This section is from the book "Practical Materia Medica And Prescription Writing", by Oscar W. Bethea. Also available from Amazon: Practical Materia Medica and Prescription Writing.
In connection with the writing of prescriptions, particularly with the matter of the signatura or instructions for label, it is important to consider the means of giving more complete directions to patient or nurse, as it must be remembered that the label space is limited and yet that instructions should be complete. As elsewhere suggested, it is best to leave with each case special instructions which may be conveniently written on the regular prescription blanks, and a carbon copy retained by the prescriber and filed with the copies of prescriptions and other data relating to that case. Where a trained nurse is in charge the matter may often be simple, but where, as is usually the case, an anxious and excited mother or wife is the one to look to, the instructions can hardly be too explicit. Where several medicines are to be given, a time chart is almost indispensable if correctness is to be expected. This, with the other instructions, may be arranged something like the following, which is taken from the instructions left for a case of tonsillitis:
In arranging the chart after treatment is under way, it is best to list the prescriptions by number.
In the written instructions it is particularly desirable to include such items as: Give a tablespoonful of castor oil two hours after last powder; or, If bowels have not acted by noon give enema of half-gallon of warm water with one tablespoonful of table salt; or, If not asleep by eleven o'clock give another powder, but not again during the night.
A diet list should always be written and a copy retained by the prescriber. Instructions for modified milk, etc., should always be written and a copy retained. Formulae for home preparation should always be written, as: Dissolve one teaspoonful of Boric Acid in a glass of warm water and bathe the part every three hours.
Receipts for special articles of diet should usually be written, as the following for a milk-shake:
1 fresh egg;
1 tablespoonful malted milk;
Cracked ice;
Flavor, as sherry, chocolate, or grated nutmeg;
Milk to fill shaker;
Shake in milk-shaker and take two hours after each meal.
 
Continue to: