PSA Prescription Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the Latin abbreviation 'sig' on a prescription indicate?
- The drug's generic name
- The prescriber's signature block
- Directions for the patient (Correct answer)
- The dispensing quantity
Correct 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.
Question 2: A prescription reads 'amoxicillin 500 mg p.o. t.i.d. x 10 days.' What does 'p.o.' indicate?
- By rectum
- By mouth (Correct answer)
- By injection
- By topical application
Correct answer: By mouth
'P.o.' stands for 'per os,' the Latin phrase meaning 'by mouth,' indicating the oral route of administration.
Question 3: Which of the following is NOT legally required on a valid outpatient prescription in the US?
- Prescriber's DEA number for all prescriptions (Correct answer)
- Patient's full name
- Date the prescription was written
- Drug name and strength
Correct answer: Prescriber's DEA number for all prescriptions
A DEA number is only required on prescriptions for controlled substances, not on all outpatient prescriptions.
Question 4: What does the abbreviation 'a.c.' mean on a prescription?
- After meals
- Before meals (Correct answer)
- At bedtime
- Every morning
Correct answer: Before meals
'A.c.' stands for 'ante cibum,' Latin for 'before meals,' indicating the medication should be taken prior to eating.
Question 5: A prescription for metformin 1000 mg b.i.d. instructs the patient to take the drug how many times per day?
- Once
- Twice (Correct answer)
- Three times
- Four times
Correct 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.
Question 6: Which piece of information on a prescription protects the patient against dispensing errors at the pharmacy?
- Prescriber's NPI number
- The indication (diagnosis) for the drug
- Drug name, strength, dosage form, and quantity (Correct answer)
- Insurance policy number
Correct 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.
Question 7: The abbreviation 'p.r.n.' on a prescription means the medication should be taken:
- By rectal route
- As needed (Correct answer)
- Before noon
- Per renal function
Correct 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.
PSA Prescription Writing 2
What does the Latin abbreviation 'sig' on a prescription indicate?