Question

which of the following abbreviations should a pharmacy technician recognize as error-prone?

qhs
ac
subcut
po

Explanation:

Analyze the question and options

Using the Error-Prone Abbreviations and ISMP Guidelines knowledge points

• The question asks to identify which abbreviation is recognized as error-prone.
• The options are:
• qhs (every night at bedtime)
• ac (before meals)
• Subcut (subcutaneous)
• po (by mouth)

Evaluate each abbreviation against safety standards

Using the Error-Prone Abbreviations and ISMP Guidelines knowledge points

• qhs: The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) lists qhs as error-prone because it can be mistaken for qhr (every hour) or qd (daily). ISMP recommends writing out "nightly" or "at bedtime."
• ac: Standard abbreviation for "before meals," not on the primary ISMP list of high-risk error-prone abbreviations.
• Subcut: While "SC" or "SQ" are highly error-prone, "Subcut" or "subcutaneously" is the recommended safe alternative to avoid confusion.
• po: Standard abbreviation for "by mouth," widely accepted and not classified as error-prone.

Answer:

• (A) qhs (Correct answer)
• (B) ac
• (C) Subcut
• (D) po