Rx Writing Flashcards
What is the difference between “labeled” and “unlabeled”use of medications?
“Labeled” are approved uses for medications described on the package insert, and “Unlabeled” are uses not on the package insert but are often based on scientific evidence.
List strategies - specifically with patient information - that can be used to avoid prescribing errors.
Inquire about allergies
Know the patient’s other diagnoses to avoid CI and precautions (i.e., pregnancy, lactation)
Consider medication interactions with a patient’s other Rx meds, OTC meds, or herbal/natural meds taken
List strategies - specifically with the actual writing of the Rx - that can be used to avoid prescribing errors.
Write legibly
Provide clear and complete directions for use
Include Dx/reason for use
Avoid dangerous abbreviations
Beware of look-alike/sound-alike Drugs
Use a “0” before a decimal point, and not after (trailing 0)
When giving a new prescription, what are some strategies that can be used directly with the patient to avoid prescribing errors?
Educate the patient as to why they are getting this medication.
Describe to the patient how to use the medication and clarify any special instructions.
Make sure there are no questions.
What are ways that can be used with a patient to increase medication adherence?
Describe the convenience of adhering to the regimen, i.e., that the patient won’t have to come back sooner.
Explain the cost benefit of not having to treat a longer course later should the condition return/not resolve.
Encourage use of medication reminder boxes, mobile apps, alarms, etc.
List abbreviations for: Before After Before meals After meals With Without
a (with a line over) p (with a line over) ac pc c (with a line over) s (with a line over)
List abbreviations for: twice a day three times a day four times a day when needed hour
bid tid qid prn h
List abbreviations for: bedtime every morning every day every other day every hour every 2 hours, 3 hours, etc. every night at bedtime
hs qam qday or daily every other day qh q2h, q3h... qhs
List abbreviations for: by mouth per rectum right eye/ear left eye/ear both eyes/ears subcutaneous intramuscular intravenous vaginal
PO PR right eye/ear left eye/ear both eyes/ears SQ or SC IM IV vag
List abbreviations for: microgram milligram gram kilogram units milliequivalent tablet tablespoon teaspoon
mcg (preferably "microgram") mg g kg units mEq or meq tab 15 ml 5 ml
List abbreviations for: Dispense take label Suppository Suspension every
disp, or dis Rx Sig sup or supp susp q (with a line over)
How are numbers written? (one, two three, four…)
i, ii, iii, iv…
Describe the steps of rational prescribing (7 steps)
- Make a specific diagnosis
- Consider the pathophysiology of the diagnosis
- Select a specific therapeutic objective
- Select a drug of choice: based on patient age, other medical problems, other medications
- Determine appropriate dosing regimen
- Develop a monitoring plan and therapeutic endpoints
- Educate the patient
Describe the necessary elements of a prescription
• Prescriber identification Name License classification (professional degree) Office address Office telephone number • Date written • Patient identification Name Address • Name of medication (generic or trade name) • Medication strength (strength of tablet or capsule; concentration of suspension) • Quantity • Sig: Complete directions for use • Refill information • Prescriber's signature • DEA number if required • Other: substitution, container information
Discuss the difference between OTC and prescription drugs
OTC:
• No Rx required
• Safely self-administered
• Half of all drug doses
Prescription:
• Rx required from a licensed prescriber
• Federal legend statement: “Federal law prohibits dispensing without a prescription”
• Controlled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Packaging requirements
Federal legend statement
Package insert: indications, contraindications, warnings, dosing
