If s̅ appears in an order, what should be done?

If s̅ appears in an order, what should be done?

• A. Take with
• B. Take before
• C. Take after
• D. Take without

Answer: (D)

The symbol with a line over a letter signals "without" (sine). In medication orders, this means administer the drug without the item or condition specified by that modifier. So when you see s̄, you should give the medication “without” the usual accompanying factor—i.e., take without. The other options describe taking with or timing, which contradict the negation shown by the overbar.

The symbol with a line over a letter signals "without" (sine). In medication orders, this means administer the drug without the item or condition specified by that modifier. So when you see s̄, you should give the medication “without” the usual accompanying factor—i.e., take without. The other options describe taking with or timing, which contradict the negation shown by the overbar.