M4.2 Interpreting Directions for Use

Open Ended

Why is it important for healthcare professionals to accurately interpret directions for use on prescription medication orders?

Open Ended

List and explain the basic parts of directions for use that must be included on an Rx.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT typically included in the directions for use on a written Rx?

• Patient's insurance information

• How to take the medication

• How many doses to take

• When to take the medication

Multiple Choice

According to the slides, why is it important not to add assumed information to prescription directions without pharmacist approval?

• It may cause harm or inappropriate medication use

• It saves time for the prescriber

• It helps the patient understand better

• It is required by insurance companies

Multiple Choice

Which of the following are examples of word choices for medication administration directions?

• Take, Apply, Unwrap and insert, Place or instill

• Eat, Drink, Sleep, Walk

• Mix, Shake, Pour, Stir

• Read, Write, Listen, Speak

Open Ended

How do abbreviations for number of units help in prescription writing, and what are some potential risks if they are misinterpreted?

Fill in the Blank

The abbreviation 'ii' in prescription writing means ___.

Multiple Choice

Which abbreviation stands for 'ointment' in dosage forms?

• ung or oint

• cr

• supp

• cap(s)

Multiple Select

Which of the following abbreviations are used for controlled release products?

• LA

• SR

• CR

• mg

Fill in the Blank

The abbreviation for milligram is ___

Multiple Select

Select all abbreviations that refer to times or frequency of administration.

• q4h

• AM

• mg

• stat

Multiple Choice

What does the abbreviation 'PRN' mean in medication administration?

• as needed

• every hour

• after food or meal

• before food or meal

Open Ended

Explain the difference between 'bid' and 'tid' in terms of medication administration frequency.

Multiple Choice

Which abbreviation stands for acetaminophen?

• AMP

• APAP

• ASA

• EPI

Multiple Choice

What is the meaning of the abbreviation 'KCI' as shown in the medication abbreviations table?

• Potassium chloride

• Potassium sulfate

• Calcium chloride

• Sodium chloride

Multiple Choice

Which of the following abbreviations can be misinterpreted for hydrocortisone?

• CPM

• PBZ

• HCTZ

• NSAID

Open Ended

Why is it important to be cautious when using the abbreviation 'MgSO₄' in medical prescriptions?

Multiple Select

Select all abbreviations that refer to types of water used in medication preparation.

• aq or aqua

• aq dist

• MDV

• NS

Fill in the Blank

The abbreviation ___ stands for 'no known drug allergies'.

Multiple Choice

Which abbreviation stands for 'shortness of breath'?

• SOB

• SSRI

• SNRI

• SR

Open Ended

Why is it important to never guess the meaning of an abbreviation on a prescription?

Multiple Choice

What is a potential issue with using the abbreviation 'OJ' in medical instructions?

• It can be confused with 'OS' (left eye)

• It is not a standard abbreviation

• It means 'oral juice'

• It can be confused with 'OD' (right eye)

Open Ended

Describe a strategy you could use to reduce errors when working with medical abbreviations.

Multiple Select

Which of the following abbreviations are recommended to be avoided due to risk of misinterpretation?

• AD

• AU

• cc

• SR

Fill in the Blank

The abbreviation ___ is often mistaken as units and should be replaced with 'mL'.

Multiple Choice

Which abbreviation is commonly mistaken for 'every hour' and what should be used instead?

• qhs, nightly or every bedtime

• SC, subcut or subcutaneously

• SQ, subcut or subcutaneously

• ss, sliding scale, one-half, or 1/2

Open Ended

What questions do you still have about interpreting pharmacy abbreviations or translating prescribers’ directions for use?

Open Ended

What are two main objectives of this module on interpreting directions for use?

Open Ended

Explain why it is important to avoid using abbreviations like 'U', 'IU', and 'QD' in medical prescriptions. Provide examples of potential errors that could occur and suggest safer alternatives.