Joint Commission Do Not Use List

Question 1

Describe the following abbreviation/statement:

• U, u (for unit)

(Potential Problem/Misinterpretation, Use instead/Correction)

Answer 1

Potential Problem/Misinterpretation

• mistaken for 0, 4, or cc

Use Instead/Correction

• write out unit

Question 2

Describe the following abbreviation/statement:

• IU (International Unit)

(Potential Problem/Misinterpretation, Use instead/Correction)

Answer 2

Potential Problem/Misinterpretation

• mistaken for IV or 10

Use Instead/Correction

• write out International Unit

Question 3

Describe the following abbreviation/statement:

• Q.D., QD, q.d., qd (Daily)
• Q.O.D., QOD, q.o.d., qod (every other day)

(Potential Problem/Misinterpretation, Use instead/Correction)

Answer 3

Potential Problem/Misinterpretation

• Mistaken for eachother
• Period after Q mistaken for I and O mistaken for I

Use Instead/Correction

• write out daily
• Write every other day

Question 4

Describe the following abbreviation/statement:

• Trailing zero (X.0 mg)
• Lack of leading zero (.X mg)

(Potential Problem/Misinterpretation, Use instead/Correction)

Answer 4

Potential Problem/Misinterpretation

• decimal point is missed

Use Instead/Correction

• write out X mg
• Write out O.X mg

Question 5

Describe the following abbreviation/statement:

• MS

(Potential Problem/Misinterpretation, Use instead/Correction)

Answer 5

Potential Problem/Misinterpretation

• Could mean Morphine sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate

Use Instead/Correction

• write out morphine sulfate

Question 6

Describe the following abbreviation/statement:

• MSO4 and MGSO4

(Potential Problem/Misinterpretation, Use instead/Correction)

Answer 6

Potential Problem/Misinterpretation

• Confused for one another

Use Instead/Correction

• write out magnesium sulfate