Which medical abbreviation stands for "before meals"?

Which medical abbreviation stands for "before meals"?

• A. PC (post cibum)
• B. TID (three times a day)
• C. AC (ante cibum)
• D. PRN (as needed)

Answer: (C)

The abbreviation that stands for "before meals" is "AC," which comes from the Latin phrase "ante cibum." In medical terminology, "AC" is utilized to indicate the timing of medication administration or dietary instructions, specifying that the action should occur before the patient eats. This is especially relevant in managing medications that require an empty stomach for optimal absorption, such as certain antibiotics or medications related to diabetes management. In contrast, "PC," which indicates "post cibum," means "after meals," and is used to direct actions relating to the timing post-ingestion. "TID" informs how often something should be taken, three times a day, without regard to meal times. "PRN" specifies when medications should be taken as needed, and does not indicate any relation to meal times. Therefore, "AC" is the accurate abbreviation for "before meals."

The abbreviation that stands for "before meals" is "AC," which comes from the Latin phrase "ante cibum." In medical terminology, "AC" is utilized to indicate the timing of medication administration or dietary instructions, specifying that the action should occur before the patient eats. This is especially relevant in managing medications that require an empty stomach for optimal absorption, such as certain antibiotics or medications related to diabetes management.

In contrast, "PC," which indicates "post cibum," means "after meals," and is used to direct actions relating to the timing post-ingestion. "TID" informs how often something should be taken, three times a day, without regard to meal times. "PRN" specifies when medications should be taken as needed, and does not indicate any relation to meal times. Therefore, "AC" is the accurate abbreviation for "before meals."