Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment
If a patient is receiving medication intravenously, which abbreviation might be used?
IM
IV
gtt.
sig.
The correct answer is: IV
The abbreviation that is commonly used for medications administered intravenously is "IV." This abbreviation stands for "intravenous," which refers specifically to the delivery method where medication is injected directly into the bloodstream via a vein. This route allows for rapid onset of action, making it particularly useful in acute medical situations or for patients who are unable to take medications orally. The other abbreviations serve different purposes and refer to other routes or elements in medication administration. "IM," for example, stands for "intramuscular," indicating a route of administration into a muscle rather than directly into the bloodstream. "gtt." is short for "drops," which is often used in relation to eye drops or liquid medications administered in drop form, potentially through other routes. "sig." is an abbreviation used in prescriptions to indicate directions for use or the specific instructions on how the medication should be taken by the patient. Understanding these abbreviations is crucial for safe and effective medication administration.