- In a hospital pharmacy, an order reads: Metoprolol tartrate 25 mg tab, Sig: ii tabs p.o. b.i.d.; Furosemide 40 mg tab, Sig: i tab p.o. q.a.m.; Potassium chloride, Sig: i tab p.o. q.d.. Which of the following correctly interprets the Roman numeral ii in this order?
Answer: Take two tablets
This question tests the ability to interpret Sig codes, Roman numerals, and prescription abbreviations, crucial skills for pharmacy technicians in order entry and processing. Sig codes and Roman numerals are standard notations used to denote dosage, frequency, and administration instructions. For example, 'b.i.d.' means 'twice a day,' and 'ii' indicates 'two tablets.' In this specific scenario, the prescription provided includes the Sig code 'ii,' which requires understanding its precise meaning for accurate medication dispensing. Choice B is correct because it accurately interprets 'ii' as 'take two tablets,' ensuring the correct dosage and administration. Choice A is incorrect because it misinterprets 'ii' as 'take one tablet,' a common error when technicians misread abbreviations or numerals. To help students master these skills, practice recognizing and accurately interpreting common Sig codes, pay attention to context clues within prescriptions, and verify any unclear abbreviations with standard references. Regular training on frequently used abbreviations and numeral interpretations can enhance accuracy and prevent errors.
- During an emergency refill call, the pharmacist reads: Albuterol HFA, Sig: inhale ii puffs q4-6h prn wheeze; Prednisone 20 mg tab, Sig: i tab p.o. b.i.d. x 5 days; Guaifenesin syrup, Sig: 10 mL p.o. q.i.d. prn cough. Which of the following best represents the frequency of administration for q.i.d.?
Answer: Four times daily
This question tests the ability to interpret Sig codes, Roman numerals, and prescription abbreviations, crucial skills for pharmacy technicians in order entry and processing. Sig codes and Roman numerals are standard notations used to denote dosage, frequency, and administration instructions. For example, 'b.i.d.' means 'twice a day,' and 'ii' indicates 'two tablets.' In this specific scenario, the prescription provided includes the Sig code 'q.i.d.,' which requires understanding its precise meaning for accurate medication dispensing. Choice D is correct because it accurately interprets 'q.i.d.' as 'four times daily,' ensuring the correct dosage and administration. Choice A is incorrect because it misinterprets 'q.i.d.' as 'every afternoon,' a common error when technicians misread abbreviations or numerals. To help students master these skills, practice recognizing and accurately interpreting common Sig codes, pay attention to context clues within prescriptions, and verify any unclear abbreviations with standard references. Regular training on frequently used abbreviations and numeral interpretations can enhance accuracy and prevent errors.
- The technician correctly interprets "i tsp" as 5 mL and "X days" as 10 days. How many total milliliters should be dispensed for the full course of therapy?
Answer: 150 mL
First, calculate the daily volume: The patient takes one teaspoonful (5 mL) three times a day (t.i.d.). This equals 5 mL/dose × 3 doses/day = 15 mL/day. Second, calculate the total volume for the entire therapy: The duration is 10 days (Roman numeral X). This equals 15 mL/day × 10 days = 150 mL. Therefore, 150 mL should be dispensed.
- What is the correct interpretation of the sig "i ss tab p.o. q.d."?
Answer: Take one and one-half tablets by mouth every day.
The Roman numeral 'i' means one, and 'ss' means one-half. Therefore, 'i ss tab' means one and one-half tablets. 'p.o.' means by mouth, and 'q.d.' means every day. The full instruction is to take one and one-half tablets by mouth every day.
- In an outpatient pharmacy, an eRx reads: Omeprazole 20 mg cap, Sig: i cap p.o. a.c. breakfast; Famotidine 20 mg tab, Sig: i tab p.o. h.s.; Calcium carbonate, Sig: chew ii tabs prn heartburn. In this prescription, what does the abbreviation a.c. indicate?
