Pharmacology and Medication Terminology Flashcards

A prescription says a medication should be taken 'PRN.' What does this mean?

Answer: As needed

PRN comes from the Latin 'pro re nata' and means 'as needed.' Rendering it as a fixed schedule could cause overdosing or underdosing.

A nurse explains that a drug will be given 'sublingually.' How is it administered?

Answer: Placed under the tongue to dissolve

'Sub' means under and 'lingual' refers to the tongue. Sublingual drugs, such as nitroglycerin, dissolve under the tongue and are absorbed quickly.

A physician prescribes an 'anticoagulant.' What is this medication's main purpose?

Answer: To reduce the blood's ability to clot

Anticoagulants (for example warfarin or apixaban) slow blood clotting. Patients on them must watch for bleeding, so accurate interpretation of related warnings is critical.

The pharmacist tells the patient to take an antibiotic 'q8h.' What schedule is being described?

Answer: Every 8 hours

'q' stands for 'quaque' (every), so q8h means every 8 hours, which is three evenly spaced doses in 24 hours. Mistranslating frequency is a common and dangerous medication error.

During discharge, the patient asks the interpreter which pharmacy brand of a medication is best. What is the most appropriate response?

Answer: Interpret the question to the provider or pharmacist rather than giving advice

Interpreters do not give medical or pharmaceutical advice. The right step is to interpret the patient's question so the qualified provider can answer it, which keeps the interpreter within their role.

A provider says a medication may cause 'contraindications' with another drug the patient takes. Which meaning should the interpreter convey?

Answer: A condition or factor that makes using a treatment inadvisable

A contraindication is a reason, such as a condition or another drug, why a treatment should not be used because it could cause harm. The interpreter has to convey this warning accurately.