Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

Which medical abbreviation means "before meals"?

1. PC

2. AC

3. PRN

4. NPO

The correct answer is: AC

The abbreviation that means "before meals" is "AC," which stands for "ante cibum" in Latin. It is commonly used in healthcare settings to instruct when medications should be taken in relation to meals, indicating that a patient should take the prescribed medication before eating. This is significant because the timing of medication administration can directly affect its absorption and efficacy, making it important for optimal patient care. The other abbreviations have different meanings. "PC" stands for "post cibum," meaning "after meals," indicating that a medication should be taken after eating. "PRN" means "as needed," suggesting that medication can be taken at the discretion of the patient or provider based on certain conditions or symptoms. Lastly, "NPO" stands for "nil per os," meaning "nothing by mouth," indicating that a patient should not eat or drink anything, often required before surgery or certain medical tests. Understanding these abbreviations is crucial for effective communication in a healthcare environment.