Error-prone abbreviations

PTCB PTCE
Order Entry and Processing
Select all that apply
Difficulty 3 of 5

Question

Which entries should a pharmacy technician flag as error-prone abbreviations when reviewing an order? Select all that apply.

qd✓ Correct

Open RN lists qd among abbreviations to avoid.
qod✓ Correct

Open RN identifies qod as an abbreviation to avoid.
subq✓ Correct

Open RN includes subq on its list of examples to avoid.
mL✗ Incorrect

mL is a standard metric abbreviation and is recommended for liquid prescription labels.
mcg✗ Incorrect

FDA identifies mcg as an appropriate microgram abbreviation.

Answer

A. qd · B. qod · C. subq

Rationale

Open RN identifies qd, qod, and subq as examples of abbreviations to avoid. In contrast, mL and mcg have recognized uses as unit abbreviations.

RememberFlag qd, qod, and subq for review.

Sources

Sources marked “Adapted from” are licensed under CC BY 4.0. We changed the material: its facts are rewritten into an original question, answer options and rationale. The original authors and publishers do not endorse SwipeExam.

Adapted from Open RN Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition: Chapter 2 Legal/Ethical Open RN (Chippewa Valley Technical College) · License: CC BY 4.0 · Retrieved November 2, 2026 · Institute for Safe Medication Practices › Error-Prone Abbreviations · 2nd edition, 2023
Standardize the Dosing Designations on Prescription Container Labels U.S. Food and Drug Administration · License: US government work (public domain) · Retrieved November 2, 2026 · Page 1
Safety Considerations for U.S. Food and Drug Administration · License: US government work (public domain) · Retrieved November 4, 2026 · Page 13

Last verified: November 5, 2026 2 independent automated checks Question ptcb-oep-00199, version 1

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