Which part of a prescription indicates the patient's specific instructions?

In the context of a prescription, the specific instructions intended for the patient are found in the signature. This portion of the prescription, often abbreviated as "Sig," provides detailed guidance on how the medication should be taken, including the dosage, frequency, and method of administration. It serves as a crucial part of the prescription as it directly communicates to the patient how to properly use the medication prescribed.

The inscription refers to the part of the prescription that lists the medication itself, including its name and strength. Transcription generally refers to the act of writing down the prescription details from one document or system to another, without conveying specific instructions for the patient's use. Patient instructions, although they may seem relevant, is not a standardized term in prescription writing like 'signature' is, and thus does not correctly describe the part of the prescription that contains important usage instructions.

Understanding this distinction is essential for medical assistants, particularly when educating patients about their medications and ensuring adherence to prescribed therapies.