Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) Practice Exam

Which abbreviation is included on The Joint Commission's "Do Not Use List"?

1. qd

2. prn

3. ac

4. mg

The correct answer is: qd

The abbreviation included on The Joint Commission's "Do Not Use List" is "qd," which stands for "quaque die" or "once daily." The reason this abbreviation is discouraged is due to the potential for misinterpretation, particularly with the letters "q" and "d" being confused with similar-looking symbols, which can lead to medication errors. For instance, "qd" could be mistaken for "q.i.d." (four times daily) or "qod" (every other day), leading to significant patient safety concerns. In contrast, the other abbreviations like "prn" (as needed), "ac" (before meals), and "mg" (milligrams) are considered safer for use and do not typically lead to the same level of confusion. The Joint Commission emphasizes the importance of clarity in medical communication to minimize errors and promote patient safety. Using clearer alternatives helps ensure that healthcare providers can accurately understand and convey medication orders without ambiguity.