A prescription Sig says "1 tab po qid". How many tablets per day does the patient take?
Answer choices
- A1 tablet
- B2 tablets
- C4 tablets
- D3 tablets
About this question
How many tablets per day does a prescription for "1 tab po qid" require? On the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), sig interpretation is a core Order Entry and Processing skill. Frequency abbreviations must be turned into a daily tablet count before days supply or insurance quantity can be verified.
QID means quater in die — four times daily — so one tablet taken four times equals four tablets per day. Many candidates confuse QID with BID or TID and undercount. Translate the Latin frequency first, then total the daily dose so mixed sig problems feel routine.
Reveal answer & explanationShow
Correct answer
- A1 tablet
- B2 tablets
- C4 tabletsCorrect
- D3 tablets
Basic rationale
QID stands for quater in die, which means four times a day. (1 tab x 4 times = 4 tabs/day).
Option explanations
- A: Incorrect. One tablet per day is QD (once daily), not QID.
- B: Incorrect. Two tablets per day matches BID (twice daily), not QID.
- C: Correct. QID means four times daily: 1 tab × 4 = 4 tablets per day.
- D: Incorrect. Three tablets per day matches TID (three times daily), not QID.
Deep Analysis
Core logic
To calculate daily tablet count, multiply the dose per administration by the frequency per day. QID (quater in die) means four times daily. With 1 tab per dose: 1 × 4 = 4 tablets per day.
Distractor analysis
A: 1 tablet/day corresponds to QD (once daily), not QID. B: 2 tablets/day corresponds to BID (twice daily), not QID. D: 3 tablets/day corresponds to TID (three times daily), not QID.
Exam trap
Students often confuse QD, BID, TID, and QID. Remember: the Latin number in the abbreviation tells you how many times per day—not how many tablets per dose.
Memory tip
💡 QID = Quarter (4) In Die: Think '4 times a day.' Multiply dose × 4 for daily total.
Ready for more Order Entry and Processing questions? Sign in to practice.
Related questions
- You receive a prescription for "Amoxicillin 500mg". The patient's DOB is 12/12/2021. What is the issue?View question
- Which part of the NDC number identifies the specific drug strength and dosage form?View question
- You are calculating "Days Supply". Rx: 30 tablets. Sig: 1 tab BID. How many days will it last?View question
- If an insurance claim is rejected with "Refill Too Soon", what does it mean?View question
Master Order Entry and Processing for CPhT (PTCE)
Sign in to practice this domain with blueprint-aligned questions, mocks, and AI explanations — then track what to study next.