Final PT216 Ch. 4: Prescription Orders & Medication Safety

Prescription

A written or oral direction for medication to be dispensed to a patient in a noninstitutional setting.

Medication order

A prescription issued and dispensed in an institutional setting (hospital).

Prescriber

A licensed practitioner authorized to write prescriptions.

Patient name

Identifies who the medication is for.

Date

Indicates when the prescription was written.

Drug name

Name of the medication prescribed.

Strength

Amount of drug per dose.

Dosage form

Physical form of the drug (tablet, capsule, solution).

Quantity

Total amount to be dispensed.

Directions (Sig)

Instructions for patient use.

Prescriber signature

Legal authorization for the prescription.

Right patient

Verify correct patient using at least two identifiers.

Right drug

Ensure correct medication is dispensed.

Right strength

Verify correct drug strength.

Right dosage form

Ensure correct formulation is used.

Right route

Ensure correct route of administration.

Right time

Ensure medication is taken at the correct time.

Right documentation

Accurate recordkeeping of medication administration.

Medication error

Any preventable event that may cause inappropriate medication use or patient harm.

Lead zero

Zero placed before a decimal; do not use when writing medication doses to prevent errors.

Trailing zero

Zero placed after a decimal (5.0 mg) — should be avoided.

Dose safety rule

Do not use lead zeros or trailing zeros when writing medication doses.

Oral (PO)

Drug taken by mouth.

Sublingual (SL)

Drug placed under the tongue.

Topical

Drug applied to the skin.

Transdermal

Drug absorbed through the skin via patch.

Intravenous (IV)

Drug administered directly into a vein.

Intramuscular (IM)

Drug injected into muscle.

Subcutaneous (SubQ)

Drug injected under the skin.

Ophthalmic

Drug administered to the eye.

Otic

Drug administered to the ear.

Pediatric patients

Children; dosing often based on body weight.

Geriatric patients

Older adults; increased risk of adverse drug reactions.

Polypharmacy

Use of multiple medications simultaneously.

Beers Criteria

List of medications potentially inappropriate for older adults.

Allergy

Hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system.

Allergen

Substance that causes an allergic reaction.

Histamine

Chemical released during allergic reactions.

Anaphylaxis

Severe, life-threatening allergic reaction.

Epinephrine auto-injector

Emergency treatment for anaphylaxis.

Medication adherence

Taking medications as prescribed.

Nonadherence

Failure to take medication correctly.

Role of pharmacy technician

Provide written instructions and refer counseling to pharmacist.

Medication counseling

Must be performed by a pharmacist, not a technician.

PTCB

Organization that certifies pharmacy technicians.

Certification

Credential earned by passing a national exam.

State registration

Requirement to practice as a pharmacy technician in some states.