Prescription Writing Flashcards
7 cards from real PSA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Prescription Writing flashcards as text
What does the Latin abbreviation 'sig' on a prescription indicate?
Answer: Directions for the patient
'Sig' (signatura) means 'write' or 'label' and introduces the directions the pharmacist should place on the medication label for the patient.
A prescription reads 'amoxicillin 500 mg p.o. t.i.d. x 10 days.' What does 'p.o.' indicate?
Answer: By mouth
'P.o.' stands for 'per os,' the Latin phrase meaning 'by mouth,' indicating the oral route of administration.
Which of the following is NOT legally required on a valid outpatient prescription in the US?
Answer: Prescriber's DEA number for all prescriptions
A DEA number is only required on prescriptions for controlled substances, not on all outpatient prescriptions.
What does the abbreviation 'a.c.' mean on a prescription?
Answer: Before meals
'A.c.' stands for 'ante cibum,' Latin for 'before meals,' indicating the medication should be taken prior to eating.
A prescription for metformin 1000 mg b.i.d. instructs the patient to take the drug how many times per day?
Answer: Twice
'B.i.d.' stands for 'bis in die,' Latin for 'twice a day,' so the patient takes 1000 mg in the morning and 1000 mg in the evening.
Which piece of information on a prescription protects the patient against dispensing errors at the pharmacy?
Answer: Drug name, strength, dosage form, and quantity
Drug name, strength, dosage form (e.g., tablet, capsule), and quantity together allow the pharmacist to verify they are dispensing exactly what was intended.
The abbreviation 'p.r.n.' on a prescription means the medication should be taken:
Answer: As needed
'P.r.n.' stands for 'pro re nata,' meaning 'as needed,' and indicates the medication is taken only when required rather than on a scheduled basis.