Добавил:
Sekretar
kiopkiopkiop18@yandex.ru
t.me/Prokururor I Вовсе не секретарь, но почту проверяю
Опубликованный материал нарушает ваши авторские права? Сообщите нам.
Вуз:
Предмет:
Файл:Ординатура / Хирургия / Библиотека им академика М.И. Перельмана / Книга_5519_Библиотеки_им_академика_М_И_Перельмана.pdf
Chapter 18 Assisting with Minor Ofce Surgery 421
8. What is the recommended storage time for sterile
packs?
a. 14 days
b. 21 days
c. 30 days
d. 45 days
e. 60 days
9. An instrument used for grasping is a:
a. forceps.
b. scalpel.
c. probe.
d. retractor.
e. director.
10. Which of the following is not considered one of
the main functions of surgical instruments?
a. Cutting
b. Dissecting
c. Grasping
d. Retracting
e. Removing
Reference
Health Care and Religious Beliefs, Loma Linda University
Health System, www.lomalindahealth.org
Pharmacology and Drug
19
Administration
Chapter Objectives
● List the different ways patients receive medications
from the physician.
● Identify the three different names associated with
most medications.
● Describe the Schedule of Controlled Substances and
provide an example of each.
● Explain how to monitor the ofce inventory of
controlled substances.
● Maintain medication records.
● Describe how to prepare a written prescription as
directed by a physician.
● Dene what is meant by local effect and systemic
effect for drug action.
● Discuss the four general processes involved in
pharmacokinetics.
● Describe the main factors that inuence a drug’s
effect on the body.
● List resources for nding out more about
medications.
● List safety guidelines to follow when administering
medications.
● Identify three measuring systems used for
medications.
● Explain how to calculate adult and child medication
doses.
● Apply pharmacology principles to prepare and
administer oral and parenteral medications,
excluding IV administration.
● List the different types of injections, their
appropriate needle lengths, and their sites of
administration.
● Explain what to do in the case of a medication error.
● List the seven rights to check for reducing the risk of
medication errors.
CAAHEP & ABHES Competencies
CAAHEP
● Prepare proper dosages of medication for
administration.
● Verify ordered doses/dosages prior to
administration.
● Select proper sites for administering parenteral
medication.
● Administer oral medications.
● Administer parenteral (excluding IV) medications.
● Demonstrate knowledge of basic math computations.
● Apply mathematical computations to solve
equations.
● Identify measurement systems.
● Dene basic units of measurement in metric,
apothecary, and household systems.
● Convert among measurement systems.
● Identify both abbreviations and symbols used in
calculating medication dosages.
Chapter 19 Pharmacology and Drug Administration 423
ABHES
● Identify drug classication, usual dose, side effects,
and contraindications of the top most commonly
used medications.
● Demonstrate accurate occupational math and metric
conversions for proper medication administration.
● Identify parts of prescriptions.
Chapter Terms
Allergy
Ampule
Anaphylaxis
Antagonism
Diluent
Generic
Inhalation
Inscription
Instillation
Interaction
Abbreviations
BNDD
BSA
DEA
FDA
ID
IM
IV
NKA
NPO
● Identify appropriate abbreviations that are accepted
in prescription writing.
● Comply with legal aspects of creating prescriptions,
including federal and state laws.
● Properly utilize Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR),
drug handbook, and other drug references to
identify a drug’s classication, usual dosage, usual
side effects, and contraindications.
Parenteral
Pharmacokinetics
Potentiation
Sublingual
OTC
PDR
PO
Rx
Subscription
Synergism
Transdermal
Vial
SC
SQ
STAT
TB
Case Study
Mr. William Stevens and his wife, Betty, are retired
senior citizens who are new patients of the clinic.
Marjorie Adams, medical assistant, is completing
the patient health history form for William, and
when she questions him about any medications
he is taking, he states that his wife brought their
“bag” of pills. The medical assistant, Ms. Adams,
Pharmacology is the study of drugs, their actions, dosages, and side effects. A drug is a chemical substance that
affects how the body functions. Many drugs are used as
medications. Medications are legal drugs that are used to
treat illness according to established medical guidelines.
C
O
G
Patients receive medications in different ways. Medications
may be:
PHARMACOLOGY AND
THE MEDICAL ASSISTANT
will go through each container of medication to
determine which drugs each of them is currently
taking. In addition to the prescribed medication,
it is important to nd out what over-the-counter
drugs and preparations are also used. The drugs
will be documented in the patient chart for review
by the physician.
