Colorado QMAP Practice Exam

Which symbol would indicate a dose to be administered frequently?

1. XR

2. gtt

3. times

4. XL

The correct answer is: times

The symbol that indicates a dose to be administered frequently is represented by "times." This term is used in medical dosages to specify how often a medication should be taken or administered within a certain time frame, such as "3 times a day." It clearly conveys the frequency of administration, allowing healthcare providers and patients to understand precisely how many doses should be given within a day. Other symbols like XR (extended release) and XL (extra long) indicate formulations that release medication over a prolonged period, which suggests less frequent dosing, rather than frequent. The abbreviation gtt stands for drops, typically used for liquid medications, and does not indicate frequency but rather the method of measurement. Thus, "times" is the appropriate choice for indicating frequent administration of a dose.