What abbreviation is commonly used to indicate 'once a day' for medication dosing?

The abbreviation "qd" stands for "quaque die," which is a Latin phrase meaning "once a day." This is the standard notation used in medical practice to indicate that a medication should be administered once every day. It is vital for medication technicians to understand these abbreviations to ensure proper dosing and administration schedules for patients.

In the context of medication administration, clarity in communication is critical. Using "qd" helps to prevent misunderstandings regarding how often a medication should be given. In contrast, the other options represent different dosing schedules: "qod" means "every other day," "bid" indicates "twice a day," and "pc" refers to medications taken "after meals." Understanding these distinctions is important to ensure patient safety and effective treatment planning.