CMT - Certified Medication Technician Medical Abbreviations and Terminology Questions and Answers

Question 1

A resident's Medication Administration Record (MAR) has an order for a medication to be given 'q.i.d.'. How should the Certified Medication Technician interpret this abbreviation?

Accepted Answer

Four times a day

Answer

The Latin abbreviation 'q.i.d.' (quater in die) translates to 'four times a day'. It is a standard medical abbreviation for medication frequency. 'Every other day' is q.o.d., 'every four hours' is q4h, and 'once daily at bedtime' is hs.

Question 2

A physician's order states to administer a medication 'a.c.'. When should this medication be given to the resident?

Accepted Answer

Before meals

Answer

The abbreviation 'a.c.' stands for the Latin term 'ante cibum', which means 'before meals'. Medications given a.c. are typically those that should be taken on an empty stomach for better absorption or to have an effect before food is ingested.

Question 3

A resident is prescribed eye drops with the instruction '2 gtt O.D. q12h'. Which of the following correctly describes the administration of this medication?

Accepted Answer

Instill 2 drops in the right eye every 12 hours.

Answer

In medical abbreviations, 'gtt' means drops, 'O.D.' (oculus dexter) means right eye, and 'q12h' means every 12 hours. Therefore, the instruction is to instill 2 drops in the right eye every 12 hours. 'O.S.' (oculus sinister) would indicate the left eye, and 'O.U.' (oculus uterque) would indicate both eyes.

Question 4

A CMT is reviewing a new order for a resident that reads 'Furosemide 20 mg PO b.i.d.'. What does the abbreviation 'PO' indicate?

Accepted Answer

By mouth

Answer

The abbreviation 'PO' comes from the Latin term 'per os', which means 'by mouth' or orally. This is the most common route for medication administration. 'PRN' means as needed, 'PR' means by rectum, and 'SL' means sublingual or under the tongue.

Question 5

A resident has a skin condition and is prescribed a topical cream. The order indicates the cream should be applied 'aa'. What does this abbreviation mean?

Accepted Answer

Of each

Answer

The abbreviation 'aa' comes from the Latin term 'ana', which means 'of each'. In the context of a topical cream, it often implies applying it to each affected area. While 'apply to affected area' is sometimes abbreviated 'AAA', 'aa' itself means 'of each'.

(CMT) Certified Medication Technician Practice Test

(CMT) Certified Medication Technician Practice Test

CMT - Certified Medication Technician Medical Abbreviations and Terminology Questions and Answers