Chapter 1 Flashcards
1
Q
What is the Joint Commission (TJC) “Do Not Use” list?
A
A list of abbreviations that should not be used in healthcare to prevent medication errors. Examples include “U” for unit, “IU” for international unit, and “QD” for daily.
2
Q
What are active ingredients in medications?
A
The ingredients in medications responsible for the desired effect on the body.
3
Q
What are excipients in drug formulations?
A
Medicinally inactive substances like fillers, binders, coloring agents, flavorings, and preservatives.
4
Q
What is pharmacology?
A
The study of drugs, their uses, mechanisms of action, and effects on the body.
5
Q
What does the abbreviation ‘PO’ stand for?
A
‘PO’ stands for “by mouth” or orally.
6
Q
What does the abbreviation ‘PRN’ stand for?
A
‘PRN’ stands for “as needed.”
7
Q
Why is proficiency in basic math skills essential for pharmacy technicians?
A
To calculate correct medication doses, ensure safety, and assist the pharmacist in providing patient care.
8
Q
What is the abbreviation ‘HS’ and why should it be avoided?
A
‘HS’ means “at bedtime” but can be confused with “half-strength.” It’s recommended to use “bedtime” instead.
9
Q
How should you write ‘QD’ or ‘QOD’ to avoid confusion?
A
Use “daily” for QD and “every other day” for QOD.
10
Q
What are the three measurement systems used in pharmacy?
A
The household system (e.g., teaspoons, tablespoons), metric system (e.g., grams, liters), and apothecary system (e.g., grains, drams).
11
Q
What is the importance of calculating doses correctly?
A
To prevent overdose, underdose, and ensure the safety and efficacy of medication.
12
Q
What are the conversion requirements between time systems in pharmacy?
A
Pharmacy technicians must convert between 12-hour time (AM/PM) and 24-hour military time, especially in inpatient settings.
13
Q
What is the formula to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit?
A
F = 9/5C + 32
14
Q
What are the common routes of administration abbreviations used in pharmacy?
A
ID: Intradermal
IM: Intramuscular
IV: Intravenous
SL: Sublingual
TOP: Topical
15
Q
How should you write drug names to avoid confusion?
A
Always write out the complete drug name. Avoid abbreviations like APAP (for acetaminophen) or AZT (for zidovudine) to prevent errors.
16
Q
What is the risk of using trailing zeros in dosage orders?
A
Trailing zeros (e.g., 1.0 mg) can be mistaken as a higher dose (e.g., 10 mg), so avoid trailing zeros and write “1 mg” instead.
17
Q
What are basic math skills necessary for pharmacy calculations?
A
Whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, ratio and proportion equations.
18
Q
What are some important abbreviations for dosage forms?
A
Cap: Capsule
Tab: Tablet
Cr: Cream
Syr: Syrup
Supp: Suppository
Oint: Ointment
19
Q
What does ‘qd’ mean and what should you use instead?
A
‘qd’ means “daily.” Use “daily” instead to avoid confusion.
20
Q
What are some abbreviations on the “Do Not Use” list and their corrections?
A
U (unit) → Write “unit”
IU (international unit) → Write “international unit”
QD (daily) → Write “daily”
MS (morphine sulfate) → Write “morphine sulfate”
21
Q
What is the apothecary system and why is it being replaced?
A
The apothecary system uses measurements like grains and drams, but it’s being replaced by the metric system due to precision concerns.
22
Q
What mathematical skills are used in pharmaceutical calculations?
A
Proficiency in fractions, decimals, ratios, and proportions to accurately calculate doses.
23
Q
What does ‘gtt’ stand for in pharmacy abbreviations?
A
‘Gtt’ stands for “drop(s).”
24
Q
What does ‘ad lib’ mean in pharmacy terms?
A
‘Ad lib’ means “as desired.”
25
How should 'cc' be written to avoid confusion?
'Cc' should be written as "mL" (milliliters) to avoid confusion with "u" (units).
26
What is the abbreviation for intravenous administration, and how is it used?
'IV' stands for "intravenous," referring to medication administered directly into the vein.
27
What does 'NPO' stand for?
'NPO' stands for "nothing by mouth."
28
What is the significance of "ISMP" in medication safety?
