Nursing Assistant Abbreviations Practice Quiz

PRN stands for Pro Re Nata, which means 'as needed.' This is a common abbreviation used to indicate that a medication should be given only when required.

NPO stands for 'nil per os,' meaning nothing by mouth. This instruction is important for patients who must not ingest any food or fluids temporarily.

BID stands for 'bis in die,' which means twice a day. This abbreviation is widely used to indicate the frequency of medication administration.

AC is an abbreviation for 'ante cibum,' which means before meals. This helps in scheduling medications at optimal times relative to food intake.

IM stands for intramuscular, indicating that an injection should be administered into a muscle. This route is chosen for its rapid absorption compared to subcutaneous methods.

q.d. comes from the Latin 'quaque die,' meaning once per day. This abbreviation is used to instruct routine daily dosing.

TID stands for 'ter in die,' which means three times a day. This is a common dosing frequency for many medications.

PO is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase 'per os,' meaning by mouth. It indicates that a medication should be taken orally.

STAT is derived from the Latin word 'statim,' meaning immediately. This instruction is used to convey urgency in patient care.

q 4h means every 4 hours. This abbreviation ensures that medications are given at regular intervals, which is important for maintaining therapeutic levels.

HS stands for 'hora somni,' which translates to 'at bedtime.' This is used to schedule medications for nighttime administration.

DRE stands for Digital Rectal Exam, a procedure used to assess the lower rectum and prostate. Accurate documentation of such exams is essential in nursing records.

ADL stands for Activities of Daily Living, which includes routine activities people typically perform daily. This concept is essential for assessing a patient's functional status.

SOB is an abbreviation for 'shortness of breath,' indicating respiratory difficulty. Recognizing this term is crucial for prompt patient assessment and intervention.

NPO stands for 'nil per os,' meaning nothing by mouth. This is a common instruction prior to surgeries or certain tests to ensure patient safety.

The abbreviation 'q6h' means every 6 hours, and 'PRN' means as needed. This order instructs that the medication be given at 6-hour intervals if the patient experiences pain.

The abbreviation 'q8h' stands for every 8 hours. This clearly indicates that the IV fluids should be administered at eight-hour intervals.

The abbreviation 'PO' means the medication is taken by mouth, and 'PRN' means it should be given as needed. Together, they instruct the nurse to give the antiemetic only when the patient reports nausea.

I&O stands for Intake and Output, a key measure in assessing a patient's fluid balance and overall hydration status. Accurate monitoring is vital for detecting imbalances that may affect the patient's recovery.

'c/o' is the standard abbreviation for 'complains of.' It is used in patient charts to indicate that the patient is reporting a symptom, in this case, a headache.