Administered—The medication is given to the patient
r
in the ofce by an allied health professional or given
by self or family member at home.
Dispensed—The medication is supplied to the patient
r
in the ofce for later use or given by a pharmacist at
a pharmacy.
Case Question
A
F
F
Why is it important to ask the patient
about over-the-counter drugs that he
may be taking?
424 Section IV Clinical Medical Assistant Skills
Prescribed—A written order given to the patient and
r
taken to a pharmacist to be lled.
As a clinical medical assistant, you may be responsible for administering medications under the physician’s
supervision. You also may need to educate patients
on how to use different kinds of medications that are
dispensed or prescribed. It’s important that you know
different types of medications, their uses, and their
potential abuses. For each medication, you’ll need to be
familiar with:
The range of dosages
r
The methods of administration
r
Any adverse, or unwanted, effects
r
Types of Medications
There are two general types of medications—over-thecounter (OTC) and prescription-only.
Over-the-counter medications are usually available
r
in pharmacies and supermarkets without any restrictions. Some drugs may be released as over-the- counter
medications at a lower strength, while a higher level
of the drug requires a prescription. This can be confusing for patients, so you need to stay aware of the
latest information about drug releases.
Prescription-only medications must be prescribed
r
or ordered by a physician, physician’s assistant, or
nurse practitioner. The prescription is a written order
to the pharmacist. A physician, physician’s assistant,
or nurse practitioner must sign the prescription, or it
cannot be lled.
Cultural Connection
The Name Game
Most over-the-counter and prescription medications
have three different names.
Chemical name—The rst name given to any medica-
r
tion identifying the chemical components of the drug.
This name is used mainly by the researchers and will
not be used in the medical ofce.
Generic name—The name assigned to the drug dur-
r
ing research and development. It refers to the chemical ingredients that make up the drug. Generic drug
names are usually made up of combinations of root
words, prexes, and sufxes that describe a certain
type of drug or part of the body. Medical professionals often use the generic name in the medical ofce.
Trade name—The name given the drug when it is
r
ready for commercial use and distribution by the
manufacturer. It’s also known as the brand name. The
trade name is registered by the U.S. Patent Ofce.
After it is registered, the trademark symbol (™) must
follow the name.
After the patent on a medication expires, other companies may manufacture generic versions and give them
their own trade names.
Table 19-1 provides some basic information on common drugs, how they are classied, and their uses. The
table includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
It also provides their generic names and, in some cases,
common trade names.
Sources of Drugs
Drugs come from many natural sources, such as plants,
minerals, and animals. They also may be synthetic
or prepared in the laboratory by articial means. See
Table19-2 for a list of common drugs and their sources.
When physicians order medications for patients,
assumptions are made that the patient will
accept the prescription and take the medication
as ordered. Specic cultures may have a different
view regarding the dosages and oral medications
prescribed. For example, in the Asian culture, some
patients may adjust the dosage and not take the
full prescribed dose believing that the medicines
are overly potent. This might be due to the fact that
many Asians tend to be smaller in stature than the
typical Westerner. These patients might also totally
discontinue taking a medication when their symptoms have subsided. Many treatment plans require
the patient to take all prescribed medication even
though they may start feeling better. For example,
antibiotics are prescribed for a specic number of
days or doses. A patient needs to be told to take the
entire course of antibiotic, typically 5 to 10 days.
Legal Regulations
Federal laws and rules protect consumers by regulating the production, prescription, and dispensation of
medications. Two government agencies in particular are
involved with controlling drugs and their use.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—Established to
r
regulate the manufacture and sale of drugs and food
products. It ensures that the ingredients listed on the
labels are accurate and that the drugs are safe to use.
Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)—A branch of the
r
Department of Justice. Some drugs may result in
dependency or abuse. These drugs are classied as
controlled substances. Its mission is to control the
use of all drugs listed as controlled substances by the
Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD).
The DEA sends out information about changes in
laws and procedures. Make sure your ofce is on the
DEA mailing list.
