Which abbreviation is often used to indicate a medication should be taken by mouth?

The abbreviation "PO" stands for "per os," which is Latin for "by mouth." This term is commonly used in medical and pharmacy settings to indicate that a medication should be administered orally. When a prescription includes this abbreviation, it clearly communicates to both the patient and healthcare providers that the medication is intended to be swallowed and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, which is a standard route for many medications.

In contrast, some of the other abbreviations represent different routes of administration, which do not involve oral intake. For instance, "IM" refers to intramuscular injections, "SC" stands for subcutaneous injections, and "IV" indicates intravenous delivery. Understanding these abbreviations is essential for accurately interpreting medication orders and ensuring that patients receive their medications as intended.