5. According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), which of the following abbreviations is on their 'Do Not Use' list?
Answer: D
gtt for drop is on the 'Do Not Use' list according to ISMP.
The abbreviation "gtt," which stands for "drop," is included in the Institute for Safe Medication Practices' 'Do Not Use' list due to the potential for misinterpretation and medication errors.
A) U for units
The abbreviation "U" for units is also on the 'Do Not Use' list. It can be confused with the number "0" or "4," leading to significant dosing errors. Therefore, while it is on the list, it is not the correct answer to the specific question.
B) AD for right eye
"AD," which stands for "right eye" (from the Latin "auris dextra"), is not listed on the ISMP 'Do Not Use' list. However, it can be confused with "OD" (right eye) or "AS" (left ear), which may lead to errors, but it is not considered as critical as the correct answer.
C) AU for both eyes
Similarly, "AU" stands for "both eyes" and is not included in the ISMP 'Do Not Use' list. While it can be confused with "AD" or "OD," it is not categorized as a significant risk by ISMP compared to the correct answer.
D) gtt for drop
The abbreviation "gtt" for "drop" is explicitly listed on the 'Do Not Use' list by ISMP due to the potential for misinterpretation as "g" for gram or "cc" for cubic centimeter, which can lead to serious medication errors. This makes it critical to avoid using this abbreviation in clinical settings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "gtt" for drop is definitively the correct answer as it is on the ISMP 'Do Not Use' list, highlighting its potential for causing medication errors. Options A, B, and C have valid concerns but do not meet the criteria of being on the list, making them incorrect in this context.