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) is an organization that creates guidelines to prevent medication errors, including the List of Error-Prone Abbreviations, Symbols, and Dose Designations.
29
What does 'PR' indicate in terms of medication administration?
'PR' refers to "rectal" administration of medication.
30
Why should 'SC' or 'SQ' be avoided, and what should be used instead?
'SC' or 'SQ' (subcutaneous) can be confused with other terms. Use "subcut" or "subcutaneously" instead.
31
What are the household measurements commonly used in pharmacy?
Tsp (teaspoon)
Tbsp (tablespoon)
Oz (ounce)
Pt (pint)
Qt (quart)
Gal (gallon)
32
How do you convert from pounds to kilograms?
1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds. To convert pounds to kilograms, divide the weight in pounds by 2.2.
33
What is the significance of the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP)?
The U.S. Pharmacopeia sets standards for medication ingredients, preparation, and storage, which are enforced by the FDA.
34
What is the abbreviation 'STAT' used for in healthcare settings?
'STAT' means "immediately" or "at once."
35
What does 'bid' and 'tid' stand for in frequency of administration?
'Bid' means "twice a day."
'Tid' means "three times a day."
36
What is a 'USP-NF'?
The U.S. Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF) is a combined publication providing standards for drugs and other products, including their ingredients and storage.
37
What does 'qid' and 'qhs' stand for?
'Qid' means "four times a day."
'Qhs' means "nightly at bedtime."
38
What is the abbreviation for intramuscular administration?
'IM' stands for "intramuscular," referring to medication injected into a muscle.
39
How do you prevent decimal point errors in medication dosing?
Use leading zeros before a decimal (e.g., 0.5 mg) and avoid trailing zeros (e.g., 5 mg instead of 5.0 mg) to prevent misinterpretation.
40
What does 'mEq' stand for, and when is it used?
'mEq' stands for "milliequivalent," a unit of measurement used for electrolytes and ions in solutions.
41
What does 'DAW' mean in pharmacy?
'DAW' stands for "dispense as written," meaning the pharmacist must provide the exact medication specified by the prescriber.
42
What is 'qs' in prescription orders?
'Qs' means "sufficient quantity."
43
What is the importance of understanding Roman numerals in pharmacy?
Roman numerals are used for certain measurements in prescriptions. Understanding their values is essential for accurate interpretation.
44
What does 'NKDA' stand for?
'NKDA' means "no known drug allergies."
45
How should you write 'mg' and 'mL' in pharmacy to avoid errors?
Always write 'mg' and 'mL' without a period to avoid misinterpretation as a numeral (e.g., 'mg.' mistaken as '1mg').
46
What does 'TO' and 'VO' stand for in medication orders?
'TO' means "telephone order."
'VO' means "verbal order."
47
How many milligrams are in 5 grams?
There are 5,000 milligrams in 5 grams (1 g = 1,000 mg).
48
What does 'supp' stand for?
'Supp' stands for "suppository."
49
What does 'pc' stand for in pharmacy terms?
'Pc' stands for "after meals."
50
What does 'ac' stand for in pharmacy terms?
'Ac' stands for "before meals."
51
What are the three systems of measurement used in pharmacy?
Household system: e.g., teaspoons (tsp), tablespoons (Tbsp).
Metric system: e.g., grams (g), liters (L), meters (m).
Apothecary system: e.g., grains (gr), drams (dr), ounces (oz).
52
What is the correct way to express doses with a decimal?
Always include a leading zero (e.g., "0.5 mg") and avoid trailing zeros (e.g., write "5 mg" not "5.0 mg").
53
How should 'U' be written to avoid medication errors?
'U' (for unit) should be written as "unit" to avoid confusion with the numbers "0" or "4."
54
What is the abbreviation 'OTC' used for?
'OTC' stands for "over-the-counter," referring to medications that can be purchased without a prescription.
55
What does 'elix' stand for in pharmacy?
'Elix' stands for "elixir," a liquid medication.
56
How do you convert inches to centimeters?
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters. To convert inches to centimeters, multiply the number of inches by 2.54.
57
What does 'rep' stand for in a prescription?
'Rep' means "repeat," indicating the prescription may be refilled.
58
What is the importance of mastering Roman numerals in pharmacy calculations?
