Which of the following abbreviations is used to indicate 'after meals'?

Appeared in: DSSSB 12 August 2024

Explanation

The abbreviation 'p.c.' stands for the Latin phrase post cibum.
The literal translation of post cibum is 'after meals'.
This instruction is used in prescriptions to guide patients on when to take their medication relative to eating.
Taking certain medications after meals can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea or stomach upset, or improve the drug's absorption.

Option A: The abbreviation 'a.m.' stands for ante meridiem, which is Latin for 'before noon'. It refers to the time of day (morning) and not the timing of medication in relation to meals.
Option B: The abbreviation 'a.c.' stands for ante cibum, which is Latin for 'before meals'. This is the direct opposite of the correct answer.
Option D: The abbreviation 'p.m.' stands for post meridiem, which is Latin for 'after noon'. It refers to the time of day (afternoon/evening) and not the timing of medication in relation to meals.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Medical Abbreviations for Medication Timing as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate interpretation of medication abbreviations is a cornerstone of safe nursing practice and is essential for upholding the 'Right Time' of the Nine Rights of Medication Administration.
Misinterpreting 'a.c.' and 'p.c.' can lead to significant medication errors, affecting drug efficacy and patient safety. For example, giving an NSAID before a meal could increase gastric irritation, while giving a medication meant for an empty stomach after a meal could hinder its absorption.
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) maintains a list of error-prone abbreviations that should be avoided. Nurses should advocate for and adhere to institutional policies that promote writing out full instructions to minimize ambiguity.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the key phrase in the question: 'after meals'.
Recognize that this is a factual recall question testing knowledge of standard medical abbreviations derived from Latin.
Analyze the options by breaking them down based on common Latin prefixes: 'a' often stands for 'ante' (before), and 'p' often stands for 'post' (after).
The letter 'c' is a clue for 'cibum' (meal), while 'm' is a clue for 'meridiem' (midday).
Combine the prefixes: 'p.c.' logically translates to 'post cibum' or 'after meal'.
Confirm this by eliminating the other options: 'a.c.' means before meals, and 'a.m.'/'p.m.' refer to time of day, not meals.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e pp. 1791-1793, 1790-1792

Practise the full DSSSB 12 August 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.