Additional Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Symbols to Avoid

Question 1

μg

Answer 1

Intended Meaning:
microgram

Misinterpretation:
mistaken for mg (milligrams) resulting in one-thousand-fold overdose

Correction:
use “mcg” or “micrograms”

Question 2

@

Answer 2

Intended Meaning:
at

Misinterpretation:
mistaken for the number “2” (two)

Correction:
use “at”

Question 3

cc

Answer 3

Intended Meaning:
cubic centimeters

Misinterpretation:
mistaken for U (units) or zeros when poorly written

Correction:
use “mL”

Question 4

D/C, DC

Answer 4

Intended Meaning:
discharge or discontinue

Misinterpretation:
premature discontinuation of medications if D/C (intended to mean “discharge) has been misinterpreted as “discontinued” when followed by a list of discharge medications

Correction:
use “discharge” and “discontinue”

Question 5

hs

HS

Answer 5

Intended Meaning:
half-strength

at bedtime (hour of sleep)

Misinterpretation:
mistaken for each other

Correction:
use “half-strength” or “bedtime”

Question 6

SC, SQ, sub q

Answer 6

Intended Meaning:
subcutaneous

Misinterpretation:
mistaken as SL (sublingual); SQ mistaken as “5 every;” the “q” in “sub q” has been mistaken as “every” (e.g., a heparin dose ordered “sub q 2 hours before surgery” misunderstood as every 2 hours before surgery)

Correction:
use “subcut” or “subcutaneously”