What does PC stand for?

• A. Nothing by mouth
• B. Per rectum
• C. Before meals
• D. After meals

Answer: (D)

PC stands for post cibum, which means after meals. This timing instruction is used on prescriptions to coordinate when to take a drug with respect to eating, often to reduce stomach irritation, improve tolerance, or optimize absorption when a medication works better with food.

To relate the other terms: nothing by mouth (NPO) means no intake of anything by mouth, usually in specific medical situations; per rectum (PR) refers to a medication administered via the rectum; before meals is typically abbreviated as ante cibum (AC). The key idea here is that PC specifically indicates taking the medication after eating.