Chapter 19 Pharmacology and Drug Administration 425
Table 19-1
Therapeutic Classication Effect, Action, Uses Common Examples
Adrenergic blocking
agents
Adrenergic agents Mimic activity of sympathetic nervous
Analgesics Relieve pain Aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), codeine
Antacids Neutralize or reduce stomach acidity Magnesia (milk of magnesia); calcium
Anthelmintics Kill parasitic worms Piperazine citrate, mebendazole (Vermox)
Antianginal agents Promote vasodilation Nitroglycerin, diltiazem hydrochloride
Antianxiety agents Act on brain to relieve symptoms of anxiety Alprazolam (Xanax); lorazepam (Ativan);
Antiarrhythmics Reduce or prevent irregular cardiac
Antibiotics Interfere with growth of or destroy
Anticoagulants and
thrombolytics
Anticonvulsants Reduce excitability of brain Phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin);
Antidepressants Prevent or reduce symptoms of psycho-
Antidiarrheals Decrease intestinal peristalsis
Antiemetic agents Prevent nausea and/or vomiting Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine); prometha-
Antifungals Destroy or slow the growth of fungi Ketoconazole (Nizoral): miconazole nitrate
Antihistamines Counteract effects of histamine on organs
Antihypertensives Increase size of arteries Methyldopate hydrochloride (Aldomet);
Anti-inammatory agents Reduce irritation and swelling of tissues Aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin); naproxen
Antilipemic agents Reduce serum cholesterol Zocor; Lopid; Zetia
Antineoplastic agents Slow tumor growth Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
Antipsychotics Exact mechanism not understood; used
Antipyretics Decrease body temperature Aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Antitussives, mucolytics,
expectorants
Antivirals Inhibit viral replication Acyclovir (Zovirax), AZT
Bronchodilators Dilate bronchi (air passages leading from
Common Drugs and Their Uses
Affect alpha or beta receptors of adrenergic nerves
system (the part of the nervous system
over which a person has no conscious
control)
rhythms
microorganisms
Prevent or dissolve blood clots Heparin sodium, Coumadin, streptokinase
logical depression
(contractions)
and structures
to treat psychoses (mental state involving
distorted perceptions of reality)
Relieve cough, loosen respiratory secretions, aid removal of thick secretions
trachea to lungs)
Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor); propranolol
hydrochloride (Inderal); Hytrin; Coreg
Epinephrine (adrenaline); ephedrine
sulfate
carbonate (Tums)
(Cardizem)
chlordiazepoxide (Librium); diazepam
(Valium)
Procainamide hydrochloride (Pronestyl);
esmolol (Brevibloc); lidocaine; amiodarone
Penicillin, lop cefaclor, tetracycline; erythromycin; Levaquin
(Streptase); Lovenox; Plavix
Depakote; Neurontin
Amitriptyline hydrochloride (Elavil); uoxetine hydrochloride (Prozac); Paxil; Zoloft;
Wellbutrin
Loperamide hydrochloride (Imodium A-D);
Lomotil
zine hydrochloride (Phenergan); Zofran
(Monistat 3 or 7); Flagyl
Chlorpheniramine maleate (Chlor-Trimeton);
diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl);
loratadine (Allegra, Alavert)
prazosin (Minipress)
(Naprosyn)
chlorpromazine (Thorazine); haloperidol
(Haldol)
Codeine sulfate; dextromethorphan
hydrobromide (Benylin); guaifenesin
(Entex)
Albuterol sulfate (Ventolin), Alupent
(continued )
426 Section IV Clinical Medical Assistant Skills
Table 19-1
Therapeutic Classication Effect, Action, Uses Common Examples
Cardiotonics Increase force of myocardium (heart
Cholinergic blockers Affect autonomic nervous system (the
Cholinergics Mimic activity of parasympathetic nervous
Decongestants Reduce swelling of nasal passages Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (Sudafed)
Diuretics Increase secretion of urine by kidneys Furosemide (Lasix); chlorothiazide (Diuril)
Emetics Promote vomiting Ipecacuanha (Ipecac syrup)
Histamine H
Hormones, female Prevent symptoms of menopause Estradiol (Estraderm, Premarin); medroxy-
Hormones, male Therapy for testosterone deciency Androgen (Testamone)
Immunological agents Simulate immune response to protect
Insulin, oral hypoglycemics Control diabetes NPH, ultralente insulin; tolbutamide
Sedatives, hypnotics Sedatives relax and calm; hypnotics
Stimulants Increase activity of central nervous system Doxapram hydrochloride (Dopram),
Thyroid, antithyroid agents Alter amount of thyroid hormone produced Levothyroxine sodium (T4) (Levothroid)
Common Drugs and Their Uses
muscle)
part of the nervous system that regulates
automatic functions such as blood ow,
digestion, and temperature)
system (the part of the nervous system that
regulates automatic functions to conserve
body energy, e.g., by slowing heart rate)
antagonists Inhibit action of histamine at H2 receptor
2
cells of stomach
against disease
induce sleep
(continued )
Digoxin (Lanoxin), Primacor
Atropine sulfate, scopolamine
hydrobromide
Neostigmine (Prostigmin); pilocarpine
hydrochloride
Cimetidine (Tagamet); ranitidine (Zantac);