Answer: Before meals
This question tests the ability to interpret Sig codes, Roman numerals, and prescription abbreviations, crucial skills for pharmacy technicians in order entry and processing. Sig codes and Roman numerals are standard notations used to denote dosage, frequency, and administration instructions. For example, 'b.i.d.' means 'twice a day,' and 'ii' indicates 'two tablets.' In this specific scenario, the prescription provided includes the Sig code 'a.c.,' which requires understanding its precise meaning for accurate medication dispensing. Choice B is correct because it accurately interprets 'a.c.' as 'before meals,' ensuring the correct dosage and administration. Choice A is incorrect because it misinterprets 'a.c.' as 'after meals,' a common error when technicians misread abbreviations or numerals. To help students master these skills, practice recognizing and accurately interpreting common Sig codes, pay attention to context clues within prescriptions, and verify any unclear abbreviations with standard references. Regular training on frequently used abbreviations and numeral interpretations can enhance accuracy and prevent errors.
- A prescription reads: "Lisinopril 10 mg tab, Sig: i-ii tabs p.o. q.d.". What is the maximum number of milligrams the patient could take per day?
Answer: 20 mg
The sig "i-ii tabs" instructs the patient to take one to two tablets. To find the maximum daily dose, you use the highest number in the range, which is two tablets. Since each tablet has a strength of 10 mg, the maximum daily dose is 2 tablets × 10 mg/tablet = 20 mg.
- At an outpatient pharmacy, an eRx lists: Nitrofurantoin 100 mg cap, Sig: i cap p.o. b.i.d. x 5 days; Phenazopyridine 200 mg tab, Sig: i tab p.o. t.i.d. x 2 days; Acetaminophen, Sig: ii tabs p.o. q6h prn. Which of the following best represents the frequency of administration for t.i.d.?
Answer: Three times daily
This question tests the ability to interpret Sig codes, Roman numerals, and prescription abbreviations, crucial skills for pharmacy technicians in order entry and processing. Sig codes and Roman numerals are standard notations used to denote dosage, frequency, and administration instructions. For example, 'b.i.d.' means 'twice a day,' and 'ii' indicates 'two tablets.' In this specific scenario, the prescription provided includes the Sig code 't.i.d.,' which requires understanding its precise meaning for accurate medication dispensing. Choice B is correct because it accurately interprets 't.i.d.' as 'three times daily,' ensuring the correct dosage and administration. Choice A is incorrect because it misinterprets 't.i.d.' as 'twice daily,' a common error when technicians misread abbreviations or numerals. To help students master these skills, practice recognizing and accurately interpreting common Sig codes, pay attention to context clues within prescriptions, and verify any unclear abbreviations with standard references. Regular training on frequently used abbreviations and numeral interpretations can enhance accuracy and prevent errors.
- A prescription sig reads "Take i tab po b.i.d.". How should the patient be instructed to take this medication?
Answer: Take one tablet by mouth twice daily.
The abbreviation "b.i.d." comes from the Latin phrase "bis in die," which translates to "twice a day." The term "po" means by mouth, and "i tab" means one tablet. Therefore, the instruction is to take one tablet by mouth twice daily.
- A prescription for ibuprofen reads "Take 400 mg p.o. q4-6h p.r.n. pain". What does "p.r.n." indicate?
Answer: Take only when needed for pain.
The abbreviation "p.r.n." comes from the Latin phrase "pro re nata," which means "as needed." In this context, the medication should be taken every 4 to 6 hours only as needed to manage pain, not on a fixed schedule.
- The sig for a medication is "Take caps i p.o. t.i.d. x V days". For how many days should the patient take this medication?
Answer: 5 days
In this sig, "x V days" indicates the duration of therapy. "V" is the Roman numeral for the number 5. Therefore, the patient should take the medication for 5 days.
- A prescription is written for ear drops with the sig "ii gtt a.s. q.i.d.". How should the pharmacy label read?
Answer: Instill two drops into the left ear four times a day.
Breaking down the sig: "ii" is the Roman numeral for two; "gtt" is the abbreviation for drops; "a.s." stands for "auris sinistra," which means left ear; and "q.i.d." stands for "quater in die," which means four times a day. Therefore, the instruction is to instill two drops into the left ear four times a day.
- The instructions for a medication are "Take i cap a.c.". When should the patient take the medication?
Answer: Before meals
The abbreviation "a.c." comes from the Latin phrase "ante cibum," which means "before meals." The abbreviation for after meals is "p.c." (post cibum), for at bedtime is "h.s." (hora somni), and for with meals is "c" (cum).
- A pharmacy technician must clarify a handwritten prescription where the sig could be either "p.o." or "p.r.". This clarification is critical because the abbreviations specify different:
Answer: routes of administration.
