include the patient's address.

It is always free of charge for the patient.

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a prescription?

Should state the birth or age of the patient.

Must include the prescriber's printed name. (correct)

Should be written in non-indelible ink.

Must be dated.

What instruction is given regarding abbreviations in prescriptions?

Drug names should be abbreviated for clinical efficiency.

Only milliliters should be abbreviated.

Abbreviations can be used freely without consistency.

Most measures should be abbreviated to avoid confusion. (correct)

What does stating 'to be freshly prepared' in a prescription indicate?

The medication should be prepared 24 hours before use. Signup and view all the answers

What does the symbol 'Rx' in a prescription signify?

It means 'take this medical order and supply medicaments according to it'. Signup and view all the answers

What should NOT be included in a prescription based on common guideline?

Excessive decimal points in dosages. Signup and view all the answers

Which section of a prescription details the specific medicaments and their quantities?

Inscription Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is essential if the medication has a sedative effect?

The patient must be warned to avoid vehicle operation. Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the Signature section of a prescription?

Instructions for use, route of administration, and dosing details. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical function of the pharmacist regarding prescriptions?

They must ensure the prescription is complete with all required articles. Signup and view all the answers

What does Subscription in a prescription refer to?

The form in which the medication is dispensed. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement indicates the limitation on the number of times a medication can be supplied?

The prescription must explicitly state 'do not repeat'. Signup and view all the answers

What information is NOT typically included on a prescription?

Time of the last doctor's visit Signup and view all the answers

Which circumstance allows for a repeatable prescription?

The prescriber has indicated it and the drug does not cause addiction. Signup and view all the answers

What specific term is used to express instructions for medication application in a prescription?

Signature Signup and view all the answers

What is generally represented in the Super prescription component of a prescription?

The directive to supply the prescribed medicaments. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Prescription Definition

A prescription is an order to supply medication.
It's performed through two systems: National Health Service (NHS) and private prescription.
The application of these systems varies by country, depending on the type, size, or amount of medical supplies.

NHS Prescription System

In systems like the UK's NHS, the government covers the cost of general prescriptions.

Private Prescription System

The patient pays the full cost of medication with a private prescription.

Prescription Requirements

Must be written in ink (or similar, non-erasable).
Must include the date.
Must contain the patient's full name and address.
Must be signed by the prescriber (in ink).
Should include the patient's birth and age, especially for infants and children.

Avoiding Prescription Errors

Use standard abbreviations (e.g., g for gram, mg for milligram).
Avoid unnecessary details or numbers.
Clearly state medication quantities (e.g., 10 mL of nasal drops).
Write drug names completely and clearly.
Specifiy the treatment duration (including number of days and amounts of medicine).
Include directions for use.
Include the doctor's signature at the bottom of the prescription.
Clearly state any important patient advisories and warnings.
State any need for the formulation to be freshly prepared (e.g., 24 hours before use).
Include any other relevant advice.
Warn patients if therapy has sedative effects (e.g., do not operate a vehicle).
The required strength of the medication must be specified on the prescription.
The prescription must include all required items; Pharmacists should not dispense incomplete prescriptions.

Prescription Components

Super inscription: Heading, often symbolized as (Rx).
Inscription: Lists medications and quantities.
Subscription: Details the dosage form (e.g., liquid, powder).
Signature: Instructions for use, route of administration, dosage, timing, and repeating needs (e.g., external use).

Repeatable Prescriptions

The prescriber can specify repeats for an item.
If "repeat" appears, the medicine can be dispensed multiple times.
"Repeats" do not apply to all prescriptions (e.g., contraceptives).
If a specific number of repeats is stated, the prescription can be filled that many times in total. (e.g., if the prescription says "repeat six times," the prescription must be supplied seven times total).

Additional Information

Date of dispensing.
Amount of medication to be dispensed.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the definition and requirements of medication prescriptions, particularly focusing on the NHS and private prescription systems. Learn about the crucial elements to include in a prescription and how to avoid common errors.