famotidine (Pepcid)
progesterone acetate (Provera)
Vaccines against pneumococcus, inuenza
virus; diphtheria and tetanus toxoid
(Orinase); glipizide (Glucotrol)
Butabarbital sodium, Restoril
amphetamine sulfate
Table 19-2
Source Drug Use
Plants Cinchona bark
Minerals Magnesium
Animal
proteins
Synthetics Demerol
Semisynthetics Escherichia coli bacteria,
Common Drugs and Their Sources
Quinidine
Purple foxglove
Opium poppy
Silver
Gold Solganal Arthritis treatment
Pork, beef pancreas
Pork, beef stomach acids
Animal thyroid glands
altered DNA molecules
Digitalis
Paregoric
Morphine
Codeine
Milk of Magnesia
Silver nitrate
Insulin
Pepsin
Thyroid, USP
Lomotil
Gantrisin
Humulin
Antiarrhythmic
Cardiotonic
Antidiarrheal
Analgesic
Antitussive, analgesic
Antacid, laxative
Placed in eyes of newborns to kill Neisseria
gonorrhoeae, a bacteria that causes
gonorrhea
Antidiabetic hormone
Digestive hormone
Hypothyroidism
Analgesic
Antidiarrheal
Sulfonamide
Antidiabetic hormone
Chapter 19 Pharmacology and Drug Administration 427
The Pure Food and Drug Act
The rst federal law regulating medicine was the Pure
Food and Drug Act. Here’s a timeline of important milestones in the history of this law.
The Pure Food and Drug Act was passed in 1906.
r
In 1938, it was strengthened to require that a drug’s
r
safety be proved before being distributed to the public.
In 1952, the Durham-Humphrey Amendment banned
r
many drugs from being dispensed without a prescription.
The Kefauver-Harris Amendment of 1962 required
r
that prescription and nonprescription medications
both be tested for their effectiveness before they are
released for sale.
The Controlled Substances Act
In 1970, the Controlled Substances Act was passed to
regulate the manufacture and distribution of dangerous
drugs. This act requires that anyone who manufactures,
prescribes, administers, or dispenses controlled substances register with the US government.
When a physician or practitioner registers, a number
is issued to the physician called a DEA number. This registration limits which drugs that physician or practitioner can handle. The DEA number is active for 3 years.
It also must be updated if the ofce moves or opens
another location. It’s the physician or nurse practitioner’s
responsibility, not the DEA’s, to make sure the registration is kept up to date. As a medical assistant, you may
be responsible for maintaining or reminding the physician or practitioner about registration with the DEA.
Controlled Substances in the Medical Ofce
The DEA is responsible for revising the list of drugs
in the Schedule of Controlled Substances. Table 19-3
describes each of the ve categories of controlled drugs.
All the substances on the list have a potential for abuse
and dependency. Drug dependence, also referred to as
addiction, can be physical, psychological, or both.
Physical dependence—Patients with a physical depen-
r
dence on a drug will have mild to severe physiological
symptoms. Symptoms gradually become more intense
as the drug is stopped.
Psychological dependence—Patients with a psycho-
r
logical dependence on a drug have developed a need
for the feeling brought on by the drug.
Monitoring Inventory
A medical ofce must order controlled substances from
Schedule II using a federal order form (DEA Form
222). One copy of the form is led with the DEA by
the supplier. In most states, controlled substances from
Schedule II may be ordered through the drug supplier
for your ofce. Orders of substances from Schedules III
to V don’t require the form. However, the physician or
practitioner’s DEA number is still required.
When controlled substances are received in the medical ofce, the delivery receipt should be signed by two
ofce employees. Each controlled substance is then
tracked on a special inventory form. The receipts and
inventory forms must be kept for 2 years. They also
must be available for inspection by DEA ofcials.
Table 19-3
Schedule Description Examples
I Highest potential for abuse; no accepted medicinal use in the
II High potential for abuse; accepted medicinal use in United
III Limited potential for psychological or physiological depen-
IV Lower potential for psychological or physiological dependence
V Lower potential for abuse than those in Schedules I to IV Buprenorphine (Buprenex), codeine in
Schedule of Controlled Substances
United States; no accepted safety standards, although some
are used in carefully controlled research projects
States but with severe restrictions. Abuse can lead to psychological or physiological dependence. Requires written prescription; prescription cannot be relled or called in to pharmacy
by medical ofce. Only in extreme emergencies may physician
call in prescription; handwritten prescription must be presented
to pharmacist within 72 h.
dence. Prescription may be called in to pharmacy by physician
and relled up to ve times in 6 months.
than those in Schedules II and III. Prescription may be called
into pharmacy by medical ofce employee; may be relled up
to ve times in 6 months.
