Instructions say P.O. q 4 h prn pain. Can you rewrite in English?

Prescriptions – Chapter 5

Prescriptions Prescriptions are written orders from a practitioner for the preparation and administration of a medicine or a device. Community pharmacist’s dispense directly to the patient and the patient is expected to administer the medication according to the pharmacist’s directions In institutional settings, nursing staff generally administer medication to patients.

The Prescription Process page 76-77 A prescription is written by the prescriber The written prescription is presented at the pharmacy Prescription information is checked Patient and prescription data is entered into the system Prescription is processed

The Prescription Process Label is generated Prescription is prepared Prescription is checked Patient receives the prescription Pharmacist provides counseling

Pharmacy Abbreviations Abbreviations for many medical terms are regularly used in the pharmacy Review common abbreviations on pages 78 and 79

Rewrite these prescriptions. Hydrocodone 100mg po q4-6h prn pain Alphagen 0.1% gtts q8h ou

Prescription Information Elements of the prescription

Prescription Information Checklist Patient Name Patient data What is the medication? When was the Rx written? Is the drug available? Does the drug need compounding? Is the Rx suspicious in any way?

The Fill Process Once prescription information is finalized, a label and receipt is printed. The pharmacy tech completes the fill process by placing the correct amount of medication into an appropriate container and applies the label. The pharmacist then checks the final product and the label.

Avoiding errors If unsure about any prescription, ask the pharmacist for directions. Never dispense guesswork! Medication errors can be very serious. They include Giving the wrong medicine Giving the wrong strength Giving the medication to the wrong patient Giving medication on a forged or altered prescription

Labels Label gives information and directions for use.

Auxiliary Labels Provides additional information and warnings.

Label directions for use Directions should start with a verb and completely, clearly and accurately describe the administration of the medication. Indicate the route of administration. Use whole word, not abbreviations Use familiar words, especially in measurements.

Institutional Labels – Unit Dose Unit dose packaging is used in hospitals and other institutional settings.

Pharmacist/Pharmacy Tech Roles Make sure you are familiar with the roles of the pharmacist and pharmacy tech. See page 83 in your text book.

Bell work 3/2 Federal laws always take precedence over state laws in the practice of pharmacy. True or False Where did you find this in chapter 5?