77. According to the list of error-prone abbreviations maintained by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices ISMP q.o.d should be written out as:
Answer: D
Every other day
The abbreviation q.o.d should be written out as "every other day" to prevent potential misinterpretation and ensure clarity in medication instructions.
A) Right eye
This option is incorrect as "right eye" is commonly abbreviated as "OD" in medical terminology, which bears no relation to the abbreviation q.o.d. Therefore, it does not align with the intended meaning of the term.
B) Once a day
While "once a day" is a common dosing instruction, it is not the correct expansion for q.o.d. This option represents a different frequency of administration that does not match the definition of q.o.d.
C) Four × daily
This choice is incorrect because "four × daily" implies a dosing schedule of four times per day, which is not what q.o.d signifies. The abbreviation specifically denotes an every-other-day regimen, making this option irrelevant.
D) Every other day
This is the correct interpretation of the abbreviation q.o.d. It accurately reflects the dosing schedule intended by the abbreviation and aligns with the guidelines set by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices to reduce the risk of medication errors.
Conclusion
The correct answer is "every other day" because it directly corresponds to the definition of the abbreviation q.o.d, which is critical for safe medication administration. Other options misrepresent the intended meaning, emphasizing the importance of clarity in medical communication to prevent misunderstandings.