Definition of prescription MCQs With Answer

Introduction: A prescription is a legal, written or electronic order from an authorized prescriber to a pharmacist, directing the compounding, dispensing, and labeling of a medicinal product with clear instructions for the patient. B. Pharm students must master the definition and structure of a prescription: superscription (℞), inscription (drug, strength, dosage form), subscription (compounding/quantity to dispense), and signa (directions to the patient). Key skills include interpreting abbreviations, ensuring prescriber and patient identifiers, applying “do-not-use” lists, safe decimal practices, Tall Man lettering, refill and substitution rules, and e-prescription authentication. These competencies improve patient safety, regulatory compliance, and interprofessional communication. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. What is the most accurate definition of a prescription?

• A label affixed to a dispensed medicine
• A verbal counseling session provided by a pharmacist
• A lawful written or electronic order from an authorized prescriber to a pharmacist specifying treatment and directions to the patient
• A drug monograph issued by a regulatory body

Correct Answer: A lawful written or electronic order from an authorized prescriber to a pharmacist specifying treatment and directions to the patient

Q2. In the traditional structure, what does the superscription of a prescription denote?

• Directions to the patient for use
• The symbol ℞ that begins the prescription (“recipe”)
• The list of drug ingredients with their strengths
• Instructions to the pharmacist on compounding

Correct Answer: The symbol ℞ that begins the prescription (“recipe”)

Q3. Which component of a prescription contains the drug name, strength, and dosage form?

• Superscription
• Inscription
• Subscription
• Signa

Correct Answer: Inscription

Q4. The subscription primarily includes which of the following?

• Patient counseling points
• Number of refills authorized
• Instructions to the pharmacist regarding compounding and quantity to dispense
• Prescriber’s diagnosis code

Correct Answer: Instructions to the pharmacist regarding compounding and quantity to dispense

Q5. What does the signa (Sig) represent in a prescription?

• The prescriber’s credentials
• Directions to the patient on how to take the medicine
• The quantity to be compounded
• The prescriber’s registration number

Correct Answer: Directions to the patient on how to take the medicine

Q6. The symbol ℞ on a prescription is derived from Latin and means:

• Write
• Take thou
• Mix
• Label

Correct Answer: Take thou

Q7. Which element is legally essential on most prescriptions?

• Prescriber’s signature (handwritten or authenticated digital signature)
• Patient’s insurance policy number
• Pharmacist’s license number
• Drug cost

Correct Answer: Prescriber’s signature (handwritten or authenticated digital signature)

Q8. Which notation follows safe decimal practices to prevent dosing errors?

• .5 mg and 1.0 mg
• 0.5 mg and 1 mg
• .50 mg and 1.0 mg
• 0.50 mg and 1.00 mg

Correct Answer: 0.5 mg and 1 mg

Q9. Which abbreviation is on the “Do Not Use” list due to risk of misinterpretation?

• mL
• mcg
• U (for units)
• mg

Correct Answer: U (for units)

Q10. The legend “Rx only” on a medicine indicates that it:

• Is available without a prescription
• Is for veterinary use only
• Is a prescription-only medication that requires a prescriber’s authorization
• Is an herbal supplement

Correct Answer: Is a prescription-only medication that requires a prescriber’s authorization

Q11. For pediatric prescriptions, which parameter is most critical for dose calculation?

• Body weight (kg)
• Body temperature (°C)
• Blood group
• Resting heart rate

Correct Answer: Body weight (kg)

Q12. What does “DAW” indicate when written on a prescription?

• Dispense after warning
• Dispense as written (no substitution)
• Deliver at ward
• Dose as warranted

Correct Answer: Dispense as written (no substitution)

Q13. A key advantage of e-prescriptions over handwritten prescriptions is:

• They eliminate the need for counseling
• They reduce errors due to illegible handwriting and enable decision support
• They remove the requirement for a prescriber’s signature
• They allow unlimited refills

Correct Answer: They reduce errors due to illegible handwriting and enable decision support

Q14. Which feature best authenticates an e-prescription for controlled medicines?

