PT - Lesson 31 Interpreting Prescriptions

The abbreviation po means to take medication:

• Per occipital

• Sublingual

• By mouth

• Per rectum

Answer explanation

po means by mouth

If the directions read i tab prn for anxiety, how often is the medication taken?

• As needed

• Once daily

• Every 24 hours

• Twice daily

Answer explanation

prn means as needed

Which of these is the abbreviation for "Drops"?

• u

• AD

• gtt

• AU

Answer explanation

gtt lowercase is drops - be aware GTT uppecase can sometimes mean Glucose Tolerance Test

What does "inh" stand for?

• Inability

• Incoherent

• Incompetence

• Inhalation

Answer explanation

Sig code inh, translates to inhalation

If the prescription reads ii gtt AD BID, what is the route of administration?

• IM

• Rectal

• Drops

• Oral

Answer explanation

gtt represents drops

If the insurance rejects a submitted claim with an error message "non-formulary", what type of insurance rejection would it be?

• DNC

• PA

• RTS

• DUE

Answer explanation

Typically, PA (Prior Authorization) means that the doctor needs to provide authorization on why the drug is medically necessary. The prior authorization would require the doctor's office submit information to the insurance stating why the medication is needed being that it's not on the normally covered formulary (non-formulary)

Who would benefit the most from mail order filling?

• Chronic condition patients

• Admitted patients

• Acute condition patients

• Nursing home patients

Answer explanation

Chronic condition means long term (maintenance meds) and acute means short term and/or stat. Chronic condition patients would benefit the most form mail order being that they are on medications long term. Admitted patients receive medication from the hospital pharmacy. Nursing home patients are monitored by the facility pharmacy.

How many pills would a patient take in a day if the order stated ii tabs q4h?

• 6

• 10

• 12

• 8

Answer explanation

ii is 2 and q4h is every 4 hours - there are 24 hours in a day, taking pills every 4 hours would mean taking pills 6 times a day (24/4 = 6). The patient is taking 2 pills 6 times a day (2 x 6 = 12)

A regular customer is at the counter requesting pick up of medication that is a schedule II. What is required besides the customer's signature?

• Insurance card

• Credit card

• Date of birth

• Drivers license

Answer explanation

A customer must show proper ID such as drivers license and sign for the medication

Dr. Smith prescribed Prednisone 10mg to be taken ii tab stat, i tab tid x 3d, i tab bid x 3d, i tab daily x 3d. How many tablets should be dispensed?

• 20

• 21

• 19

• 18

Answer explanation

i = 1. ii = 2. stat = immediately. The script reads take 2 tablets immediately, 1 tablet 3 times a day for 3 days, 1 tablet 2 times a day for 3 days, and 1 tablet daily for 3 days.

2 + 9 + 6 + 3 = 20