The abbreviation 'qh' indicates what frequency?

The abbreviation 'qh' indicates what frequency?

• A. Every minute
• B. Every day
• C. Every hour
• D. Every 30 minutes

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is medical shorthand for how often a dose is given. qh stands for quaque hora, Latin for “every hour.” So a medication ordered with qh is intended to be given once each hour. This differs from other common notations: quaque die means every day, and a schedule like every 30 minutes is typically written as q30m (not qh). Some systems avoid qh because giving something hourly around the clock can lead to overdose or impractical dosing, but the meaning remains that it’s hourly.

The key idea here is medical shorthand for how often a dose is given. qh stands for quaque hora, Latin for “every hour.” So a medication ordered with qh is intended to be given once each hour.

This differs from other common notations: quaque die means every day, and a schedule like every 30 minutes is typically written as q30m (not qh). Some systems avoid qh because giving something hourly around the clock can lead to overdose or impractical dosing, but the meaning remains that it’s hourly.