Prescription writing

Question 1

how to read and write a prescription

Answer 1

• expanding role of DH
• review the written prescription with the patient
• make sure all parts of the prescription have been filled out
• signatures

Question 2

what information needs to be on a prescription

Answer 2

• prescriber
• patient’s name
• date
• name/strength of drug
• quantity, route and how often to take
• directions
• refills
• signature
• DEA number

Question 3

what units of measurement are used for prescription

Answer 3

• metric system
• apothecary system
• avoirdupois system (weight in lbs)

Question 4

what is the metric system

Answer 4

• measure of weight and volume

Question 5

what is the apothecary system

Answer 5

• the basic unit of weight is a grain
• 1 grain = 6 mg (65 if ASA or Acet)
• 1 dram = 15 mL
• 1 oz = 30 mL

Question 6

what is the household system

Answer 6

• 8 oz = 1 cup
• 16 oz = 1 pint/1 lb
• 2 pints = 1 quart
• 4 quarts = 1 gallon
• 1 tsp = 5 mL
• 1 tbsp = 15 mL
• 1 inch = 2.5 cm
• 12 in = 1 foot
• 2.2 lb = 1 kg

Question 7

what is a controlled substance

Answer 7

• specific rules and regulations with N & C and targeted drugs
• diazepam (valium) and other drugs in the class
• calm the anxious dental patient
• targeted drug
• in NB restricted to 35 day supply, maximum. this also applies to narcotics and controlled drugs
• no refills on straight narcotics

Question 8

how are prescription pads safe

Answer 8

• keep prescriptions in a safe place
• some provinces have triplicate prescriptions, especially for certain drug classes such as narcotics
• straight narcotics require written prescription
• two or more active ingredients plus the narcotic allows the drug to be prescribed verbally

Question 9

electronic prescribing or eprescribing

Answer 9

• process of generating, authorizing and transmitting prescriptions from doctors and other prescribers to pharmacists
• send error-free, accurate, and understandable prescriptions electronically from the provider to the pharmacy
• eliminates hand-written prescriptions by physicians
• increases patient safety
• facilitates communication
• privacy considerations
• via computer or PDA or email

Question 10

reducing medication error

Answer 10

• important for patient safety
• write prescription in ink and print clearly or electronic transmission
• enter the number of refills on the prescription
• enter the age of the patient
• electronic transmission of prescriptions
• fax transmission of prescriptions from dental office. original must be kept in patients file
• avoid dangerous abbreviations (ISMP)

Question 11

prescribing for children

Answer 11

• if using body weight, the following formula is used
• child’s weight in kg/70 x adult dose
  or
• child’s weight in lbs/150 x adult dose

Question 12

contents of a prescription label

Answer 12

• name, address and phone # of pharmacy
• rx number
• date dispensed
• name of the patient
• directions for use
• drug name, quantity, strength, dosage form, manufacturer
• expiration date of rx
• name of prescriber
• refill information
• initials of pharmacist