How often is medication administered when the order states "q2h"?

The abbreviation "q2h" stands for "every 2 hours." In medical terminology, "q" is derived from the Latin word "quaque," which means "every," and the number indicates the interval in hours. Therefore, when an order states "q2h," it is a directive for medication to be administered at two-hour intervals. This ensures that the patient receives their medication regularly and maintains the therapeutic levels necessary for efficacy. Understanding such abbreviations is crucial in medication administration to ensure proper adherence to prescribed schedules.