A Technician's Guide to Pharmacy Abbreviations"

Question 1

What is the importance of understanding pharmacy abbreviations?

Answer 1

They are crucial for accurate medication dispensing and communication in pharmacy settings.

Question 2

What does “Tab” stand for?

Answer 2

Tablet

Question 3

What does “PO” mean?

Answer 3

By mouth

Question 4

What does “qd” signify?

Answer 4

Every day

Question 5

What does “mg” represent?

Answer 5

Milligram

Question 6

How can pharmacy technicians avoid abbreviation errors?

Answer 6

By double-checking prescriptions, consulting databases, and seeking clarification.

Question 7

What are look-alike/sound-alike abbreviations?

Answer 7

Abbreviations that look or sound similar but have different meanings, which can cause confusion.

Question 8

Why are standardization efforts important in pharmacy?

Answer 8

To reduce the use of confusing abbreviations and enhance patient safety.

Question 9

What is one practical tip for pharmacy technicians concerning abbreviations?

Answer 9

Regularly review common abbreviations and stay updated with new ones.

Question 10

Why is continuous learning important for pharmacy technicians?

Answer 10

To ensure accuracy in abbreviation interpretation and maintain patient safety.

Question 11

aa

Answer 11

Of each (derived from Latin, ana).

Question 12

What is the meaning of “AAA”?

Answer 12

Apply to affected area.

Question 13

What does “a.c.” mean?

Answer 13

Before meals (derived from Latin, ante cibum).

Question 14

What does “a.d.” refer to?

Answer 14

Right ear (derived from Latin, auris dextra).

Question 15

What does “ad lib.” mean?

Answer 15

As much as desired; freely (derived from Latin, ad libitum).

Question 16

What does “a.m.” indicate?

Answer 16

Morning; before noon (derived from Latin, ante meridiem).

Question 17

What is the abbreviation for “amount”?

Answer 17

amt

Question 18

What does “APAP” stand for?

Answer 18

Acetaminophen

Question 19

What does “aq.” mean?

Answer 19

Water (derived from Latin, aqua).

Question 20

What does “a.s.” refer to?

Answer 20

Left ear (derived from Latin, auris sinistra).

Question 21

What does “ATC” mean?

Answer 21

Around the clock.

Question 22

What does “b.i.d.” stand for?

Answer 22

Twice a day (derived from Latin, bis in die).

Question 23

What does “BP” refer to?

Answer 23

Blood pressure.

Question 24

What does “c.” mean?

Answer 24

With (derived from Latin, cum).

Question 25

What does “cc” stand for?

Answer 25

Cubic centimeter (cm³).

Question 26

What does “DAW” mean?

Answer 26

Dispense as written.

Question 27

What does “d.c.” or “d/c” indicate?

Answer 27

Discontinue

Question 28

What does “dil.” mean?

Answer 28

Dilute

Question 29

What does “div.” stand for?

Answer 29

Divide

Question 30

What does “DR” refer to?

Answer 30

Delayed-release.

Question 31

What does “EC” mean?

Answer 31

Enteric-coated.

Question 32

What does “EOD” stand for?

Answer 32

Every other day.

Question 33

What does “ER” or “XR” mean?

Answer 33

Extended-release.

Question 34

What does “f.” or “ft.” indicate?

Answer 34

Make; let it be made (derived from Latin, fiat).

Question 35

What does “gtt.” stand for?

Answer 35

Drop (derived from Latin, gutta).

Question 36

What does “h.s.” mean?

Answer 36

At bedtime (derived from Latin, hora somni).

Question 37

What does “IM” refer to?

Answer 37

Intramuscular

Question 38

What does “IV” stand for?

Answer 38

Intravenous

Question 39

What does “NSAID” mean?

Answer 39

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Question 40

What does “p.c.” indicate?

Answer 40

After meals (derived from Latin, post cibum).

Question 41

What does “p.r.n.” stand for?

Answer 41

As needed (for) (derived from Latin, pro re nata).

Question 42

What does “q.d.” mean?

Answer 42

Every day (derived from Latin, quaque die).

Question 43

What does “Rx” represent?

Answer 43

Prescription (derived from Latin, recipere).

Question 44

What does “s.” mean?

Answer 44

Without (derived from Latin, sine).

Question 45

What does “stat.” indicate?

Answer 45

Immediately (derived from Latin, statim).

Question 46

What does “t.i.d.” stand for?

Answer 46

Three times a day (derived from Latin, ter in die).

Question 47

What does “u.d.” or “ut. dict.” mean?

Answer 47

As directed (derived from Latin, ut dictum).

Question 48

What does “w/o” stand for?

Answer 48

Without