Pharmacy Abbreviations Quiz
Questions: 16 · 10 minutes
1. Which dosage form is represented by “ung” in traditional pharmacy shorthand?
Solution
Ointment
Suppository
Capsule
2. An order says to give a medication “q8h.” Which schedule matches that instruction?
Every eight hours
Once each morning for eight days
At 8:00 each evening
Eight times per day
3. What does “PRN” indicate on a medication order?
Before meals
As needed
At bedtime
Immediately
4. What does “STAT” mean when used on a medication order?
At the usual scheduled time
When symptoms occur
Before the patient leaves
Immediately
5. Eye-drop directions state “Instill 2 gtt.” What does “gtt” represent?
Drops
Grams
Tablets
Teaspoonfuls
6. A liquid medication is labeled “Take 5 mL BID.” How often is it intended to be taken?
Twice daily
Once daily
Three times daily
Every two hours
7. In a medication instruction, what does “PO” mean?
By inhalation
On the skin
Into a vein
By mouth
8. A label says “Apply top to affected area.” What does “top” indicate?
Apply it topically to the body surface
Place it under the tongue
Take the medicine by mouth
Inject it beneath the skin
9. A prescription says to take a dose “ac.” When is the dose intended to be taken?
With water only
After meals
Between scheduled doses
Before meals
10. A patient is told to take a medicine “pc.” What timing does this abbreviation indicate?
Before meals
During a meal
After meals
On an empty stomach
11. A vaccine order specifies the route “IM.” Which route is intended?
Under the tongue
Into a vein
Into a muscle
Into the skin surface
12. A patient is marked “NPO” before a procedure. What does this mean?
No prescription opioids
No physical activity
Nothing by mouth
Only oral medication
13. A direction reads “Place 1 tablet SL.” Where should the tablet be placed?
Against the skin
Between the cheek and gum
On top of the tongue and swallowed
Under the tongue
14. In dispensing notation, what does “disp” most directly mean?
Discontinue the medication
Dissolve the medication
Dispense the stated medication or quantity
Discuss the order with the patient
15. A medication is ordered by the “IV” route. How is it administered?
Into a muscle
Into a vein
By mouth
Through the nose
16. A tablet prescription includes “#30.” What does this notation ordinarily specify?
The medicine should be taken for 30 days
The quantity to dispense is 30 tablets
The prescription permits 30 refills
The tablet contains 30 milligrams