Pharmacy Abbreviations Quiz | PTCB Exam Practice

Practice Pharmacy Abbreviations Quiz with our test. These abbreviations commonly appear on prescriptions and are key for the PTCB exam. Our online quiz helps you master the most frequently used pharmacy abbreviations.

How It Works: Match each abbreviation to its correct definition and improve your accuracy for real-world pharmacy practice and certification tests.

Pharmacy Abbreviations Quiz

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Question 1
What does the abbreviation "PO" stand for in a prescription?
A
As needed
B
By mouth
C
After meals
D
Twice daily
Question 1 Explanation: 
"PO" stands for the Latin phrase "per os," meaning "by mouth." It indicates that the medication should be taken orally.
Question 2
In pharmacy terminology, what does "qid" mean?
A
Four times a day
B
Once a day
C
Twice a day
D
Every other day
Question 2 Explanation: 
"qid" stands for "quater in die," meaning four times a day. It is commonly used to specify the frequency of medication administration.
Question 3
What does "hs" mean on a prescription label?
A
After meals
B
At bedtime
C
Before meals
D
As needed
Question 3 Explanation: 
"hs" stands for "hora somni," which translates to "at bedtime." It is often used for medications meant to be taken before sleep.
Question 4

What does the abbreviation "AC" indicate in medication orders?

A
As needed
B
Every hour
C
After meals
D
Before meals
Question 4 Explanation: 
"AC" stands for "ante cibum," meaning before meals. It helps specify the timing of medication relative to food intake.
Question 5
What does the abbreviation "STAT" signify in pharmacy orders?
A
Four times daily
B
Take with food
C
Immediately
D
As needed
Question 5 Explanation: 
"STAT" is derived from the Latin "statim," meaning immediately. It indicates that the medication should be administered as soon as possible.
Question 6
What is the meaning of "NPO" in a medical or pharmacy context?
A
Nothing by mouth
B
Every night
C
As needed
D
After meals
Question 6 Explanation: 
"NPO" stands for "nil per os," meaning nothing by mouth. It is a directive to withhold all oral intake of food or liquids.
Question 7
In pharmacy, what does "BID" stand for?
A
Once daily
B
Every two hours
C
Twice a day
D
Four times a day
Question 7 Explanation: 
"BID" stands for "bis in die," meaning twice a day. It is commonly seen in prescription instructions for medication timing.
Question 8
What does "gtt" represent in prescriptions?
A
Grams
B
Drops
C
Tablets
D
Milliliters
Question 8 Explanation: 
"gtt" stands for "gutta," which means drops. It is used to indicate liquid medications administered in drops, such as eye or ear drops.
Question 9
What does "PRN" mean on a prescription label?
A
After meals
B
At bedtime
C
Before meals
D
As needed
Question 9 Explanation: 
"PRN" stands for "pro re nata," meaning as needed. It allows the patient to take medication based on their symptoms rather than a fixed schedule.
Question 10
The abbreviation "IM" refers to which method of administration?
A
By mouth
B
Intravenous
C
Intramuscular
D
Subcutaneous
Question 10 Explanation: 
"IM" stands for intramuscular, which means injecting medication directly into a muscle. This allows for faster absorption than subcutaneous injection.
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