What is a prescription, and who can write it?
A prescription is a written order for medication by a licensed healthcare professional for outpatient use. The healthcare professional must be authorized to prescribe according to state laws.
What are the key components of a prescription?
- Patient information (name, address, DOB).
- Prescriber information (name, address, phone, DEA # for controlled substances).
- Inscription (medication name, form, strength, quantity).
- Subscription (instructions for the pharmacist).
- Signa (directions for the patient).
- Refill information.
- Prescriber’s signature.
What are the inscription, subscription, and superscription in a prescription?
- Inscription: The medication name, dosage form, strength, and quantity.
- Subscription: Instructions for the pharmacist, such as compounding directions.
- Superscription: The “Rx” symbol, meaning “take this drug.”
What do these abbreviations mean?
po
qid
bid
prn
hs
ac
po: by mouth.
qid: four times daily.
bid: twice daily.
prn: as needed.
hs: at bedtime.
ac: before meals.
What is a medication order, and where is it used?
A medication order is used in inpatient settings. It provides instructions for drug administration, including drug name, strength, route, and frequency.
What are the key components of a medication order?
1 - Patient name.
2 - Date and time of the order.
3 - Medication name.
4 - Dosage and strength.
Route of administration.
Frequency of administration.
Prescriber’s signature.
What key information is found on a stock medication label?
1 - Generic name and brand name.
2 - National Drug Code (NDC) number.
3 - Dosage strength (e.g., mg, mL).
4 - Total quantity of the medication.
5 - Dosage form (tablet, solution).
6 - Manufacturer’s name.
7 - Expiration date.
8 - Storage instructions.
What are the main components of a prescription?
- Patient Information (Name, address, DOB)
- Prescriber Information (Name, DEA number)
- Medication Name, Strength, and Dosage Form
- Quantity
- Signa (Directions for patient use)
- Subscription (Pharmacist instructions, compounding if necessary)
- Refills
- Prescriber Signature
What is the Inscription on a prescription?
The part of the prescription that indicates the name of the medication, its dosage form, strength, and quantity.
What is a Medication Order?
A physician’s written or verbal direction for the administration of medication in an inpatient healthcare setting.
What does Sig or Signa mean on a prescription?
It provides the directions for the patient on how to take the medication, including how much, how often, and for how long.
What is the Superscription on a prescription?
The part of the prescription symbolized by “Rx,” meaning “Take this drug.”
What does Subscription refer to in a prescription?
The section that contains instructions for the pharmacist on how to prepare or compound the medication.
What information must be included on a Medication Order?
- Patient Name
- Medication Name
- Dosage
- Route of Administration
- Frequency
- Prescriber’s Signature
What is the National Drug Code (NDC)?
A unique number found on medication labels that identifies the manufacturer, product, and size of the container.
What does the abbreviation po mean in a prescription?
By mouth (orally).
What is the meaning of qid on a prescription?
Four times a day.
What is the difference between a Brand Name and a Generic Name?
Brand Name: The proprietary name given by the manufacturer (e.g., Advil).
Generic Name: The official nonproprietary name (e.g., ibuprofen).
What does prn mean on a prescription?
As needed.
What is the role of Auxiliary Labels on medications?
Auxiliary labels provide supplementary instructions like “Shake well,” “Take with food,” or “May cause drowsiness.”
What should a pharmacy technician do if a prescription is unclear or uses unfamiliar abbreviations?
Always ask the pharmacist for clarification before preparing the medication.
How many times should a medication label be read before dispensing?
- When removing the stock medication from the shelf.
- Before preparing the medication.
- Before returning the stock medication to the shelf.
What are the required elements on a stock medication label?
- Generic Name
- Brand Name
- Dosage Form
- Strength
- Total Quantity
- Expiration Date
- NDC Number
- Storage Requirements
What does bid mean in medical abbreviations?
Twice a day.
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Chapter 1197
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Chapter 275
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Chapter 332
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Chapter 439
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Chapter 5: Conversions Within Measurement Systems78
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Chapter 693
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Chapter 744
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Module 1108
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Module 2136
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A Technician's Guide to Pharmacy Abbreviations"49
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Medical Dosage Calculations34
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Roman Numerals Summary16
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Module 3324
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Chapter 866
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Chapter 954
