NBCMI Pharmacology and Medication Terminology

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

As needed

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Placed under the tongue to dissolve

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

To reduce the blood's ability to clot

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Every 8 hours

Answer

'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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

NBCMI - National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters Practice Test

NBCMI - National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters Practice Test

NBCMI Pharmacology and Medication Terminology