The nurse makes a medication error. The nurse manager determines the error was based on a common misinterpretation of which abbreviation?
1. IU
2. SQ
3. Q.O.D.
4. U
5. mcg
Correct Answer: 1,2,3,4
Rationale 1: This is the abbreviation for international unit but can be mistaken for IV or 10. The prescriber should write out "international unit."
Rationale 2: This is the abbreviation for subcutaneous but can be mistaken for 5q or 5 every. The prescriber should write out "subcutaneous."
Rationale 3: This is the abbreviation for every other day but can be mistaken for every day or four times a day. The prescriber should write out "every other day."
Rationale 4: This is the abbreviation for unit but can be mistaken for 4. The prescriber should write out "unit."
Rationale 5: This abbreviation for microgram is not commonly misinterpreted.
Global Rationale: IU is the abbreviation for international unit but can be mistaken for IV or 10. The prescriber should write out "international unit." SQ is the abbreviation for subcutaneous but can be mistaken for 5q or 5 every. The prescriber should write out "subcutaneous." Q.O.D. is the abbreviation for every other day but can be mistaken for every day or four times a day. The prescriber should write out "every other day." U is the abbreviation for unit but can be mistaken for 4. The prescriber should write out "unit." Mcg is abbreviation for microgram is not commonly misinterpreted.
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