Roman numerals are still used in prescription writing and dose calculation. Mastery ensures accurate interpretation of medication orders.
59
What is the abbreviation 'qs' used for in prescriptions?
'Qs' stands for "quantity sufficient," indicating enough of a medication should be prepared to meet the prescription’s requirements.
60
How do you convert from Celsius to Fahrenheit?
F = 9/5C + 32
61
What does 'prn' mean in medical prescriptions?
'Prn' stands for "as needed."
62
What is 'SL' and how is it used in administration of medication?
'SL' stands for "sublingual," referring to medication administered under the tongue.
63
What does 'syr' stand for in pharmaceutical terms?
'Syr' stands for "syrup," a liquid form of medication.
64
What does 'tab' stand for in medication dosage forms?
'Tab' stands for "tablet."
65
What is the abbreviation 'tid' used for in frequency of medication administration?
'Tid' stands for "three times a day."
66
What does 'non rep' mean in a prescription?
'Non rep' means "do not repeat," indicating the prescription cannot be refilled.
67
What does 'fl oz' stand for?
'Fl oz' stands for "fluid ounce," a unit of volume measurement.
68
What does 'gtt' mean in medical terms?
'Gtt' means "drop(s)," often used in liquid medication prescriptions.
69
What is 'supp' short for in pharmaceutical forms?
'Supp' stands for "suppository."
70
How should 'IU' be written to avoid confusion?
'IU' (international unit) should be written as "International Unit" to avoid being mistaken for "IV" or "10."
71
What does 'ac' indicate in medication administration timing?
'Ac' means "before meals."
72
What does 'hs' stand for, and how should it be written to avoid errors?
'Hs' stands for "at bedtime" but should be written as "bedtime" to avoid confusion.
73
What does 'TO' and 'VO' mean in prescription orders?
'TO' means "telephone order."
'VO' means "verbal order."
74
What does 'AA' mean in a prescription?
'AA' means "of each," often used when equal parts of substances are needed.
75
What does 'IV' stand for and what does it mean?
'IV' stands for "intravenous," indicating the medication is administered into a vein.
76
What are the abbreviations for ear and eye administration, and how should they be written?
'AD' (right ear) → write "right ear"
'AS' (left ear) → write "left ear"
'AU' (both ears) → write "each ear"
'OD' (right eye) → write "right eye"
'OS' (left eye) → write "left eye"
'OU' (both eyes) → write "each eye"
77
What does 'NKA' and 'NKDA' stand for?
'NKA' stands for "no known allergies."
'NKDA' stands for "no known drug allergies."
78
How many milliliters are in one teaspoon (tsp)?
1 teaspoon (tsp) = 5 milliliters (mL).
79
How many milligrams (mg) are in 1 gram (g)?
1 gram (g) = 1,000 milligrams (mg).
80
What does 'qd' and 'qod' stand for in frequency of dosing?
'Qd' means "every day" or "once daily" (use "daily" to avoid confusion).
'Qod' means "every other day" (use "every other day" to avoid confusion).
81
What does 'STAT' mean in a prescription?
'STAT' means "immediately" or "at once."
82
What are 'mEq' used for in medications?
'mEq' stands for "milliequivalent," commonly used for electrolytes like potassium and sodium.
83
How should the symbol '>' be written to avoid confusion?
Write out "greater than" instead of using the symbol '>' to prevent misinterpretation.
84
What does 'kg' stand for, and how do you convert pounds (lbs) to kilograms (kg)?
'Kg' stands for "kilogram." To convert pounds to kilograms, divide the weight in pounds by 2.2.
85
What does 'qid' stand for in medication frequency?
'Qid' stands for "four times a day."
86
How should 'MS' and 'MSO4' be written to avoid errors?
rite "morphine sulfate" and "magnesium sulfate" instead of 'MS' or 'MSO4' to prevent confusion between the two.
87
What does 'DAW' mean in pharmacy?
'DAW' stands for "dispense as written," meaning the pharmacist should not substitute with generic drugs.
88
What is 'qs' used for in prescriptions?
'Qs' stands for "quantity sufficient," meaning to prepare the amount required to fulfill the prescription.
89
What does 'OTC' mean in pharmaceutical terms?
