Which abbreviation means "as needed"?
HS
PRN
PO
MAR
The Correct Answer is B
A. HS.: HS stands for “at bedtime” or “hour of sleep.” It is used when a medication is to be administered once daily in the evening or before sleeping, not on an as-needed basis.
B. PRN.: PRN means “as needed” and is derived from the Latin phrase pro re nata. It indicates that a medication should be given only when necessary, such as for pain, nausea, or anxiety, based on the patient’s condition and nursing assessment.
C. PO.: PO stands for “by mouth” or “orally.” It refers to the route of medication administration, not the frequency or timing of dosing.
D. MAR.: MAR stands for “Medication Administration Record,” which is the document or electronic chart used by healthcare providers to record and verify medication administration times, doses, and routes.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Defer the calculation process to the physician.: It is the nurse’s professional responsibility to calculate and verify medication dosages before administration. Deferring this task to the physician compromises accountability.
B. Call the pharmacy to provide the appropriate calculations.: While pharmacists can assist with complex dosing, the nurse should independently perform and verify dosage calculations. Relying solely on the pharmacy removes a critical safety check within the medication administration process.
C. Consult a current drug book to confirm the new dosage.: Referring to a drug reference is an excellent step for verifying safe dosage ranges and medication information but does not replace the need for independent dose calculation verification.
D. Have another licensed nurse confirm the calculation.: The best way to minimize error is to double-check the dosage with another licensed nurse. Independent verification ensures accuracy, particularly for high-risk medications such as insulin, heparin, and opioids, enhancing overall medication safety.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. 0.5 mL.: This transcription is correct because it uses a leading zero before the decimal point and omits any trailing zeros. This format prevents misreading the dose as 5 mL and follows safe medication documentation standards recommended by The Joint Commission.
B. .5 mL.: Writing a dose without a leading zero increases the risk of a tenfold dosing error. The decimal point could be easily overlooked, leading to the administration of 5 mL instead of 0.5 mL, which may cause serious harm.
C. 5.0 mL.: Including a trailing zero after a whole number is unsafe because it can be misread as 50 mL. This error could result in administering an excessive dose and must be avoided in all medication documentation.
D. 0.50 mL.: Although the leading zero is correct, the trailing zero after the decimal is unnecessary and unsafe. It increases the potential for misinterpretation and dosing errors, making this format noncompliant with medication safety guidelines.
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