• Use of colored fonts
• Two-factor authenticated digital signature
• All caps text
• Inclusion of drug brand logo

Correct Answer: Two-factor authenticated digital signature

Q15. The “refill authorization” on a prescription communicates:

• The compounding instructions
• The number of times the medicine may be dispensed again without a new prescription
• The price cap for the medicine
• The patient’s copayment amount

Correct Answer: The number of times the medicine may be dispensed again without a new prescription

Q16. In prescription directions, the abbreviation “PRN” means:

• Before meals
• At bedtime
• As needed
• Every hour

Correct Answer: As needed

Q17. The abbreviation “q.i.d.” in a Sig most correctly means:

• Four times daily
• Every other day
• Once daily
• Every six hours as needed

Correct Answer: Four times daily

Q18. Which Sig is the most patient-friendly and clear?

• 1 tab po qid
• Take one tablet by mouth four times daily
• 1 t po 4x/d
• Tab 1 oral qid pc

Correct Answer: Take one tablet by mouth four times daily

Q19. In prescription terminology, “SL” indicates administration:

• Subcutaneous
• Sublingual
• Supra-labial
• Slow-release

Correct Answer: Sublingual

Q20. Which of the following is NOT typically required on a valid prescription?

• Prescriber’s signature
• Date of issuance
• Patient’s identifiers
• Pharmacist’s license number

Correct Answer: Pharmacist’s license number

Q21. Tall Man lettering (e.g., “hydrOXYzine” vs “hydrALAZINE”) is used to:

• Indicate brand-name drugs
• Highlight controlled substances
• Reduce look-alike/sound-alike medication errors
• Mark pediatric doses

Correct Answer: Reduce look-alike/sound-alike medication errors

Q22. Which of the following Sigs is complete and clear for labeling?

• 1 cap twice
• Take one capsule twice daily
• One twice daily for infection
• 1 cap by mouth after meals

Correct Answer: Take one capsule twice daily

Q23. Which notation is safest to express microgram doses in a prescription?

• µg
• mcg
• ug
• mg

Correct Answer: mcg

Q24. The Latin instruction “Misce, fiat unguentum” in the subscription directs the pharmacist to:

• Prepare a syrup
• Prepare an ointment
• Prepare a suppository
• Prepare a capsule

Correct Answer: Prepare an ointment

Q25. The reference that lists therapeutic equivalence codes (e.g., AB) to support generic substitution is the:

• Red Book (pricing)
• British Pharmacopoeia
• FDA Orange Book
• Martindale

Correct Answer: FDA Orange Book

Q26. Which is a common red flag suggesting a possibly forged prescription?

• Erasures or overwriting on the quantity
• Clear, typed e-prescription
• Valid patient ID presented
• Prescription dated today

Correct Answer: Erasures or overwriting on the quantity

Q27. Choose the correct traditional sequence of prescription parts:

• Inscription → Superscription → Signa → Subscription
• Superscription → Inscription → Subscription → Signa
• Signa → Subscription → Superscription → Inscription
• Subscription → Inscription → Signa → Superscription

Correct Answer: Superscription → Inscription → Subscription → Signa

Q28. The primary legal purpose of a prescription is to:

• Advertise a drug’s benefits
• Authorize the dispensing of a medication to a specific patient under a prescriber’s direction
• Replace the need for patient consent
• Document manufacturer quality

Correct Answer: Authorize the dispensing of a medication to a specific patient under a prescriber’s direction

Q29. Which component is primarily intended for the pharmacist rather than the patient?

• Signa
• Subscription
• Patient counseling notes
• Refill authorization

Correct Answer: Subscription

Q30. Which element in the Sig most helps ensure appropriate cessation of therapy?

• Brand preference
• Route of administration
• Duration of therapy
• Prescriber’s specialty

Correct Answer: Duration of therapy

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