What is the definition of a Rx?

• A. Prescription
• B. Remedy or cure
• C. Risk
• D. Return on investment

Answer: (B)

Rx is shorthand for prescription, the formal order from a licensed clinician directing a patient to obtain and use a medication or specific treatment. It represents the directive, not the remedy itself. In practice, an Rx lists the medication name, strength, form, route, how often to take it, and for how long, and it is issued to both the patient and the pharmacist to execute. A remedy or cure describes the outcome or product of treatment, not the instruction to obtain it. In hospital security terms, recognizing Rx matters for safe, regulated dispensing and for preventing diversion of medications, since each prescription creates a traceable dispensing action.