What does 'bid' signify in a medical prescription?

In medical prescriptions, the term 'bid' is an abbreviation derived from the Latin phrase "bis in die," which translates to "twice a day." This indicates that the prescribed medication should be administered two times throughout the day. Understanding such abbreviations is crucial for Personal Care Assistants, as it ensures that medications are given at the right frequency, ultimately supporting the health and well-being of the patient.

In the context of the other choices, 'every hour' refers to a more frequent dosing schedule, which would typically be abbreviated as 'q1h' or something similar. 'Before meals' is indicated by the abbreviation 'ac,' coming from the Latin "ante cibum." 'As needed' is often represented by the abbreviation 'prn,' meaning that medication should be taken only if required. Each of these has specific meanings and usages that differ from the twice-a-day dosage indicated by 'bid.'