In medical shorthand, what does Rx denote?

• A. Prescription
• B. Diagnosis
• C. Treatment
• D. Procedure

Answer: (C)

Rx denotes prescription. This shorthand comes from the Latin recipe, meaning “to take,” and is used to indicate what medication or treatment a clinician directs to be dispensed to the patient. It marks the portion of medical notation that tells a pharmacist what to dispense and how the patient should take it.

It differs from diagnosis, which names the condition found (Dx), and from treatment plans or procedures, which describe what is done or performed (Tx or a specific procedure). In practice, you’ll see Rx at the start of a prescription, followed by the drug name, dose, route, frequency, and instructions for administration.