Opium, marijuana, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), peyote, mescaline
Morphine, codeine, cocaine, secobarbital (Seconal), amphetamines,
hydromorphone (Dilaudid), methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Paregoric, acetaminophen (Tylenol)
with codeine, Fiorinal
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam
(Valium), propoxyphene (Darvon),
phenobarbital
cough preparations
428 Section IV Clinical Medical Assistant Skills
Controlled substances are kept in a safe or secure
locked box. The number of people with keys or access
should be limited. Careful records must be kept of how
and when controlled substances leave the inventory.
Controlled substances leave the inventory when they are
Administered
r
Dispensed
r
Disposed of as waste
r
When a controlled substance is administered or dispensed, you need to record the following information:
Drug name
r
Name of the patient who received the drug
r
Dose given
r
Date the drug was given
r
Name of the physician who ordered the drug
r
Name of the employee who handled the procedure
r
Federal law requires that every 2 years, the inventory
of controlled substances must be reviewed and checked.
The amount of each drug on hand is compared to the
amounts ordered and the amounts dispensed to patients.
Many facilities also inventory their controlled substances
whenever a different staff member assumes responsibility for the locked cabinet’s key. Other facilities account
for their controlled substances at the end of each day.
If controlled substances are lost or stolen, notify local
police immediately. It’s the law.
Disposing of Controlled Substances
Sometimes, the physician may ask you to dispose of outdated medications or samples. You must follow federal,
state, and local regulations when disposing of controlled
substances. DEA Form 41 Registrants Inventory of
Drugs Surrendered is completed in quadruplicate, and
signed by the physician.
The information required for this form is similar to the
information required for dispensing controlled substances.
After completing the form, two copies are sent to the nearest DEA ofce. You’ll then be notied about how to dispose
of the drugs. Disposal methods may include incineration or
shipping drugs to the DEA ofce by registered mail. Once
the controlled substances are disposed of, the DEA will
issue the physician a receipt. This receipt should be kept
with the inventory records for controlled substances.
Prescribing Controlled Substances
In some cases, controlled substances are prescribed,
not administered in the ofce. Some states require only
that the prescription details be recorded in the patient’s
chart. Other states require that a separate le be kept
in the medical ofce for copies of prescriptions for controlled substances.
Some states require the use of special prescription
forms for controlled substances. They can be locked
up until they are needed. The physician’s DEA number
should not be imprinted on this form so the physician
will add it as it is signed.
Illegal Drug Use
If you suspect that a physician or any health care professional is diverting controlled substances illegally, it’s
your legal and ethical duty to report your suspicions.
Gather and document evidence to back up your sus-
r
picions. You’ll need to present this evidence and the
reasons for your suspicions when you report them to
the proper authorities.
In most instances, you’ll be allowed to remain
r
anonymous.
In most cases, you should contact the local police.
r
If a physician is involved, you’ll need to report the
r
evidence to the DEA and the American Medical
Association (AMA) as well.
If the suspected health care worker is not a physi-
r
cian or nurse practitioner, report the evidence to your
supervisor.
Most states have programs to help health care professionals get help to deal with addiction or dependency
issues.
Electronic Prescribing
Electronic prescribing is a way for the physician or
health care provider to send a prescription directly to
the pharmacy electronically. This is a safe way of prescribing drugs. The patient does not have to wait for the
pharmacy to ll the prescription. An electronic prescription is easier for the pharmacist to read and ll. There is
also less chance for an error in the prescription.
Prescriptions in the Ofce
The physician or nurse practitioner may ask you to ll
out a prescription form for his or her signature. When
you write a prescription, you must follow established
guidelines. This includes using a traditional prescription
form. There are several important pieces of information
you must ll in on the form:
Date—Prescriptions must be lled within 6 months of
r
the date they are issued.
Patient’s name and address—The pharmacist needs
r
this information to ll the prescription.
Inscription—Located below or beside the symbol Rx,
r
you write the name of the medication, the desired
form (e.g., liquid, tablet, capsule), and the strength
(e.g., 250 mg, 500 ml).
