As the population ages, chronic diseases become more prevalent and doctors will usually prescribe medications to improve the quality of life for the patient. Medications have now become an essential component of modern healthcare, and nursing practice.
While the nurse rarely prescribes medications, they spend a considerable amount of time administering them to their patients.
I’ve compiled this list of common medications terms nurses may encounter during their practice. Remember, it is always important to understand the abbreviations of your clinical setting, and always consult a physician or pharmacist if you have any doubts.
It is important to abide by the six rights of medication administration;
Right Medication
Right Dose
Right Route
Right Patient
Right Time
Right to refuse.
Medication Abbreviations
Administration Times
mane | Morning |
note | Night/evening |
PRN | Administered as required |
QiD | 4 times daily |
BiD | Twice Daily |
TiD | Three Times Daily |
QH | Every Hour |
QD | Every Day |
Q1h | Every 1 Hour |
Q2h | Every 2 Hours |
Q3h | Every 3 Hours |
Q4h | Every 4 Hours |
Q6h | Every 6 Hours |
Q8h | Every 8 Hours |
STAT | Administer immediately. |
Routes
PO | Per Oral - Administered orally. |
PR | Per Rectum - Administered as a suppository. |
PV | Per Vagina - Administered vaginally |
SL | Sublingual - Administered under the tongue. |
TO | Topical - Applied to affected area by cream |
IV | Intravenous - Injected into the venous blood. |
IM | Intramuscular - Injected into the muscle |
SC | Subcutaneous - Injected under the skin. |
NEB | Nebuliser - Drug is aerosolised to be inhaled. |
Other Medication Abbreviations
SR | Sustained release |
SUSP | Suspension |
IVP | Intravenous Push |
IVPB | Intravenous Piggyback |
NG | Nasogastric |
Cap | Capsule |
Tab | Tablet |
VO | Verbal Order |
TO | Telephone order |
SYR | Syrup |