Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

Which abbreviation should NOT be used due to potential confusion and error?

1. qod

2. po

3. hs

4. sol

The correct answer is: qod

The abbreviation "qod," which stands for "every other day," should not be used due to its potential for causing confusion and medication errors. The potential issue arises because when "qod" is misinterpreted or misread, it could be confused with "qid," which means "four times a day." Such a mix-up could lead to an incorrect dosing schedule for the patient, resulting in either underdosing or overdosing. Consequently, the use of "qod" is discouraged in clinical practice to enhance safety and clarity in medication prescribing and administration. In contrast, "po" (which means "by mouth"), "hs" (which can mean "at bedtime"), and "sol" (often used to indicate a solution) are generally considered less prone to misinterpretation, thus retaining their use in practice. However, it is always important to follow specific guidelines and best practices when communicating medication orders to minimize any risks associated with abbreviations.