Medical Abbreviations and Prescription Basics

What you’ll be able to do

• Read common chart abbreviations for complaint, history, vital signs, tests and plans
• Name the parts of a prescription and read a sig such as 1 cap po tid x 7 d
• Recognize route, frequency and dosage-form shorthand including po, IM, bid, prn and stat
• Identify the dangerous abbreviations on the ISMP Canada Do Not Use list and the safer way to write them
• Use read-back and a five-step routine to handle refill requests and pharmacy calls
• Know when to stop, ask and pass a question to a nurse or prescriber

Curriculum