Chapter 2: Administering Medications

Question 1

Define standing order:

Answer 1

• indicates that the drug is to be administered until discontinued or for a certain number of doses
• facility policy must dictate that most standing orders expire after a certain number of days
• a renewal order must be written by the physician before the drug may be continued

Question 2

Define stat order:

Answer 2

One time order to be given immediately

Question 3

Define single order:

Answer 3

One time order to be given at a specified time

Question 4

Define PRN order:

Answer 4

Given as needed based on patient need

Question 5

Name the 6 requirements of a prescription.

Answer 5

• precriber’s name, address, phone, and licensure information
• patient’s name
• patient’s identifying data (eg. Home address, date of birth)
• date the prescription was written
• specific medication name, strength, and number of doses
• specific instructions for use including frequency, rout of administration, number of refills, and warnings associated with the medication

Question 6

What does the abbreviation “AAA” mean?

Answer 6

Apply to affected area

Question 7

What does the abbreviation “AC” mean?

Answer 7

Before meals

Question 8

What does the abbreviation “Amp” mean?

Answer 8

Ampoule

Question 9

What does the abbreviation “ATC” mean?

Answer 9

Around the clock

Question 10

What does the abbreviation “BID” mean?

Answer 10

Twice daily

Question 11

What does the abbreviation “CC” mean?

Answer 11

Chief complaint

Question 12

What does the abbreviation “CR” mean?

Answer 12

Controlled release

Question 13

What does the abbreviation “ER” mean?

Answer 13

Extended release

Question 14

What does the abbreviation “g” mean?

Answer 14

Gram

Question 15

What does the abbreviation “gtt” mean?

Answer 15

Drops

Question 16

What does the abbreviation “Hr or h” mean?

Answer 16

Hour

Question 17

What does the abbreviation “IM” mean?

Answer 17

Intramuscular

Question 18

What does the abbreviation “IR” mean?

Answer 18

Immediate release

Question 19

What does the abbreviation “IV” mean?

Answer 19

Intravenous

Question 20

What does the abbreviation “LA” mean?

Answer 20

Long acting

Question 21

What does the abbreviation “mEq/L” mean?

Answer 21

Milliequivalent/liter

Question 22

What does the abbreviation “PC” mean?

Answer 22

After meals

Question 23

What does the abbreviation “PO” mean?

Answer 23

By mouth

Question 24

What does the abbreviation “PR” mean?

Answer 24

Rectally

Question 25

What does the abbreviation “PRN” mean?

Answer 25

As needed

Question 26

What does the abbreviation “SL” mean?

Answer 26

Sublingually

Question 27

What does the abbreviation “Q2h” mean?

Answer 27

Every 2 hours

Question 28

What does the abbreviation “Q3h” mean?

Answer 28

Every 3 hours

Question 29

What does the abbreviation “Q4h” mean?

Answer 29

Every 4 hours

Question 30

What does the abbreviation “Q6h ” mean?

Answer 30

Every 6 hours

Question 31

What does the abbreviation “Q12h” mean?

Answer 31

Every 12 hours

Question 32

What does the abbreviation “Q1d or QD” mean?

Answer 32

Every day

Question 33

What does the abbreviation “SR” mean?

Answer 33

Sustained release

Question 34

What does the abbreviation “Susp” mean?

Answer 34

Suspension

Question 35

What does the abbreviation “Tbsp” mean?

Answer 35

Tablespoon

Question 36

What does the abbreviation “TID” mean?

Answer 36

Three times daily

Question 37

What does the abbreviation “XL or XR or XT” mean?

Answer 37

Extended release

Question 38

Define polypharmacy.

Answer 38

Simultaneous use of multiple drugs to treat a single ailment or condition or simultaneous use of multiple drugs by 1 patient

Question 39

What are the 6 rights of medication?

Answer 39

1. Right patient
2. Right drug
3. Right dose
4. Right route
5. Right time
6. Right documentation