Subscription—This information tells the pharmacist
r
how much of the drug to dispense. This could be the
total number of tablets. For a liquid, it could be the
total amount of the drug in milliliters.
Chapter 19 Pharmacology and Drug Administration 429
Patient: Age:
Address:
Date:
Superscription
Inscription
Subscription
Signature
Signature—This section is not where the physician
r
R
x
Generic OK
Refill: None, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Copy 1 of 2 DEA #
signs. It refers to the instructions for patients about
taking the medication (e.g., with meals, three times a
day, four times a day). Sometimes, this section is used
for the abbreviation Sig.
Rells—The number of times a prescription can be
r
relled is indicated on the prescription. This is generally no more than ve or six times within 6 months.
If no rells are desired, the word “none” should be
circled, or 0 should be written in.
Physician’s signature—The physician must sign the
r
prescription. The physician is responsible for all prescriptions written in his or her ofce.
Generic—Some physicians and insurance companies
r
allow generic substitutes for some medications. This
is noted on the prescription whether generic substitutions can be made. If the physician does not want a
M.D.
Figure 19-1 Prescription form. (Reprinted from
Kronenberger J, Ledbetter J. Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins’ Comprehensive Medical Assisting.
5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2016.)
medication substituted with a generic version, write
DAW on the prescription, dispense as written.
DEA number—The physician’s Drug Enforcement
r
Administration (DEA) registration number should
appear on every prescription as a way to track the
delivery of controlled substances.
Figure 19-1 is an example of a traditional handwritten prescription. Electronic medical record software provides a printout of a prescription the physician orders.
The symbol Rx is always found at the top left of
the prescription pad. It’s called the superscription and
means recipe, or “take thou.”
All prescription medications must be documented in
the patient’s medical record. Figure 19-2 is an example
of written documentation of a prescription as it would
appear in the patient’s record.
DATE TIME ORDERS
Figure 19-2 Documentation of a
prescribed medication in the patient’s
medical record. (Reprinted from
Kronenberger J, Ledbetter J. Lippincott
Williams & Wilkins’ Comprehensive
Medical Assisting. 5thed. Philadelphia,
PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2016.)
430 Section IV Clinical Medical Assistant Skills
If electronic record is used, the same information
will be documented. Electronic software programs
may vary; however, documented information is the
same. This includes prescriptions that are called in
or faxed to the pharmacist. The patient’s chart is a
legal document and may be called into court in the
event of legal action. If the medication order isn’t
recorded, it will be presumed that the medication was
never ordered. When prescribing, administering, or
documenting patient prescriptions, you need to use
appropriate medical terminology and abbreviations.
Table 19-4 lists common medical abbreviations used
in pharmacology.
Prescriptions by Phone
Sometimes, the physician may ask you to phone a prescription order to a patient’s pharmacy. It may be a new
Table 19-4
Abbreviation Meaning
Common Medical Abbreviations
prescription order or a renewal. You’ll need to provide
the pharmacist with information that is similar to the
information on the written prescription. This includes
the following:
Patient’s name and address
r
Prescription information
r
Name of the prescribing physician
r
Number of rells
r
You can’t phone in a prescription for a controlled
substance. In an urgent situation, the physician may do
so. The amount of the controlled substance must be limited to what is needed for the situation. A written prescription must be sent to the pharmacist within 72 hours
to follow up the phone call.
As a medical assistant, you also may need to deal with
requests for prescription renewals that are phoned into
the ofce from pharmacies and patients. These requests
Abbreviation Meaning
aa of each
amp ampule
amt amount
aq aqueous
bid twice a day
c
cap capsule
g, gm gram
gr grain
gt(t) drop(s)
h, hr hour
Id, ID intradermal
IM intramuscular (into muscle)
IV intravenous
kg kilogram
L, l liter
lb pound
m, min minim
mcg, μg microgram
mEq milliequivalent
ml, mL milliliter
n normal
NaCl sodium chloride
NKA no known allergies
noc night
NPO nothing by mouth
NS
with
normal saline
os mouth
oz ounce
p after
pc after meals
pm, PM afternoon or evening
po, PO by mouth
qt quart
R right, rectal
Rx take, prescribe
s
Sig label
SL sublingual
sol solution
SOS once if necessary
sp spirits
ss one-half
stat, STAT immediately
supp suppository
syr syrup
tab tablet
T, tb, tbs, tbsp tablespoon
t, tsp teaspoon
tid three times a day
tinc tincture (a solution of a substance
ung ointment
without
in alcohol)