Final answer:
Proper use of metric abbreviations for medication dosages is crucial, with "L" for liters and avoiding obsolete or ambiguous abbreviations. Clarity is achieved by writing out full names before using abbreviations, to prevent dangerous dosage errors.
Step-by-step explanation:
When describing medication dosages, certain metric abbreviations should be used properly to avoid confusion and ensure patient safety. For volume, the base unit "liter" is correctly abbreviated as "L", not as "l" or the number "1". Therefore, the correct way to write 3.5 milliliters is 3.5 mL. It is also crucial to avoid ambiguous or obsolete abbreviations that might lead to misinterpretation. For example, "U" for units can be mistaken for "0", and "IU" for international units can be confused with "IV" (intravenous), which can result in administration errors. Moreover, writing out the full name of the measurement initially followed by the abbreviation in parentheses is a standard practice for clarity.
Ensuring the correct format for units and prefixes is essential not only in chemistry but also in medical prescriptions. Without proper units, medication dosages may be misunderstood, leading to ineffective treatment or even life-threatening situations. Thus, both a number and a unit must always accompany medication dosages.