1-3.
INTERPRETATION OF ORDERS FOR DRUGS
Prescribers use abbreviations extensively in writing orders for drugs. The
enlisted soldier must be able to read such orders accurately. Examples of some orders
for drugs and the interpretations are given below.
a. Example 1.
Order:
Tab ii stat, then tab i bid
Interpretation:
2 tablets at once, then 1 tablet twice a day.
b. Example 2.
Order:
Tsp i pc & hs
Interpretation:
1 teaspoonful after meals and at bedtime.
c. Example 3.
Order:
2 ml IM stat & q12h
Interpretation:
2 ml intramuscularly at once and every 12 hours.
d. Example 4.
Order:
Tab iv stat, then tab ii q4h
Interpretation:
4 tablets at once, then 2 tablets every 4 hours.
Section II. RATIO AND PROPORTION
1-4.
BASIC MATHEMATICS
For a review of basic mathematics, you can enroll in Subcourse MD0900, Basic
Mathematics, or Subcourse MED904, Pharmacology Math for the Practical Nurse.
Subcourse MD0900 covers fundamental operations and practical problems in fractions,
mixed numbers, decimals, percents, ratios, proportions, and square roots. Subcourse
and math required for pharmaceutical calculations.
1-5.
IMPORTANCE OF RATIO AND PROPORTION
The principles of ratio and proportion are tools with which the student can solve
many, if not all, dosage calculations. A firm understanding of these basics will enable
the student to deal with later sections in which common dose problems are solved by
applying simple ratio and proportion techniques.
MD0913
1-7