'OTC' stands for "over-the-counter," referring to medications that can be bought without a prescription.
90
How should you express "3 times a week" to avoid confusion with "3 times a day"?
Use "3 times weekly" instead of 'TIW' to avoid misinterpretation as "three times a day."
91
How is 'fl' used in pharmaceutical terms?
'Fl' stands for "fluid" and is used to describe liquid dosage forms like 'fl oz' (fluid ounces).
92
What is the abbreviation for "immediately" in medical orders?
'STAT' means "immediately" or "at once."
93
What does 'rep' mean in medical terms?
'Rep' stands for "repeat," often indicating refills on prescriptions.
94
What is the abbreviation 'ad lib' in medical prescriptions?
'Ad lib' means "as desired" or "at liberty."
95
What is the recommended substitution for 'sub q' in medication administration?
Use "subcut" or "subcutaneously" instead of 'sub q' to prevent confusion.
96
What does 'IU' stand for and how should it be written to avoid errors?
'IU' stands for "International Unit," but it should always be written as "International Unit" to prevent confusion with intravenous (IV) or the number 10.
97
How should you express "every other day" to avoid confusion?
Use "every other day" instead of 'QOD' to avoid misinterpretation as "every day" or "four times a day."
98
How should 'OD' and 'OS' be written in medication orders?
'OD' means "right eye" (use "right eye").
'OS' means "left eye" (use "left eye").
99
What does 'syr' stand for in pharmacy?
'Syr' stands for "syrup," a liquid form of medication.
100
What does 'cap' mean in medication forms?
'Cap' stands for "capsule."
101
What is the abbreviation 'PV' used for in medication administration?
'PV' stands for "vaginal" administration.
102
How should the abbreviation for "grain" be written?
Write "grain" instead of using 'gr' to avoid confusion with grams.
103
What is the recommended substitution for 'qd' in frequency of medication?
Use "daily" instead of 'qd' to avoid confusion with 'qid' (four times daily).
104
What does 'sol' stand for in dosage forms?
'Sol' stands for "solution."
105
What is 'elix' in medication forms?
'Elix' stands for "elixir," a liquid form containing alcohol, used for oral medications.
106
What does 'tab' stand for?
'Tab' stands for "tablet," a solid dosage form of medication.
107
How should 'cc' be written to avoid confusion in prescriptions?
Use 'mL' instead of 'cc' to prevent misinterpretation with units (U).
108
What does 'TOP' mean in medication administration?
'TOP' stands for "topical," indicating medication applied to the skin.
109
What does 'NPO' stand for in medical prescriptions?
'NPO' stands for "nothing by mouth."
110
What does 'IM' stand for and how is it used?
'IM' stands for "intramuscular," referring to an injection into a muscle.
111
What does 'IV' stand for and what does it mean?
'IV' stands for "intravenous," meaning the medication is administered directly into a vein.
112
What does 'supp' stand for in pharmaceutical terms?
'Supp' stands for "suppository."
113
What does 'prn' mean on a prescription?
'Prn' means "as needed."
114
What does 'tsp' stand for in measurements?
'Tsp' stands for "teaspoon."
115
What does 'tbsp' stand for?
'Tbsp' stands for "tablespoon."
116
How should you write 'mg' and 'mL' to avoid confusion?
Write 'mg' and 'mL' without a terminal period (e.g., 'mg.' or 'mL.') to avoid misinterpretation as numerals.
117
What is the recommended substitution for 'hs' in prescriptions?
Use "bedtime" instead of 'hs' to avoid confusion with "half-strength."
118
What does 'bid' stand for in medication frequency?
'Bid' stands for "twice a day."
119
What does 'qh' mean in frequency of dosing?
'Qh' stands for "every hour."
120
What does 'am' and 'pm' stand for in medication timing?
'Am' stands for "morning."
'Pm' stands for "evening."
121
What does 'noc' mean in a medical prescription?
'Noc' stands for "night."
122
What is the abbreviation 'PC' used for in medication timing?
'PC' stands for "after meals."
123
How do you express a ratio in its lowest terms?
Divide both sides of the ratio by their greatest common divisor.
124
What is a "Do Not Use" abbreviation related to dosage frequency, and what should be used instead?
'Qd' (once daily) should not be used. Instead, write "daily."
