What does the abbreviation 'rx' stand for?

• A. Diagnosis
• B. Prescription
• C. Treatment
• D. Heart Rate

Answer: (B)

Rx stands for a prescription. It comes from the Latin word recipe, meaning “take,” and was historically used to tell the patient to take the medicine. In current medical practice, Rx marks an order to dispense a medication or other therapeutic item from the pharmacy, with specific instructions on what to take, how much, and how often. This is different from a diagnosis (the disease identified) or a treatment plan (what is done to manage the condition) or a heart rate (a vital sign). For example, a note might read: Rx: amoxicillin 500 mg orally twice daily for 7 days.