Question

prescribed by the provider. you know that mr. fiacco has a skin condition and he was given a prescription for a cream he was to apply to his left arm q.d. for 10 days. you examine mr. fiaccos arm and note that the skin condition is gone, but now there is a red, irritated - looking area. you check the instructions on the prescription packaging and it says to apply the cream four times a day.

1. is the patient applying the cream as originally intended?
2. what does q.d. mean?
3. what might be the reason for the newly reddened area on his left arm?
4. what is the abbreviation for four times a day?
5. what are some reasons for this problem occurring?
6. what can you do to correct each of the different possible causes of the problem?

Explanation:

1. The prescription was for applying the cream q.d. (once - a - day) but the packaging says four times a day, so it's unclear if the patient is applying as originally intended without more information about patient's actions.
2. In medical abbreviations, q.d. means "once a day".
3. The newly reddened area could be due to over - application (if the patient followed the four - times - a - day instruction on the packaging instead of q.d.), an allergic reaction to the cream, or skin irritation from the cream itself.
4. The abbreviation for four times a day is q.i.d.
5. Reasons for the problem could be incorrect application (misinterpreting the dosage), an allergic response to the cream ingredients, or the cream being too strong for the patient's skin.
6. If it's due to incorrect application, clarify the correct dosage (once a day). If it's an allergic reaction, stop the cream and consider an anti - allergic treatment. If the cream is too strong, consult the provider for a milder alternative.

Answer:

1. Unclear without more patient - action information.
2. Once a day.
3. Over - application, allergic reaction, or skin irritation from the cream.
4. q.i.d.
5. Incorrect application, allergic response, cream too strong.
6. Clarify dosage if misapplied; stop cream and treat allergy if allergic; consult provider for milder alternative if cream is too strong.