CMT Medical Abbreviations and Terminology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the abbreviation 'NPO' mean in a medication order?
- Nothing by mouth (Correct answer)
- No prescription ordered
- Notify physician only
- Normal pain observation
Correct answer: Nothing by mouth
NPO stands for 'nil per os,' a Latin phrase meaning nothing by mouth, indicating the patient should not eat or drink.
Question 2: A medication order reads 'gtt ii OS tid.' What does 'OS' indicate?
- Left eye (Correct answer)
- Right eye
- Both eyes
- Right ear
Correct answer: Left eye
OS (oculus sinister) is the Latin abbreviation for left eye.
Question 3: Which abbreviation indicates a medication should be given under the tongue?
- SL (Correct answer)
- SC
- SQ
- IV
Correct answer: SL
SL stands for sublingual, meaning under the tongue, a route used for rapid drug absorption.
Question 4: What does 'PRN' mean on a medication administration record?
- As needed (Correct answer)
- Before meals
- Every night
- Per registered nurse
Correct answer: As needed
PRN means 'pro re nata,' a Latin term meaning 'as needed,' indicating medication is given only when required.
Question 5: The abbreviation 'IM' on a medication order refers to which route of administration?
- Intramuscular (Correct answer)
- Intramedullary
- Intermittent
- Intramucosal
Correct answer: Intramuscular
IM stands for intramuscular, meaning the medication is injected directly into muscle tissue.
Question 6: What does 'STAT' mean when written on a medication order?
- Immediately (Correct answer)
- As scheduled
- Stop treatment
- Standard therapy
Correct answer: Immediately
STAT comes from the Latin 'statim,' meaning immediately, indicating the medication must be given right away.
Question 7: A physician writes 'cap i PO qhs.' What does 'qhs' indicate?
- Every night at bedtime (Correct answer)
- Every hour
- Four times daily
- Every other day
Correct answer: Every night at bedtime
QHS means 'quaque hora somni,' indicating the medication should be taken every night at bedtime.
CMT Medical Abbreviations and Terminology 2
What does the abbreviation 'NPO' mean in a medication order?