If a patient needs medication three times daily, what abbreviation would be used?

The abbreviation used for administering medication three times daily is "tid," which stands for "ter in die." This Latin phrase translates to “three times a day.” When a healthcare provider prescribes medication and indicates that it should be taken tid, it signifies that the patient is to take the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day, typically in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Understanding the use of abbreviations in medication scheduling is crucial for medication aides, as it helps ensure proper adherence to prescribed regimens and enhances patient safety. The other abbreviations you might encounter include "bid," which means twice daily, "qid," meaning four times daily, and "od," which refers to once daily. Each of these conveys a different frequency of administration, making it important for caregivers to be familiar with them.