125
What does 'q2h' mean in medication frequency?
'Q2h' means "every 2 hours."
126
What does 'q6h' stand for in dosing?
'Q6h' means "every 6 hours."
127
What does 'qam' mean in medication frequency?
'Qam' means "every morning."
128
What does 'qid' mean in dosing?
'Qid' means "four times a day."
129
What does 'q12h' mean in medication frequency?
'Q12h' means "every 12 hours."
130
What does 'qn' mean in medication administration?
'Qn' stands for "nightly" or "at bedtime."
131
What does 'SC' or 'SQ' stand for, and what should be used instead?
'SC' or 'SQ' stands for "subcutaneous." Use "subcut" or "subcutaneously" instead to avoid confusion.
132
What does 'qh' mean in a prescription order?
'Qh' means "every hour."
133
What does 'STAT' stand for in medical orders?
'STAT' means "immediately" or "at once."
134
What does 'elix' stand for in dosage forms?
'Elix' stands for "elixir," a liquid form of medication that contains alcohol.
135
What is the abbreviation 'OTC' used for in pharmacy?
'OTC' stands for "over-the-counter," indicating that the medication can be purchased without a prescription.
136
What does 'qid' stand for in frequency of administration?
'Qid' means "four times a day."
137
What does 'tsp' mean in measurement terms?
'Tsp' stands for "teaspoon."
138
What does 'tbsp' stand for in measurement terms?
'Tbsp' stands for "tablespoon."
139
What is the proper way to express "every other day" to avoid confusion?
Write "every other day" instead of 'qod' to prevent misinterpretation as "daily" or "four times a day."
140
What does 'gtt' stand for in pharmacy terms?
'Gtt' means "drop(s)."
141
What does 'supp' stand for in pharmaceutical forms?
'Supp' stands for "suppository."
142
What does 'mg' stand for in measurement?
'Mg' stands for "milligram."
143
What does 'mL' stand for in measurement?
'mL' stands for "milliliter."
144
What does 'cap' mean in dosage forms?
'Cap' stands for "capsule."
145
What is the abbreviation 'tab' used for?
'Tab' stands for "tablet," a solid form of medication.
146
How should 'IU' be written to avoid confusion in prescriptions?
Write "International Unit" instead of 'IU' to prevent confusion with "IV" (intravenous) or the number 10.
147
What does 'syr' stand for in liquid dosage forms?
'Syr' stands for "syrup."
148
What does 'DAW' mean in pharmacy?
'DAW' means "dispense as written," meaning the pharmacist cannot substitute the prescribed medication.
149
What is the significance of mastering fractions and decimals in pharmacy?
Fractions and decimals are essential for calculating correct medication doses, ensuring patient safety.
150
What does 'hs' mean in medication timing?
'Hs' means "at bedtime," but should be written as "bedtime" to avoid confusion with "half-strength."
151
What does 'rep' mean in a prescription?
'Rep' means "repeat," indicating that the prescription can be refilled.
152
What does 'npo' stand for in medical instructions?
'Npo' stands for "nothing by mouth."
153
How should 'OD' and 'OS' be written to avoid confusion?
Back:
'OD' means "right eye" (use "right eye").
'OS' means "left eye" (use "left eye").
154
What does 'bid' stand for in medication frequency?
'Bid' means "twice a day."
155
How is 'PV' used in medication administration?
'PV' stands for "vaginal" administration of medication.
156
What does 'ad lib' mean in medical instructions?
'Ad lib' means "as desired."
157
How do you convert pounds to kilograms?
To convert pounds to kilograms, divide the weight in pounds by 2.2 (1 kg = 2.2 lb).
158
What is the abbreviation for rectal administration?
'PR' stands for "rectal" administration.
159
How do you express large numbers of doses correctly to avoid confusion?
Use commas in numbers greater than 1,000 (e.g., 1,000 mg) to prevent misinterpretation, or write out the number (e.g., "1 thousand").
160
What is 'mcg' used for in pharmacy?
'Mcg' stands for "microgram," a unit of measurement for very small quantities of medication.
161
What is 'mEq' used for in medication dosing?
'MEq' stands for "milliequivalent," commonly used for dosing electrolytes such as potassium.
