Pharmacology · patient case question
On a prescription, the directions to the PHARMACIST stating the dosage form and the quantity to dispense are the:
Patient case: The business of the practice
Patient: Practice and population-level scenarios
Chief Complaint: Not applicable.
Background: A prescription is being written for prophylaxis. The practice insurance portfolio is under review. Rising floodwater is entering the building. A crown is being placed in a better material than quoted, at no extra charge. A patient irradiated for a head and neck cancer ten years ago requests an extraction and refuses radiographs. The local council is consulting on water fluoridation. A published cohort study is being appraised.
Findings: Not applicable.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Subscription
- A. The SUPERSCRIPTION is the patient's identifying information — name, address, age and date — together with the Rx symbol at the head of the prescription.
- B. The TRANSCRIPTION, or SIGNA (Sig.), is the direction to the PATIENT, which the pharmacist transfers onto the label — for example ‘Take 4 tablets (2000 mg) 30 to 60 minutes before the dental appointment’.
- C. CORRECT. The SUBSCRIPTION is the ‘Disp.’ line — the instruction to the pharmacist naming the dosage form and how much to dispense, for example ‘Disp. four (4) tablets’.
- D. The INSCRIPTION is the drug itself and its strength, for example ‘Amoxicillin 500 mg tablets’. It is the core of the prescription.
Note: Two further elements are required for validity: the SIGNATURE of the prescriber, without which the prescription is not valid, and the number of refills. Also indicate whether generic substitution is permissible. A DEA number is required only for CONTROLLED substances and should never be pre-printed on the prescription pad, since a stolen pad then becomes a usable one.