What does the abbreviation "au" indicate?

The abbreviation "au" stands for "auris utraque," which is a Latin term meaning "both ears." In medical and pharmacy contexts, this abbreviation is commonly used to indicate that a treatment or medication is to be administered to both ears simultaneously. Understanding this abbreviation is crucial for effective communication and accurate medication administration in audiology or otolaryngology scenarios.

In contrast, the other options refer to different medical contexts: "od" is typically used for the right eye, "po" denotes administration by mouth, and "it" refers to intrathecal administration, which involves injecting medication into the spinal canal. Each of these terms is important, but they serve different purposes and contexts, making "au" specifically relevant for indicating treatments involving both ears.