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The abbreviation that means "by mouth" when referring to medications is "po." This term comes from the Latin phrase "per os," which directly translates to "through the mouth." It is commonly used in medical contexts to indicate that a medication should be taken orally, as opposed to other methods of administration such as injections or topical applications.

Understanding the use of this abbreviation is important for medication aides, as it clearly communicates the route of administration that is necessary for effective treatment. For instance, knowing that a prescription marked "po" means the medication should be given orally helps ensure that the patient receives their medication correctly, as some medications may lose efficacy or be unsafe if administered in a different manner.

The other abbreviations refer to different concepts: "sq" stands for subcutaneous (under the skin) administration, "mg" indicates milligrams (a unit of measurement for dosage), and "qod" means every other day, which relates to the frequency of administration rather than the route. Understanding these distinctions is vital in the field to prevent medication errors and ensure proper patient care.