What is the meaning of the abbreviation 'PO' in prescriptions?

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Multiple Choice

What is the meaning of the abbreviation 'PO' in prescriptions?

PO means by mouth. It comes from the Latin per os, exactly indicating that the medication should be taken orally and swallowed. This route is used for tablets, capsules, or liquids that are designed to be absorbed through the digestive system. It’s different from the other routes: intravenous means into a vein, per rectum means via the rectum, and inhalation means through the lungs. Use PO when the drug is formulated for oral use and the patient can swallow; some meds can’t be given PO if swallowing is not possible or if the drug isn’t stable or adequately absorbed in the GI tract.

PO means by mouth. It comes from the Latin per os, exactly indicating that the medication should be taken orally and swallowed. This route is used for tablets, capsules, or liquids that are designed to be absorbed through the digestive system. It’s different from the other routes: intravenous means into a vein, per rectum means via the rectum, and inhalation means through the lungs. Use PO when the drug is formulated for oral use and the patient can swallow; some meds can’t be given PO if swallowing is not possible or if the drug isn’t stable or adequately absorbed in the GI tract.

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