PTCB PTCE Question Answer
Which of the following is the correct interpretation of "Sig: 1 tab PO q.i.d. p.c. & h.s."?
Take one tablet by mouth five times daily with meals and at bedtime.
Take one tablet by mouth four times daily without meals and at bedtime with a snack.
Take one tablet by mouth four times daily before meals and at bedtime.
Take one tablet by mouth four times daily after meals and at bedtime.
Breaking Down the SIG Code:"Sig: 1 tab PO q.i.d. p.c. & h.s."
Abbreviation
Meaning
1 tab
Take one tablet
PO
By mouth (oral route)
q.i.d.
Four times daily
p.c.
After meals (post cibum)
h.s.
At bedtime (hora somni)
"Take one tablet by mouth four times daily after meals and at bedtime."✅
(A) Take one tablet by mouth five times daily with meals and at bedtime.❌Incorrect – "q.i.d." means four times daily, not five.
(B) Take one tablet by mouth four times daily without meals and at bedtime with a snack.❌Incorrect – "p.c." meansafter meals, not without meals.
(C) Take one tablet by mouth four times daily before meals and at bedtime.❌Incorrect – "p.c." meansafter meals, not before.
(D) Take one tablet by mouth four times daily after meals and at bedtime.✅Correct – Matches the SIG interpretation.
ISMP List of Common SIG Codes and Abbreviations:https://www.ismp.org
PTCB Exam Content Outline – Prescription Interpretation & SIG Code Reading
Putting It Together:Analysis of Answer Choices:References for Pharmacy Technicians:
TESTED 20 Dec 2025
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