What would be the appropriate interpretation for the following order? Demerol 50 mg IM stat

“STAT”. The correct abbreviation for immediately in medicine is "stat".

Here are some similar abbreviations used in medicine:

stat: immediately (from Latin "statim")

qd: every day (from Latin "quaque die")

qid: four times a day (from Latin "quater in die")

qh: every hour (from Latin "quaque hora")

q2h: every 2 hours (from Latin "quaque secunda hora")

ac: before meals (from Latin "ante cibum")

pc: after meals (from Latin "post cibum")

tid: three times a day (from Latin "ter in die")

hs: at bedtime (from Latin "hora somni")

prn: as needed (from Latin "pro re nata")

Enteric-coated tablets and time-released tablets should never be crushed or broken before administration. Here are reasons why enteric-coated tablets and time-released tablets should never be crushed: 1. Effectiveness: Enteric-coated tablets are designed to resist the acidic environment of the stomach and dissolve in the alkaline environment of the small intestine. Crushing these tablets will alter their absorption pattern and effectiveness.

2. Safety: Time-released tablets are designed to slowly release the medication over an extended period, which helps to maintain a consistent therapeutic level in the body. Crushing these tablets can result in an immediate release of the entire dose, which can cause an overdose or adverse reactions.

3. Irritation: Crushing enteric-coated or time-released tablets can cause irritation to the throat, mouth, and airways, leading to coughing, choking, or breathing difficulties.

4. Accuracy: When tablets are crushed, the amount of medication that is delivered may be inaccurate, which can lead to underdosing or overdosing.