Final answer:
The Joint Commission has labeled several abbreviations as "Do Not Use," including U (unit), Q.D. (daily), and MS (morphine sulfate). Avoiding these abbreviations helps promote patient safety and prevent medication errors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Joint Commission, a nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations, has identified several abbreviations as "Do Not Use" to promote patient safety and prevent medication errors. Some of these abbreviations include:
- U (unit): Instead, write "unit," as there have been instances where it has been mistaken for a "0" or "4," resulting in dosage errors.
- Q.D., QD, q.d., or qd (daily): To avoid misinterpretation, write "daily." These abbreviations can be mistaken for "QID" (four times a day) or "QOD" (every other day).
- MS, MSO4, and MgSO4 (morphine sulfate and magnesium sulfate): Instead of using these abbreviations, write the full name of the medication to prevent confusion and errors.
By avoiding these "Do Not Use" abbreviations, healthcare professionals can enhance patient safety and ensure accurate communication in medical settings.