Question

All of the following are on the "Do Not Use" list of abbreviations except:

a) U for unit
b) The trailing zero
c) QD for once daily
d) Zero before the decimal point

Answer 1

The exception on the 'Do Not Use' list for abbreviations in medical contexts is 'd) Zero before the decimal point', as it adds clarity to dosages.

Step-by-step explanation:

The item on the "Do Not Use" list of abbreviations that is an exception is d) Zero before the decimal point. This abbreviation is actually recommended for use in medical contexts to prevent misreading dosages. For example, for clarity, 0.5 mg is preferred over .5 mg to ensure the dosage is understood to be less than one milligram and not mistaken for 5 mg.

In contrast, the other options listed are considered potentially harmful if misinterpreted. For instance, 'U' for unit can easily be mistaken for a zero, potentially leading to a tenfold overdose. Similarly, 'QD' for once daily can be confused with 'QID' which means four times daily. The trailing zero after a decimal point can also lead to overdosing by a factor of ten if misread.