Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician License Practice Test

What is the significance of a prescription's "sig" notation?

1. It indicates the prescribing physician

2. It details patient allergies

3. It provides dosage instructions

4. It specifies the medication's form

The correct answer is: It provides dosage instructions

The "sig" notation on a prescription is a critical component that provides clear and precise dosage instructions for the patient. This includes essential information such as how much of the medication to take, how often to take it, and in some cases, special instructions related to food or activities. Accurate dosing is vital for the effectiveness of the medication and for minimizing the risk of side effects or interactions, making the "sig" notation a key element in ensuring patient safety and proper medication use. The other aspects related to prescriptions—such as identifying the prescribing physician or detailing patient allergies—are indeed important, but they are not encompassed by the "sig" notation. Similarly, while the medication's form (like tablet, liquid, or injection) may be mentioned elsewhere in the prescription, the "sig" specifically focuses on what the patient must do with the medication, which is why the correct answer emphasizes the importance of dosage instructions.