162
What does 'q4h' mean in medication frequency?
'Q4h' means "every 4 hours."
163
What is the recommended substitution for 'qod' in dosing frequency?
Use "every other day" instead of 'qod' to avoid confusion with "every day" or "four times a day."
164
How do you express percentages as decimals in pharmaceutical calculations?
Move the decimal point two places to the left. For example, 3% becomes 0.03.
165
How do you convert decimals into percentages in pharmacy?
Multiply the decimal by 100. For example, 0.5 becomes 50%.
166
How do you round decimals in pharmaceutical calculations?
Round decimals to the hundredths place. For example, 1.456 rounds to 1.46.
167
What does 'ad lib' mean in medical prescriptions?
'Ad lib' means "as desired" or "as much as needed."
168
What does 'TO' mean in a prescription order?
'TO' stands for "telephone order."
169
What is 'VO' in medical prescriptions?
'VO' stands for "verbal order."
170
What does 'aa' mean in pharmacy?
'Aa' means "of each," used when equal amounts of substances are required.
171
How should 'U' be written in medication orders?
Write "unit" instead of 'U' to avoid confusion with numbers like "0" or "4."
172
What does 'qd' mean, and how should it be written to avoid errors?
'Qd' means "every day" or "once daily," but it should be written as "daily" to avoid misinterpretation.
173
What does 'qhs' mean in medication timing?
'Qhs' means "every night at bedtime."
174
What does 'mL' stand for in pharmacy measurements?
'mL' stands for "milliliters," a unit of liquid volume.
175
How many milliliters are in one tablespoon (tbsp)?
1 tablespoon (tbsp) = 15 milliliters (mL).
176
How many milliliters are in one fluid ounce (fl oz)?
1 fluid ounce (fl oz) = 30 milliliters (mL).
177
How do you convert pounds to kilograms?
Divide the number of pounds by 2.2. For example, 44 pounds ÷ 2.2 = 20 kilograms.
178
What is the 'USP-NF', and why is it important?
The 'U.S. Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF)' provides standards for medication ingredients, preparation, and storage, enforced by the FDA.
179
How many milliliters are in a teaspoon (tsp)?
1 teaspoon (tsp) = 5 milliliters (mL).
180
What does 'NPO' stand for in medical orders?
'NPO' stands for "nothing by mouth."
181
What does 'cap' stand for in pharmaceutical forms?
'Cap' stands for "capsule."
182
How do you avoid trailing zero errors in prescriptions?
Do not use trailing zeros (e.g., write "5 mg" instead of "5.0 mg") to prevent misinterpretation.
183
How should "international unit" be written in prescriptions?
Write "international unit" instead of 'IU' to avoid confusion with IV or the number 10.
184
What is the abbreviation 'IT' used for in medical administration?
'IT' stands for "intrathecal," referring to an injection into the spinal canal.
185
What is 'R' in medical prescriptions?
'R' stands for "prescription" or "treatment."
186
What does 'sol' stand for in dosage forms?
'Sol' stands for "solution."
187
How should 'cc' be written to avoid confusion?
Write 'mL' instead of 'cc' to avoid confusion with "u" (units).
188
What does 'kg' stand for, and how is it used in dosing?
'Kg' stands for "kilogram." 1 kg = 2.2 pounds.
189
How should drug names and doses be written to avoid errors?
Leave a space between the drug name and the dose (e.g., "Inderal 40 mg" instead of "Inderal40mg").
190
What is the abbreviation 'ung' or 'oint' used for in medication forms?
'Ung' or 'oint' stands for "ointment."
191
How should 'gr' be written to avoid confusion?
Write "grain" instead of 'gr' to prevent confusion with grams.
192
What does 'noc' stand for in medical timing?
'Noc' stands for "night."
193
What does 'PR' stand for in routes of administration?
'PR' stands for "rectal" administration.
194
What does 'PV' stand for in medical administration?
'PV' stands for "vaginal."
195
What does 'po' mean in medical terms?
'Po' means "by mouth" or "orally."
196
What does 'subcut' stand for in medication administration?
'Subcut' stands for "subcutaneous," indicating an injection under the skin.
197
What does 'IT' mean in administration routes?
'IT' stands for "intrathecal," indicating an injection into the spinal canal.
