Dietetic Technician Practice Test

Which of the following is not an approved abbreviation by JCAHO?

1. mg for milligram

2. ml for milliliter

3. Q.D for every day or daily

4. IV for intravenous

The correct answer is: Q.D for every day or daily

The abbreviation "Q.D." for "every day" or "daily" is not approved by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). This is because the usage of "Q.D." can lead to confusion, particularly with similar abbreviations such as "QID" (four times a day) or "QD" (for "once daily"), which can result in misinterpretation and medication errors. The Joint Commission emphasizes the importance of clear and unambiguous communication in healthcare settings to ensure patient safety. In contrast, the other abbreviations listed are widely accepted and utilized in medical practice. For instance, "mg" for milligram, "ml" for milliliter, and "IV" for intravenous are all clear and standardized terms that do not possess a similar risk of misinterpretation, making them appropriate for use in clinical documentation and communication. This distinction highlights the Joint Commission's focus on minimizing potential errors in patient care through the regulation of abbreviations.