a + c set d

What does NKDA mean?

No known drug allergies

What does DOB mean?

Date of birth

What do y, d, and mo/mos mean?

y = years; d = days (write out days); mo/mos = months

What is the difference between dx and sx?

dx = diagnosis; sx = symptoms

What are the pediatric developmental age ranges?

Neonatal = birth–27 days; Infancy = 28 days–12 months; Toddler = 13 months–2 years; Early childhood = 2–5 years; Middle childhood = 6–11 years; Early adolescence = 12–18 years

What does Rx mean?

Prescription

What does Disp. mean?

Dispense; specifies the amount to give the patient

What does Disp. #20 mean?

Dispense 20 tablets or capsules

What does Sig (Signa) mean?

Write on the label; instructions telling the patient how to take the medication

What does DAW mean?

Dispense as written; brand-name medication instead of generic

What does NS mean, and what is its concentration?

Normal saline = 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl)

What do D5W, D10, and D50 mean?

D5W = 5% dextrose in water; D10 = 10% dextrose in water; D50 = 50% dextrose in water

What do D2.5 and D70 mean?

2.5% and 70% dextrose in water, respectively

What does SWFI mean?

Sterile water for injection; used to prepare medications, not administered directly by itself

What does VTBI mean?

Volume to be infused; IV pump volume

What do the dosage-form abbreviations mean?

cap = capsule; tab = tablet; oint/ung = ointment; soln = solution; susp = suspension; supp = suppository; DPI = dry powder inhaler; MDI = metered dose inhaler

What does ung come from?

Unguentum, meaning ointment

Which medications may have doses expressed in units instead of mg or mcg?

Insulin, penicillin, and heparin

What does u mean, and why should it NEVER be used?

Units; it can be mistaken for zero and cause an overdose. Always write units.

What does insulin 100 units/mL mean?

Each 1 mL contains 100 units of insulin

How is military time written?

24-hour clock without AM/PM or a colon

How do you convert PM times to military time?

Add 12 to the hour, except for 12 PM

What are common military time conversions?

12 AM = 0000; 6 AM = 0600; 9 AM = 0900; 12 PM = 1200; 1 PM = 1300; 3 PM = 1500; 6 PM = 1800; 9 PM = 2100; 11 PM = 2300

What does NPO after 2100 mean?

Nothing by mouth after 9 PM

Why is "T" not recommended as an abbreviation for tablets?

T is a keystroke shortcut for tablet, but "tab" is the recommended abbreviation.

What is the difference between midnight and noon in military time?

Midnight = 0000; noon = 1200.