Which abbreviation meets the criteria for use by the Joint Commission?
A.
IV
B.
IU
C.
QD
D.
QOD
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: A. IV
Explanation:
The Joint Commission is an organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. It plays a crucial role in ensuring patient safety and quality care. One of the Joint Commission’s initiatives to improve patient safety is the “Do Not Use” list, which includes abbreviations that are frequently misinterpreted and can lead to medication errors and other patient safety issues.
Let’s examine each option:
- IV (Intravenous):
- The abbreviation “IV” stands for “intravenous,” a common medical term referring to the administration of substances directly into a vein. “IV” is widely recognized, clear, and not prone to misinterpretation. Therefore, the Joint Commission allows its use.
- IU (International Unit):
- The abbreviation “IU” can be easily confused with “IV” (intravenous) or the number “10,” leading to dangerous dosing errors. For example, a prescription for “10 IU” could be misread as “10 IV” or “10 10,” resulting in a tenfold overdose. Due to this high risk of misinterpretation, the Joint Commission includes “IU” on its “Do Not Use” list.
- QD (once daily):
- “QD” stands for “quaque die,” which means “once daily” in Latin. However, “QD” can be mistaken for “QID” (four times a day) or “OD” (right eye), leading to serious medication errors. Therefore, the Joint Commission has placed “QD” on the “Do Not Use” list.
- QOD (every other day):
- “QOD” stands for “every other day,” but it can be confused with “QD” (once daily) or “QID” (four times a day). This confusion can lead to incorrect dosing schedules, potentially resulting in harm to the patient. As such, “QOD” is also on the Joint Commission’s “Do Not Use” list.
In summary, the Joint Commission prohibits the use of abbreviations like “IU,” “QD,” and “QOD” due to their potential for causing dangerous errors. However, “IV” is permitted as it is a clear, universally understood abbreviation that does not pose a significant risk of misinterpretation.