Medical Terminology: ISMP "DNU" List

Question 1

*Trailing zero (X.0 mg)

Answer 1

Problem: Decimal is missed

Use instead: Write X mg

Question 2

*Lack of a Leading zero (.X mg)

Answer 2

Problem: Decimal point is missed

Use instead: Write 0.X mg

Question 3

MS, MSO4 and MgSO4

Answer 3

Problem: Can confuse morphine sulfate for magnesium sulfate

Use instead: Write “morphine sulfate” or “magnesium sulfate”

Question 4

HS (Half Strength) / hs (hour of sleep)

Answer 4

Problem: confused with each other.

Use instead: Write “Half strength” or write “house of sleep.”

Question 5

QD, Q.D. (daily), QOD, Q.O.D. (every other day)

Answer 5

Problem: Mistaken for each other; periods can be confused

Use instead: Write “daily” or write “every other day.”

Question 6

U or u

Answer 6

Problem: Confused as number or Volume

Use instead: Write unit.

Question 7

IU

Answer 7

Problem: Confused as “IV”

Use instead: Write “units”.

Question 8

㎍ for microgram - mcg

Answer 8

Problem: Confused with mg

Use instead: Write “mcg”.