The abbreviation "p.o." stands for "per os," meaning by mouth, while "p.r." stands for "per rectum," meaning rectally. These are two completely different routes of administration. Confusing them would be a serious medication error, so clarification is essential.
- At a community pharmacy, an eRx reads: Clindamycin 300 mg cap, Sig: i cap p.o. q.i.d. x 7 days; Saccharomyces probiotic, Sig: i cap p.o. b.i.d.; Acetaminophen, Sig: ii tabs p.o. q6h prn. Based on the prescription, how should p.o. be administered?
Answer: By mouth
This question tests the ability to interpret Sig codes, Roman numerals, and prescription abbreviations, crucial skills for pharmacy technicians in order entry and processing. Sig codes and Roman numerals are standard notations used to denote dosage, frequency, and administration instructions. For example, 'b.i.d.' means 'twice a day,' and 'ii' indicates 'two tablets.' In this specific scenario, the prescription provided includes the Sig code 'p.o.,' which requires understanding its precise meaning for accurate medication dispensing. Choice A is correct because it accurately interprets 'p.o.' as 'by mouth,' ensuring the correct dosage and administration. Choice B is incorrect because it misinterprets 'p.o.' as 'in the eye,' a common error when technicians misread abbreviations or numerals. To help students master these skills, practice recognizing and accurately interpreting common Sig codes, pay attention to context clues within prescriptions, and verify any unclear abbreviations with standard references. Regular training on frequently used abbreviations and numeral interpretations can enhance accuracy and prevent errors.
- The sig for a medication is "ii tsp p.o. t.i.d.". The medication bottle is labeled as an "oral susp". What does "susp" stand for?
Answer: Suspension
"Susp" is the standard medical abbreviation for suspension. An oral suspension is a liquid dosage form containing fine drug particles distributed uniformly throughout a vehicle, which often requires shaking before administration.
- A pharmacist asks a technician to prepare a prescription for amoxicillin with the quantity written as "caps #XC". How many capsules should be dispensed?
Answer: 90
In Roman numerals, X represents 10 and C represents 100. When a smaller numeral (X) is placed before a larger numeral (C), it is subtracted from the larger one. Therefore, XC is calculated as 100 - 10 = 90.
- A patient is instructed to take a medication with the sig "Take i tab p.o. b.i.d. c food". What does the abbreviation "c" mean?
Answer: with
The abbreviation "c" with a bar over it (often written as just 'c' in typed text) comes from the Latin word "cum," which means "with." The abbreviation for "without" is "s".
- A prescription for a topical cream has the sig "Apply to affected area q.d. u.d.". What does "u.d." mean in this context?
Answer: As directed
The abbreviation "u.d." or "ut dict." comes from the Latin phrase "ut dictum," which means "as directed." It indicates that the prescriber has given the patient specific instructions on how to use the medication.
- In an outpatient clinic pharmacy, a handwritten Rx lists: Cephalexin 500 mg cap, Sig: i cap p.o. q6h x 5 days; Mupirocin ointment, Sig: apply t.i.d.; Diphenhydramine 25 mg, Sig: i cap p.o. h.s. prn itching. Which of the following best represents the frequency of administration for q6h?
Answer: Every 6 hours
This question tests the ability to interpret Sig codes, Roman numerals, and prescription abbreviations, crucial skills for pharmacy technicians in order entry and processing. Sig codes and Roman numerals are standard notations used to denote dosage, frequency, and administration instructions. For example, 'b.i.d.' means 'twice a day,' and 'ii' indicates 'two tablets.' In this specific scenario, the prescription provided includes the Sig code 'q6h,' which requires understanding its precise meaning for accurate medication dispensing. Choice A is correct because it accurately interprets 'q6h' as 'every 6 hours,' ensuring the correct dosage and administration. Choice B is incorrect because it misinterprets 'q6h' as 'every 8 hours,' a common error when technicians misread abbreviations or numerals. To help students master these skills, practice recognizing and accurately interpreting common Sig codes, pay attention to context clues within prescriptions, and verify any unclear abbreviations with standard references. Regular training on frequently used abbreviations and numeral interpretations can enhance accuracy and prevent errors.
- A prescription calls for dispensing "doxycycline 100 mg caps #L". How many capsules should be provided to the patient?
Answer: 50
In the Roman numeral system, the letter "L" represents the number 50. Therefore, the prescription calls for a quantity of 50 capsules.
